A view of downtown Prince Albert. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Smokey Air

Air quality advisory issued for Central Saskatchewan

May 30, 2025 | 9:56 AM

The wind has shifted. Smoke from the wildfires in the north is now blowing into more south and eastern areas of the province.

Echoing the warning issued by Environment Canada, the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority is advising people to take precautions.

“Smoke can cause increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches and shortness of breath” said Dr. Nnamdi Ndubuka, Medical Health Officer for NITHA. “Monitor your symptoms and seek medical attention if you get worse, particularly if you have a pre-existing respiratory condition.”

Communities ranging from Cree Lake in northeast Saskatchewan and going south to Hudson Bay and eastwards into Manitoba are included.

Conditions may change in severity as the wind changes directions.

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Children, seniors, and those with heart or lung diseases, such as asthma, are potentially at risk.

The following measures can be implemented especially if you have lung or heart trouble, are elderly or very young:
• Remain indoors during times that there is smoke in the air;
• If you have fresh air shelters in your community, please utilize as directed by local health officials;
• Keep doors and windows closed – if cooling is needed, use a fan or air-conditioning, if available;
• Reduce exercise and activity, especially outdoors;
• Be aware that outdoor events may be postponed or cancelled if smoke levels are elevated;

A screen shot of the smoke advisory issued by Environment Canada. Grey areas are advisory and red areas are warnings.

If you are experiencing increasing symptoms, more than irritation in the eyes, nose or throat, please see your local health worker or call HealthLine at 811 (from land line) or 1-877-800-0002 (from cell phone) at any time.

According to an Air Quality Statement on Environment Canada’s website, along with the poor air quality, it may also cause reduced visibility on Friday.

People most affected will be seniors, those who are pregnant, and children.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com