A large portion of southern Saskatchewan is under a special air quality statement Friday afternoon, as smoke from wildfires creeps south.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued the alert at 12:20 p.m. Friday, noting the smoke from wildfires in northern Saskatchewan and northern Alberta is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility.

Affected areas under the statement as of Friday afternoon include Regina, Moose Jaw and surrounding areas. An advisory was issued for northern and central Saskatchewan earlier in the day Friday.

The weather agency advises people to limit time outdoors and consider rescheduling or reducing outdoor activities. When inside, ECCC advises people to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible and prioritize keeping the space cool.

If people must spend time outside, ECCC says a properly worn respirator type mask can reduce exposure. However, there can still be health risks.

Common symptoms of wildfire exposure may include eye, nose, and throat irritations, as well as headaches or a mild cough, with more serious symptoms including wheezing, chest pains, or a severe cough.

People are asked to call HealthLine 811 if they need advice on health risks.

As of 2 p.m. on Friday, Regina’s air quality index was listed at a seven (7), which ECCC lists as a ‘high risk.’ By 2:45 that had been increased to (10+) which is considered and ‘extreme risk.’

Riders preseason game

Kickoff for Friday’s preseason finale between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers was scheduled for 7 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium.

Due to poor air quality, the CFL announced that the game will be delayed to 8 p.m.

According to the CFL’s weather protocol, if the air quality health index reaches an eight (8) or higher, the game will be automatically stopped.

In a statement to CTV News around 2 p.m., the Roughriders said the team does not expect any delays to kickoff but would provide updates as required.

“Per league policy, the air quality at Mosaic Stadium is being actively monitored by the CFL and will continue to be throughout game day,” the statement read.