An air quality statement due to wildfire smoke has been lifted in Winnipeg for the time being.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a special air quality statement for Winnipeg and parts of eastern Manitoba.

The smoke comes from Manitoba wildfires, instead of the Alberta wildfires that have brought a number of smokey days to Manitoba.

According to ECCC, "forest fires between Red Lake and Bissett have spread smoke southwestward behind a cold front today. A southerly wind will push the smoke out the area by Saturday morning."

Symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches, or shortness of breath may occur. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease are especially at risk.

As of early Friday morning, areas under an air quality alert include:

  • Arborg
  • Berens River
  • Victoria Beach
  • Brandon
  • Winnipeg
  • Beausejour
  • Killarney
  • Winkler
  • Portage la Prairie
  • Selkirk
  • Ste. Rose
  • Steinbach
  • Whiteshell

Smoke will move out by Saturday but clouds may start to roll in, as the last week of August is expected to start off cooler and wetter.

Update August 24, 5:35 a.m. - added new locations under air quality statement