City residents woke up to a thick haze early Friday morning as smoke from raging forest fires in the northern part of Saskatchewan enveloped Saskatoon, affecting the air quality. The early-morning haze made it difficult for motorists to drive with the smog.
The haze coupled by an extreme heat warning made it difficult for some residents, especially those with respiratory problems. The haze and extreme heat also have dangerous effects for pets.
Winds, fire behaviour, and the rising temperatures — with an extreme heat warning in effect as the temperature hovered in the 30s — contributed to having poor air quality in the city. The Saskatchewan Health Authority warned the public to keep themselves safe as smoke from these wildfires affected air quality putting, children, seniors, and those with heart or lung diseases at risk.
SHA advised to stay indoors, and keep doors and windows closed if there is smoke in the air or air quality is affecting your area in order to avoid becoming ill. Use fans or air-conditioners to keep cool, due to the extreme heat, while inside your homes.
The situation improved later in the afternoon with air quality being moderate with particulate matter less than 2.5 microns, but some pollutants could still have an effect to people that are sensitive to air pollution.
Heat exhaustion, fainting, and heat stroke are some of the illnesses attributed to extreme heat, which can also cause rashes, muscle cramps, and swelling of hands and feet. Residents are advised to stay out of the sun from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., which is the peak hours of extreme heat, and if unavoidable keep exposure to a minimum, drink a lot of cold water, and wear sunscreen.
SHA is also encouraging people to look out for others — whether family, friends or neighbours — like children, the elderly, and those who are sick by telling them to stay indoors if air quality is poor and if it is too hot outside. Outdoor exercises like biking, jogging, and running are also discouraged.
Call 9-1-1 or seek medical assistance if you or you see someone who is either unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating. Eye, nose, or throat irritations are some of the causes of exposure to haze.
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