The panorama in Saskatchewan has been dramatically transformed due to smoke from wildfires, both in B.C. and the Northwest Territories. Air quality across the expansive province is a pressing concern, underscored by serious warnings from environmental agencies.
At present, British Columbia grapples with a startling number of 434 active wildfires, while the Northwest Territories wrestles with 241. Saskatchewan is not unscathed, with 22 wildfires raging on its own turf as of September 4.
The principal concentration of these infernos manifests in Saskatchewan’s northeastern region, with fires baring the names Shadd, Kenny, Brad, Poole, Bay, Errol, German, Laird, Kino, and Bed fanning their destructive flames. The gravity of the situation is under constant evaluation by the vigilant Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA).
As anticipated, these wildfire outbreaks have precipitated a measurable impact on the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI). The permeation of smoke into the atmosphere is deeply concerning.
Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Swift Current and Regina are municipalities registering AQHI values above 10 – an alarming metric synonymous with ‘very high risk’. Meanwhile, Buffalo Narrows and Estevan present AQHI values of four and two respectively.
Residents in these regions who may be more vulnerable to health complications arising from smoke inhalation, such as individuals with lung and heart disease, older adults, children and pregnant individuals, have been advised by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to regulate their exposure.
Precautionary steps include taking respite from outdoor activities, ensuring the use of well-fitted masks or respirators while outdoors and ensuring accessibility to requisite medications. These safeguards are all the more pertinent during wildfire season.
Forecast by the ECCC indicates that air quality predicaments in Saskatchewan are likely to persist until Monday, before experiencing a forecasted reprieve on Tuesday.
