Saskatoon Blanketed by Wildfire Smoke Amid Heat Wave, 100 Active Fires Burn in Sask.
Thick smoke and limited visibility due to wildfires raging across Saskatchewan swept in to Saskatoon this morning.
Environment Canada issued an advisory issued early Sunday morning, warning that the combination of heat and very poor air quality from the smoke will increase health risks.
The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) reported 105 active fires burning in the province as of 10:30 a.m. Sunday. This year, Saskatchewan has experienced a significant increase in wildfires, with 403 recorded so far—272 more than the five-year average.
The federal agency advises people to reduce or stop outdoor activities if they experience symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, or more serious symptoms like chest pains or severe cough.
This advisory comes as Saskatoon has been dealing with a prolonged period of extreme heat. A heat warning has been in place in the city since Thursday.
Daytime high temperatures are expected to reach 32°C and above, with a humidex of 36°C making it feel even muggier. Overnight lows are expected to be around 17°C over the next several days.
Residents are advised to stay out of the sun during the peak hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., whenever possible.
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