Wildfire smoke is clouding skies and triggering air quality alerts in six provinces and territories, Environment Canada (EC) warns.Heavy smoke blankets the majority of the Prairies, from central Alberta through Saskatchewan and Manitoba, while advisories also cover parts of the Northwest Territories, western Ontario, and Labrador. Across the West, more than 200 fires have already burned this spring, far above the five year average of 125, according to provincial agencies.In Alberta, alerts reach from just north of Red Deer to the Northwest Territories border. The worst conditions are around High Level, where at least four northern communities have been evacuated. Forecasters expect some relief later today..“Smoke is causing very poor air quality and reduced visibility,” said EC in a bulletin. “As smoke levels increase, health risks increase.”Residents are urged to stay indoors, keep windows shut, run clean air filters, and wear a mask if they must venture outside. Typical symptoms include irritated eyes, headaches, and mild coughs, while wheezing or chest pain demand urgent medical care.Similar warnings cover most of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the Northwest Territories, and western Ontario. The most severe notices apply to communities such as La Ronge, Flin Flon, and Pinawa..“Warm and dry conditions continue to support wildfire activity as the weekend approaches,” said EC. “The smoke will linger for a prolonged period near the source region of the fires.”Saskatchewan has already declared a state of emergency and moved roughly 15 communities, while Manitoba is imposing travel limits and more evacuation orders.On the Atlantic side, smoke from fires east of Churchill Falls has put Labrador’s Churchill Valley under an advisory. EC warned that intermittent showers could offer short term improvements to the smoke.EC advises anyone with breathing difficulties to monitor local forecasts and follow public health guidance until conditions clear.
