Winnipeg Blue Bombers monitor smoky air ahead of Friday's CFL game
Air quality expected to improve throughout the day, team says
The CFL and Winnipeg Blue Bombers say they're monitoring air quality ahead of Friday's scheduled game against the Toronto Argonauts.
Forest fire smoke from northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba has drifted into the Manitoba capital. Winnipeg's air quality health index was at 10-plus — or very high risk — as of 10 a.m. CT.
The game at Princess Auto Stadium was still set for 7:30 p.m., with air quality expected to improve throughout the day, the league and team said in a news release.
The CFL's air quality policy states that if the air quality health index reaches eight or higher, which Environment Canada deems high risk, during warm-ups or the game, players will be sent to their dressing rooms.
All CFL stadiums are equipped with real-time air-quality monitoring systems, and an update was expected in the afternoon.
Poor air quality in Regina forced the Calgary Stampeders and Saskatchewan Roughriders to postpone their July 13 game to the following afternoon.