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Air quality warnings issued in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, as wildfire smoke lingers

Air quality warnings remain in effect for parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba as wildfire smoke continues to linger over the region.
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Last year’s record-breaking wildfire season forced Canadians to become familiar with the scale of air pollution as hazardous smoke drifted across the country. Smoke from wildfires blankets the city as a couple has a picnic in Edmonton, Saturday, May 11, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Air quality warnings remain in effect for parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba as wildfire smoke continues to linger over the region.

Environment Canada says the northwestern Saskatchewan community of Buffalo Narrows will see some of the poorest conditions, with the air quality health Index hitting the "very high risk" rating of over 10 throughout Friday and into Saturday.

The city of Prince Albert, Sask., is also affected by the smoky air, where Environment Canada says the index is also expected to be at over 10 throughout Friday.

In northwestern Manitoba, Environment Canada says the Flin Flon area is also under warning, with the index forecasted to drop from high risk to moderate risk by Saturday.

The agency says smoke is expected to cause reduced visibility and poor air quality throughout the rest of the week.

There were 118 active wildfires burning across Manitoba as of Thursday, with Saskatchewan reporting 48 active wildfires.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 18, 2025.

The Canadian Press