REGINA — Saskatchewan is not being spared some impacts from wildfire smoke as a result of recent fires in B.C. and Washington state.
FireSmoke.ca is reporting that smoky conditions are expected throughout Tuesday in the southern portion of the province, with the worst conditions south of Regina, nearest to the U.S. border.
The forecast from Environment Canada for Regina calls for smoky conditions to develop early in the afternoon and continue into the evening.
The smoky conditions are expected to continue Wednesday and then taper off Thursday throughout the province. While the smoke in Saskatchewan is not expected to be too severe, with a smoky stench expected to be the main impact, people are urged to exercise caution.
In its July 27 news release about wildfire smoke, the Saskatchewan Health Authority urged people to check their community’s air quality data and, if levels are too high, to stay indoors and reduce outdoor activities, especially high-intensity exercise. SHA says those at the highest risk of smoke-related impacts include people with asthma and other respiratory illnesses, those with cardiovascular disease, children younger than 18, those who are pregnant, older adults and people who work outdoors.
The smoky conditions are a result of ongoing wildfires still burning in B.C., Washington state and other states, including Idaho and Oregon, with winds carrying the smoke long distances into Saskatchewan and other provinces and states.
The most severe and dangerous smoke conditions are still expected in B.C. and Washington. B.C. is still dealing with major damage from a massive fire in the Summerland area south of Kelowna and other wildfires, while the Spokane area in Washington has seen major damage from wildfires.
The wildfires in B.C. have made travel to that province difficult, with portions of Highway 97 both north and south of Kelowna closed in recent days because of the wildfire situation.
Saskatchewan travellers looking to fly to Kelowna have also faced obstacles in recent days, as Kelowna International Airport has seen a number of flight cancellations.
On its website, the Kelowna airport says the situation is evolving and is urging all passengers to check with their airline about the status of their flights and contact their airline directly for any rebooking needs.
