Air quality advisories blanket parts of central, southern Saskatchewan

It’s going to smell like campfire smoke in many parts of the province again — even if you’re not out camping.

Environment Canada has issued air quality advisories for several areas in central and southern Saskatchewan.

According to the advisory, the smoke in the Saskatoon area comes from provincial forest fires, while the smoke in the Regina area has drifted over from B.C. forest fires.

The advisories are expected to remain in effect until at least Wednesday.

According to Canada’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), Saskatoon is at “moderate health risk” (5/10), while Regina remains at “high health risk” (7/10). The Air Quality Health Index is a scale between 1-10, designed to help assess pollution levels.

That means people who suffer from asthma, seniors, or others who experience breathing difficulties, should consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor tasks if they experience symptoms like coughing, lung, throat or nose irritation, or headaches.

For more information on health risks, symptoms and precautions associated with air quality, call HealthLine 811.