Battlefords region subject to special air quality statement

With smoke moving in from multiple wildfires in both Alberta and northern Saskatchewan, Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for the Battlefords.          

Information from Environment Canada indicates that a cold front today “will drag a narrow band of thicker smoke” through the southeastern corner of the province. The current Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) conditions are classified as “very high risk”. Reduced visibility due to the smoke is also a concern.        

Individuals with lung disease (ie: asthma), heart disease, older adults, children, those who are pregnant, and people who work outside are at higher risk of experiencing negative health effects caused by the wildfire smoke.       

Should you need to spend time outside, Environment Canada recommends a proper-fitting respirator-type mask (N95 or equivalent respirator) that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face. This can reduce exposure to fine smoke particles, which are typically considered the greatest health risk. Respirators do not reduce exposure to the gases in wildfire smoke.            
The City of North Battleford has also issued a Voyent Alert! related to this special air quality statement. Sign up for Voyent today to be notified of any emerging issues in our community at https://www.cityofnb.ca/community-safety-support/protective-and-emergency-services/public-alerts/.            
             

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For more information:

Candace Toma, Public & Intergovernmental Relations Coordinator
306-441-0713 | publicrelations@cityofnb.ca