Byron Chartrand, the executive director of land management with the SPSA, said on Friday there had been minimal lightning in the province so far this year, and all the fires so far in Saskatchewan have been caused by human activity. (Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency/Facebook)

Environment Canada extends special air quality statement into southern Sask.

By CJME News May 16, 2023 | 3:15 PM

As expected, Environment Canada has extended its special air quality statement into areas of southern Saskatchewan.

The advisory was in place for much of northern Saskatchewan over the past few days due to smoke from wildfires in that area. Just before 3 p.m. Tuesday, the weather service extended it to include nearly the entire province south of Wollaston Lake.

“A cold front moving southwards through southern Saskatchewan will concentrate forest fire smoke from wildfires over the northern prairies along it,” the advisory said.

“As this front progresses southwards (Tuesday) night and into Wednesday, it will drag a band of thicker smoke through most regions of central and southern Saskatchewan.”

Environment Canada urged people with health issues to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke by limiting their time outdoors.

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency said that as of 3 p.m., there were 28 wildfires burning in Saskatchewan. Of those, six weren’t contained.

The threat of the fires has prompted evacuations of a number of communities in northern Saskatchewan, including Buffalo Narrows and Dillon.

As well, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency issued a fire ban for all Crown lands and provincial parks north of Highway 16, as well as the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District.