With wildfire smoke affecting most southern and central Saskatchewan, Environment Canada has issued an air quality warning in many portions of the province, including Regina.

Environment Canada says the wildfire smoke is causing elevated air quality health index (AQHI) values and reduced visibility in some areas.

They add that wildfire smoke can harm everyone’s health, even at low concentrations, and encourage everyone to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke.

People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.

If breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feels unwell, Environment Canada says people should stop or reduce their activity level.

Wildfire smoke concentrations can fluctuate over short distances and vary considerably from hour to hour.