Yellowknifers, especially those in high-risk groups, should take precautions against the poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke on Friday, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).

On Thursday, ECCC, jointly with the NWTSA国际影视传媒檚 departments of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) and Health and Social Services (HSS), issued an air quality warning for the Yellowknife region due to smoke from nearby wildfires.

SA国际影视传媒淎ir quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour,SA国际影视传媒� the warning reads.

YellowknifeSA国际影视传媒檚 air quality is forecasted to be of high risk into Friday, abating somewhat that evening.

ECCC uses a graded air quality health index, with more than 10 representing a SA国际影视传媒渧ery high riskSA国际影视传媒� while one represents a SA国际影视传媒渓ow riskSA国际影视传媒� On Thursday morning, YellowknifeSA国际影视传媒檚 air quality was forecasted to reach eight on that scale on Thursday and Thursday night, dropping down only to seven by Friday, with both of those numbers representing a SA国际影视传媒渉igh risk.SA国际影视传媒�

However, that didnSA国际影视传媒檛 come to fruition because as of noon Thursday, YellowknifeSA国际影视传媒檚 air quality was observed to be at SA国际影视传媒渓ow risk.SA国际影视传媒�

Those most at risk from smoke inhalation include children, seniors, and those with pre-existing cardiovascular or respiratory conditions. Anyone who develops symptoms of smoke inhalation, including coughing, a sore throat, or shortness of breath, is advised to stay inside or reduce strenuous physical activity.

This most recent air quality warning is part of an unusually busy wildfire season for the NWT, driven largely by unseasonably warm summer weather.

ECCC issues regular air quality updates on its website.