It is a good day to stay indoors if you can.
With a number of wildfires burning across Saskatchewan, Environment Canada has issued an air quality statement for Moose Jaw and the surrounding area.
The fires are producing reduced visibility and poor air quality for communities near and downwind of the fires.
The affected communities include:
- City of Moose Jaw
- R.M. of Baildon including Briercrest
- R.M. of Caron including Caronport and Caron
- R.M. of Chaplin including Chaplin
- R.M. of Craik including Craik and Aylesbury
- R.M. of Dufferin including Bethune and Findlater
- R.M. of Enfield including Central Butte
- R.M. of Eyebrow including Eyebrow and Brownlee
- R.M. of Hillsborough including Crestwynd and Old Wives lake
- R.M. of Huron including Tugaske
- R.M. of Maple Bush including Riverhurst and Douglas Prov. Park
- R.M. of Marquis including Tuxford Keeler and Buffalo Pound
- R.M. of Moose Jaw including Pasqua and Bushell Park
- R.M. of Pense including Pense Belle Plaine and Stony Beach
- R.M. of Redburn including Rouleau and Hearne
- R.M. of Rodgers including Coderre and Courval
- R.M. of Sarnia including Holdfast Chamberlain and Dilke
- R.M. of Shamrock including Shamrock and Kelstern
- R.M. of Wheatlands including Mortlach and Parkbeg
The Saskatchewan Health Authority is reminding the public to take precautions.
Watch for symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma or COPD, are especially at risk.
Take extra precautions to reduce your exposure during periods of poor air quality. Try to remain indoors. Keep doors and windows closed. If you need to cool down because of the heat, use a fan or air-conditioning, if available.
More information on air quality is available online.
Call HealthLine 811 for advice on health risks, symptoms, and precautions associated with air quality. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency continues to provide updates.
A heat warning is also in effect for the area. Watch for signs of heat illness, including swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. The risks are greater for children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and anyone spending time outdoors.
Call 911 if you suspect someone is showing signs of heat stroke.
