Smokey sky prompts alerts in Winnipeg, other Man. cities

With hundreds of wildfires burning throughout Canada, knowing how to protect your lungs from smoke this summer is critical.

Much of Manitoba is being blanketed by smoke from wildfires, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).

Southern Manitoba seeing smoke

The weather service issued a new air quality warning alert for the southern portion of Manitoba due to wafting smoke from fires in Northwestern Ontario. It said poor air quality is expected Thursday night and Friday morning.

“People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms,” the alert said.

The alert said conditions could change hour by hour, but expects the smoke to lessen in Southern Manitoba Friday afternoon.

Smoke sticking in Northern sky

Wildfires in northern Manitoba, as well as the one in Northwestern Ontario, has prompted ECCC to continue an air quality warning in areas such as Thompson, Churchill, and as far west as Flin Flon.

“Wildfire smoke concentrations can be highly variable in space and time.”

ECCC did not say when the smoke might clear.

Communities between Lake Winnipeg and the Saskatchewan border were not issued an air quality advisory Thursday.

Regions considered in the clear Thursday include Dauphin, Virden, Riding Mountain National Park, and Swan River.