Heavy smoke from forest fires in eastern Manitoba prompted Environment and Climate Change Canada to expand a special air quality statement to include much of southeastern Manitoba Thursday night.
As of Friday morning some areas in southwestern Manitoba are now included in the air quality statement.
It says most of the smoke is coming from a large, out-of-control fire burning in Atikaki Provincial Park.
According to Manitoba Sustainable Development’s website, the lightning-caused fire is burning at just under 35,000 hectares, or 350 square kilometres.
Widespread smoke could be both seen and smelled throughout Winnipeg Thursday night.
Environment and Climate Change Canada says increased levels of pollution in the air can cause coughing, throat irritation, headaches and shortness of breath.
Children, seniors and those with lung or cardiovascular diseases are especially at risk.
You are encouraged to limit your time outdoors, especially while doing strenuous physical activity.
You're also encouraged to turn off air conditioners, which may draw in smoke from outside.
Earlier this month, it was smoke from wildfires burning in B.C. causing hazy conditions here. "It just sort of seems weird," said Jan Lebenhagen, out walking at Assiniboine Park. "We've noticed it over the last 3 years more and more."
Leading some to wonder, will this become the new normal? "No. It's going to be worse than this!" said Ryan Smith, a climate change researcher at University of Winnipeg's Prairie Climate Centre. Smith says there's no way to say these particular fires are caused by climate change. And forest fires happen naturally. But, he says climate change enhances these otherwise natural events. "That mean these events will happen more frequently, with more intensity. And therefore cause even more damage."
And not just property damage. New research is indicating smoke in the air could damage the health of people living with chronic lung disorders. "The proteins and the molecules that can fight infections, some of these key elements are decreased in the lungs on exposure to air pollution," said Dr. Neeloffer Mookherjee, a researcher with the Child Health Research Institute.
That could mean people living with the condition may not just have more difficulty breathing during smoky days. "But also the person might get compromised in fighting infections that a normal individual can fight off."
Which makes the advice of what to do during these smoky days all the more important. "Avoid the smoke," said Provincial Medical Officer of Health Dr. Richard Rusk. "That's probably the safest advice."
- With files from Jon Hendricks
