B.C. forest fires could impact Manitoba's air quality for rest of August
Manitoba could be at risk of compromised air quality for the rest of August as wildfires continue to burn in British Columbia, says a meteorologist with Environment Canada.
Air quality advisories remain in effect Thursday for southwest Manitoba as smoke from forest fires burning across British Columbia drifts east.
Elevated pollution levels are expected or occurring, which could cause increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath for some people, says Environment Canada.
Over the course of the day, air quality could improve for southern Manitoba, but winds from the west could make smoky conditions return again tomorrow, said John Paul Cragg, with Environment Canada.
By this weekend, north winds are expected to clean the air in the province, he said.
In Winnipeg, though conditions are hazy, they are low risk, Cragg said.
"It all has to do with how much of that smoke is getting to the ground," he said.
The smoke should not create issues for people "as long as the smoke stays up in the air and is not making it down to where people are breathing it in."
The B.C. government declared a provincewide state of emergency yesterday due to the forest fires.
If you're concerned, Environment Canada advises that you contact your health-care provider or call Health Links at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.
More information on the health effects of smoke is available here.
