Manitoba air quality a concern as western provinces continue to battle wildfires

As wildfire season gets underway in the prairies, many people, especially those with respiratory illnesses now need to pay closer attention to the air quality, especially as haze from fires starts spreading across the country.

Parts of western Canada, especially in Alberta have already been hit by major wildfires this year. The latest figures from Manitoba’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Northern Development show there are a total of six active fires in Manitoba.

While the province has seen a total of 38 fires to date this year, officials say the danger of wildfires right now remains low across Manitoba.

Despite this, Environment Canada is forecasting that some areas in Northern Manitoba like Flin Flon are expected to see moderate to high air quality risk.

“They’re seeing that smoke that’s really coming off from those northern Alberta and Saskatchewan fires. So, they’re really at the end of the hose if you want to put it that way. Where the smoke is being currently pushed,” explained Brian Proctor, Metrologist with Environment Canada.

In Winnipeg and other parts of Southern Manitoba, Environment Canada is forecasting a low to moderate air quality risk for the next few days.

As wildfire season continues, Neil Johnston with the Manitoba Lung Association says it’s time for people to think about how poorer air quality affects them and come up with a plan.

“One in five Manitobans do have a lung health issue and they can be significantly affected by poor air quality such as wildfire smoke,” said Johnston.

“Those people living with a lung health issue it can cause a great increase in their symptoms and really impact their health. Keep in mind if you are living for example in an apartment and you close your windows, the heat itself can sometimes be worse than the smoke.”

While people with respiratory illnesses are highly encouraged to take necessary precautions during wildfire season, experts warn poor air quality can have bad long-term effects on anyone.

“Relatively healthy lungs can be affected too. So, everyone needs to be aware and be prepared to try and find a place with better air or change what they’re doing,” said Johnston.

Proctor adding, “Seek out areas that have air conditioning, stay in them as much as you can. Look for those community cooling centres as much as you can and stay hydrated if you have to be out there.”