Saskatoon activates emergency response plan as heat wave hits the city

(Hayatullah Amanat/CTV News)

The soaring temperatures and wildfire smoke have prompted the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) to activate its emergency response plan.

According to SFD, the ‘extreme heat and air quality emergency response plan’ will be activated from July 30 to August 3.

Environment Canada is forecasting temperatures to reach up to 28 C on Thursday, with even hotter conditions expected in the coming days, including temperatures of up to 29 C over the weekend, all while local smoke continues to affect air quality.

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The SFD says extreme heat can cause serious negative health impacts, ranging from dehydration and heat exhaustion to heat stroke and potentially death, especially when indoor temperatures stay above 26 C for extended periods.

Residents are advised to take precautions to stay cool and hydrated during this period.

The Saskatoon Fire Department shared a list of cool-down locations across Saskatoon, which provides residents with places to escape the heat.