Local physician advises precautions against wildfire smoke
With the recent spate of wildfires across the province, a local physician is warning Battlefords area residents to be extra vigilant over the next few weeks as air quality continues to deteriorate.
Dr. Mandiangu Nsungu, a medical health officer in North Battleford with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, said those with lung or heart conditions, young children, and seniors are particularly at risk, but everyone should be taking precautions.
“Even healthy people are at risk at this time,” Nsungu said. “I encourage everyone to monitor your symptoms and seek medical attention if you get worse, particularly if you have a pre-existing respiratory condition.”
So far this year 159 wildfires have been recorded in the province with six still considered active by Wildfire Management, including fires in the Holbein, Crutwell, and Waterhen Lake First Nation areas. The five-year average for wildfires in Saskatchewan is just 98.