Environment Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement after smoke from fires eastern Manitoba and northwest Ontario move into the city.

The smoke drifting westward has resulted in poor air quality over parts of southeastern Manitoba and the Red River Valley on Saturday, July 6, 2019.

Conditions are expected to improve on Sunday for southern Manitoba but areas closer to the forest fires such as Little Grand Rapids and Bissett may sill experience poor air quality.

Officials advise that Manitobans affected by smoke should:

• limit outdoor activity and/or strenuous physical activity; if breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity
• reduce exposure to smoke by staying indoors or moving to areas with cleaner air, as conditions can vary dramatically by area
• turn off furnaces and air-conditioning units that may draw smoke indoors
• keep inside air cleaner by avoiding smoking or burning other materials

People at higher risk include young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with heart or lung conditions (particularly asthma), and therefore should avoid as much exposure to smoke as possible.