Wildfire smoke has triggered air quality alerts in six provinces and territories across Canada, according to Environment Canada's weather information published on Friday.
The agency issued air quality alerts in two neighbouring provinces, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, where states of emergency were declared one day apart.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe declared a 30-day provincial state of emergency on Thursday, saying that at least 15 communities, mostly in the northern region, have been evacuated. Over 40 structures have been destroyed, he added.
His Manitoban counterpart, Wab Kinew, did the same on Wednesday, while issuing mandatory orders to evacuate about 17,000 people, news agency reported. "Smoke is causing very poor air quality and reduced visibility. As smoke levels increase, health risks increase," Environment Canada warned.