Moose Jaw residents woke up this morning to a smoke-filled sky.

Environment Canada says a cool front made its way to Moose Jaw bringing with it some residual smoke from the current forest fires in northern Saskatchewan and Alberta, and the Northwest Territories. 

“With that cool front, in behind the winds will switch to a northwesterly direction and that means all of that smoke is all going to come down to southern Saskatchewan,” says Meteorologist Terri Lang.  

In some cases, when smoke travels to the region it stays above up in the sky, but in this instance, it’s expected to mix down to the surface. 

With the increase of smoke in the air, Lang offers up some recommendations to keep your health in check during this time.  

“Those that have compromised breathing issues have to be careful during this time,” adds Lang. “The smoke particulates are small and will get ingested into the lungs. The recommendations are that you try and stay inside as much as possible, try to have some filtered air, and because we’re in there with the heat, take it easy and don’t be exerting yourself with all that smoke.” 

As of 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, there are 28 active fires burning across the province according to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency.  

Ten are listed as contained (the fire is not expected to grow), 12 have an ongoing assessment (the fire is being monitored), one is protecting property (fire is ongoing and action is focused on protecting property), and five are not contained (the fire is expected to grow in size).  

“This same cool front came through the Northwest Territories, northern Alberta, and BC and it made all the fires take a run because they were fanned by the really strong winds behind the cool front.” 

Currently, Special Air Quality statements have been issued for areas north of Meadow Lake.  

An air quality advisory is issued when pollutant concentrations approach or exceed predetermined limits, or when degraded-air-quality episodes are expected to continue or worsen. 

Lang did want to remind residents that though there are no forest fires ongoing in the region, grassland fires still could ignite.  

“Be careful with those ignition sources and be careful with that smoke coming down because there is a health risk.” 

If you come across a grass fire call 9-1-1 for assistance.  

Click HERE to keep track of Environment Canada’s smoke dispersion radar.