Large portion of eastern Sask. under air quality advisory

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) says smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility for a large portion of eastern Saskatchewan on Friday.

The advisory was in effect from the Candle Lake area through Weyburn and Estevan to the U.S. border as of 11 a.m. Friday.

ECCC says the smoke is from wildfires in both northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

“As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events,” ECCC says on its website.

As of Friday morning, there were 24 active wildfires burning in Saskatchewan. Nine are considered not contained, according to the province.

• Sask. forests under broad fire ban amid ‘extreme’ wildfire risk

The province says there has been 136 wildfires in Saskatchewan so far this year.

Air quality advisory updates can be found here.