Air quality advisory in effort due to wildfire smoke from Saskatchewan

Environment Canada has issued an air quality advisory due to wildfire smoke drifting in from northern Saskatchewan. 

The advisory was issued shortly after 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, and notes that wildfire smoke will continue to blanket much of the region overnight and into Wednesday. For much of the province, the smoky conditions were first observed on Monday as air quality took a plunge throughout the afternoon. 

Environment Canada encourages residents to limit time outdoors and consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities, and events. When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible -- however, they recommend prioritizing keeping cool should temperatures increase to uncomfortable levels. Air quality will slowly improve over the next couple of days.

"People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms," reads a statement from Environment Canada.

You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains, or severe cough. If you must spend time outdoors, they recommend wearing a respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator).