Saskatoon

Smoke hits Saskatchewan as Fort McMurray wildfires burn

Environment Canada says northwest winds are spreading the smoke from the wildfires in northeast Alberta to western Saskatchewan.

Smoke from northeast Alberta wildfires has spread to western Saskatchewan, says Environment Canada

Officers look on as smoke from Fort McMurray's raging wildfires billow into the air after their city was evacuated, May 4, 2016. (Topher Seguin/Reuters)

Saskatchewan is still breathing smoke coming from the wildfires near Fort McMurray, Alta.

According to Environment Canada, northwest winds are spreading the smoke from the wildfires in northeast Alberta to western Saskatchewan.

As a result, some areas will experience poor air quality and reduced visibility.

The weather station has issued a special air quality statements for north-western Saskatchewan, including Saskatoon, Buffalo Narrows, Beauval, Île à la Crosse, La Loche, Clearwater River Provincial Park, Cluff Lake, Martensville, Warman, Rostern, Delisle and Wakaw.

The statement is also extended to the communities of Meadow Lake, Big River, Green Lake, Pierceland, Prince Albert, Shellbrook, Spiritwood, Duck Lake, the Battlefords, Unity, Maidstone and St. Walburg. 

Smoke from the Fort McMurray forest fires creeps into Saskatoon Thursday evening. (Trevor Bothorel/CBC)

Smoke nearing the ground is causing very high health risk conditions creating symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath.

Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease are especially at risk.

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