Wildfire smoke creates poor air quality, reduced visibility in parts of Manitoba

Posted on August 7, 2024 by Peggy

Wildfire smoke is causing periods very poor air quality and reduced visibility in parts of northwestern Manitoba.

Environment Canada has issued an air quality warning for some communities near the Saskatchewan border, including Flin Flon, Cranberry Portage, Grass River Provincial Park, Snow Lake, and Herb Lake Landing.

The effects from the wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour, the weather agency states in its warning.

The source and extent of the smoke plumes can be seen on a fire smoke map.

Environment Canada urges people in the affected areas to limit time outdoors, noting that during heavy smoke conditions, everyone is at risk regardless of their age or health.

However, those more likely to be impacted are seniors, pregnant people, people who smoke, infants and young children, people who work outdoors, people involved in strenuous outdoor exercise and people with an existing illness or chronic health condition.

The fine particles in the smoke pose the main health risk.

Symptoms can include milder and more common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, as well as serious but less common symptoms such as chest pains or severe cough.