(Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Outdoor risk

Smoke from wildfires thickens in Northwest region

Jul 17, 2021 | 8:00 AM

Air quality warnings are in effect for communities in Saskatchewan on Friday as the wildfires in the north rage on.

The Battlefords, Meadow Lake, Lloydminster and others are all experiencing heavy smoke due to strong winds and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is reminding residents to take precautions.

In a media release, the SHA listed steps to take in avoiding becoming ill during this period of poor air quality and extreme temperatures, many of which have been stressed by local fire departments and Environment Canada.

Among the measures suggested were staying indoors, utilizing fresh air shelters in the community where possible, keeping windows and doors closed and utilizing fans to maintain cooling.

(Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW Staff)

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In an interview with battlefordsNOW, Dr. Mandiangu Nsungu, Prairie North’s Medical Health Officer, said it’s important that everyone takes steps to avoid breathing smoke. Wildfire smoke contains a changing mixture of particles, which can include harmful chemicals like nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5). According to Environment Canada, there’s no available evidence of a safe level of exposure for most of the potential pollutants found in wildfire smoke.

“Those chemicals not only cause irritation, but they can also interfere with the exchange of oxygen in the lungs,” Nsungu said.

He added that chronic issues are possible if people are outside consistently for long periods of time, making it even more critical that residents stay indoors and keep windows closed, even as that can affect how hot the house is.

“People need an air conditioner or fan, but the most important thing is to stay indoors,” Nsungu said. “If your symptoms start deteriorating, that’s time to consult your health care provider.”

Lindsay Holm, North Battleford’s Director of Protective Services, said it might make sense to wear a mask again while this period occurs.

“Just so you’ve got some kind of barrier so you’re not breathing in particulates due to the smoke,” he said.

Holm said smoke is expected when there are wildfires in northern communities, adding that this thick smoke may continue. According to Environment Canada, conditions in these regions could slightly improve by late Saturday, with the wind shifting direction as a low pressure system advances from the south.

“We’ll probably see smoke filtering down to the Battlefords for a period of time until all the fires up north are under control,” Holm said.

Given the risks extended exposure during exercise is even less ideal. Pipes Fitness owner Miranda Wiese in North Battleford said it’s risky to exercise outside right now, given how much more oxygen intake is involved. She recommended making sure physical activities are carried out indoors.

“If the quality of the air isn’t good, you’re breathing whatever is in the air at a greater rate,” she said. “And if you suffer from asthma or CPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or any other health conditions, it can have really serious effects.”

More information on the SHA’s recommendations is available online.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

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