How to Reduce the Risks of Wildfire Smoke

Warm weather is here and along with it comes the risk of wildfires. Wildfires and the resulting destruction to land and property are easy to see. However, the effects of wildfire smoke on your health is not apparent to the eye.

Smoke is made up of a number of components. The unhealthiest materials in wildfire smoke are the small particles of dust, dirt and soot, called particulates.

As wildfires increase in frequency and severity, so does the time people are exposed to wildfire smoke, and the risks that come along with inhaling particulates. The health risks of wildfire smoke are higher for individuals with certain health conditions, such as asthma, congestive heart failure, or chronic pulmonary disease.

Effects of exposure to smoke

Some of the most common symptoms from exposure to smoke include:

• Sore eyes and tears

• Irritated throat

• Cough

• Runny nose

• Headache

More severe symptoms can include chest pain, dizziness, feelings of a skipped, fast, or irregular heartbeat, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Patients with chronic health conditions, such as COPD, asthma, congestive heart failure or chronic pulmonary disease, can have worsening of their symptoms and may need to use their action plans or see their physician in order to keep their disease in control.

Taking precautions: here are a few simple steps that can help keep minimize the impact of wildfires on your health.

Tailor your activities to the level of particulate matter in the air. The Air Quality Health Index or AQHI provides information about pollution levels, risk levels and forecasts, based on a scale of Low Risk (1−3) Moderate Risk (4−6) and High Risk (7−10).

→ Check the Air Quality Health Index near you through Environment Canada.

Light to moderate smoke conditions: Smoke odour and haziness with visibility is less than 8 km.

Young children, the elderly and people with heart or lung conditions are at a greater risk and should take precautions when smoke conditions are light to moderate.

Heavy smoke conditions: Heavy smoke odour and haziness with visibility is less than 4 km.

Even if you are generally healthy, you should take precautions in heavy smoke conditions.

Participating in sports or working strenuously outdoors may also make you more susceptible because you are breathing air deeply and rapidly. People with chronic conditions such as asthma and COPD , who need to be outdoors for prolonged periods of time, should consider wearing a N95 mask to filter out the particulates.

Other ways to protect yourself from poor air quality include:

• Limiting outdoor activity, particularly if it is strenuous, and planning to be outside when it is less smoky
• Staying indoors with windows and doors closed, using fans to circulate the air and keep the room cool
• Setting air-conditioning units to recirculate to avoid drawing smoke indoors including in cars
• Drinking plenty of water to remain hydrated
• Turning on room air cleaners with HEPA filters if available
• Keeping indoor air cleaner by avoiding smoking or burning other materials like candles

Effects on mental health

Living close to an active wildfire or within a smoke event can have mental health impacts, from anxiety and depression, to post-traumatic stress, or general distress. Don’t be afraid to reach out if you need help.

Concerned about the effects of wildfire smoke or have additional questions? Talk to your doctor or call Health Links-Info Santé at 204−788−8200 or 1−888−315−9257 (toll-free).

Wildfire conditions in Manitoba — staying current

Manitoba is experiencing its worst fire season in recent memory. Large areas of high to extreme fire danger exist throughout the province this spring, and the number of wildfires this season is well above average compared with past years. FireView 2025 shows the location and status of current wildfire activity in the province. You can keep track of fire restriction areas here and additional travel restrictions here.

The latest Manitoba Wildfire Service bulletins are updated here.