By Joel van der Veen
DAVIDSON — Like most of the province, Davidson and the surrounding area were coated with a thick haze on the morning of June 29, the result of numerous forest fires raging in northern Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories.
While rain on Tuesday diminished the impact of the smoke somewhat locally, the hazy skies remained through the week, with visibility gradually improving.
Environment Canada issued alerts for most of the province on Monday morning, including the cities of Regina, Saskatoon and Moose Jaw, and the areas between them.
According to the alerts, visibility had been reduced to less than two kilometres in many areas, particularly in the northern and central regions of Saskatchewan.
The smoke also resulted in diminished air quality; alerts stated that smoke near the ground had the potential to cause health risks.
LeAnne Paproski, communications co-ordinator for Heartland Health Region, said Tuesday that the region was monitoring the smoke situation but had no plans to issue a release or advisory.
A Ministry of Health fact sheet from July 2013, made available by Heartland, indicates that smoke events can cause symptoms to worsen in patients with respiratory or heart conditions, while even healthy people may experience eye or throat irritation and shortness of breath.
The fact sheet advises members of the public, especially people with pre-existing conditions, to monitor their symptoms and seek medical care if their condition worsens. Children and the elderly may also be especially vulnerable during extreme smoke events.
Measures to protect against smoke irritation include reducing or avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, reducing or eliminating exposure to outside air, remaining indoors or going to air-conditioned public spaces, making use of a HEPA air cleaner and avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke.
A news release issued by the White Butte RCMP detachment on Monday reminded drivers there and across the province to adjust their speed according to conditions.
The statement warned that posted speed limits are given for ideal conditions only, and that the diminished visibility might make it harder for drivers to spot pedestrians, highway workers and emergency vehicles.
As of Friday morning, a total of 106 fires were burning, and many northern communities were under evacuation, according to the Ministry of Environment. The province recommended against non-essential travel to the affected areas, including the districts around La Ronge, La Loche and Pinehouse.