High levels of air pollution have developed due to smoke from forest fires in BC. Smoke plumes moving over portions of southern Saskatchewan from forest fires in BC have resulted in deteriorated air quality in the area.

"We've had the weather pattern that's favorable to bring it in," explained Environment Canada's Terri Laing. "It looks like over the next few days we'll see the presence of the smoke. We aren't expected to see really thick smoke but this should be of concern to those with breathing issues."

"Staying inside, trying to get that smoke filtered out and not over exerting yourself are all ways to help."

Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk. If your home is not air-conditioned, be sure the house doesn't get too warm when doors and windows are closed to keep out smoke. Exposure to too much heat can also result in illness.

The Air Quality warning is in effect for the following areas:

-R.M. of Benson including Benson
-R.M. of Brokenshell including Trossachs
-R.M. of Caledonia including Milestone and Parry
-R.M. of Cambria including Torquay and Outram
-R.M. of Cymri including Midale Macoun and Halbrite
-R.M. of Estevan including Estevan and Hitchcock
-R.M. of Fillmore including Fillmore Creelman and Osage
-R.M. of Griffin including Griffin and Froude
-R.M. of Lake Alma including Lake Alma and Beaubier
-R.M. of Laurier including Radville
-R.M. of Lomond including Colgate and Goodwater
-R.M. of Norton including Pangman and Khedive
-R.M. of Scott including Yellowgrass Lang and Lewvan
-R.M. of Souris Valley including Tribune and Oungre
-R.M. of Wellington including Cedoux Colfax and Tyvan
-R.M. of Weyburn including Weyburn and McTaggart

For information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels visit http://www.ec.gc.ca/cas-aqhi/default.asp?lang=En&n=CB0ADB16-1