Air quality statement due to wildfire smoke; Winnipeg at high risk

A special air quality statement has been issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada for the Winnipeg area – linked to wildfires in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Rapidly deteriorating air quality is expected, according the Environment Canada, as a cold front sweeps through Manitoba bringing extensive smoke from wildfires.

Air quality conditions in Winnipeg and Brandon have a forecasted maximum of 10 and above – considered very high risk – for Wednesday evening, according to Health Canada’s air quality health index.

Conditions are expected to improve Thursday, with the forecast moving to “low risk” as smoke moves south into the United States.

RELATED: Wildfires threaten 2 northern Manitoba communities; smoke reaches Winnipeg

Winnipeg and much of southern Manitoba have been dealing with smoky and hazy skies since Tuesday, sparking concerns over air quality.

It’s linked to major fires in north and central Saskatchewan and fires in northern Manitoba.

Wildfire smoke can significantly impact lung health and other systems in the body.

“People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke,” Environment Canada said in its special air quality statement.

“Speak with your health care provider about developing a management plan for wildfire smoke events and maintaining a supply of necessary medications at home and always carrying these medications with you during wildfire season.”

Several other Canadian cities are currently at high risk on the air quality health index, including Edmonton, Calgary, Regina and Saskatoon.

—With files from Alex Karpa