Smoke from wildfires prompts health warnings in Winnipeg

Smoke from wildfires in northern Manitoba has reached Winnipeg, severely affecting local air quality and forcing authorities to cancel several activities and performances. On Thursday, June 5, 10,000 people were supposed to participate in a powwow, the Winnipeg School Division’s largest annual event. However, the public gathering was postponed due to air quality warnings and a grey haze hovering over Winnipeg for much of the week. A theatrical company had also to cancel an outdoor performance on Thursday for the same reasons. And on Friday, June 6, the Manitoba High School Athletic Association cancelled the provincial track and field provincial championships. Health authorities also asked schools and other education facilities to monitor kids with respiratory issues.
The 10-point air quality health index in the Winnipeg area has soared to the “high risk” to “very high risk” (8 to 10+) range this week. The rating is influenced by the wind and can change quickly. According to Environment Canada, which issued an air quality warning for nearly the entire Manitoba province on June 6, the smoke should soon move out of the Red River Valley and Interlake region and drop the air quality index to three. However, poor air quality conditions will continue in northern areas closer to the fires. Health Canada also warned that wildfire smoke remains dangerous at any level because it contains fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs causing inflammation and irritation. According to the Manitoba Lung Association, current air quality in the province is dangerous even for the healthiest person.