Air quality warning issued for Regina as wildfire smoke rolls in, Rider game delayed

Smoky conditions in Regina can be seen in this undated file photo. (DavidPrisciak/CTVNews)

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued an air quality warning for Regina and the surrounding area as smoke from wildfires drifts south on Friday.

On its website, ECCC is advising people to limit time outdoors and consider rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders were scheduled to host the Calgary Stampeders at Mosaic Stadium at 7 p.m.

However, according to an email from the CFL just after 5:30 p.m., kickoff has been delayed to 7:45 p.m.

The email said the decision to delay the game was made by the league, the competing teams, and the CFL Players’ Association.

“The league will continue to monitor the situation in Regina. Should the status of the game change, further updates will be provided,” the email read.

According to the CFL, games will only be stopped if the in-stadium monitored air quality health index reaches eight or above during warmups or the game.

At 10 a.m. ECCC’s air quality health index in Regina was measured at six (moderate risk) and had increased to 10+ by noon (very high risk).

However, Friday morning’s forecast from ECCC said the air quality health index in Regina Friday night could reach nine or 10.

• How air quality is measured when wildfire smoke rolls in

Up to date ECCC watches, warnings and advisories as they change can be seen here. (Note: ECCC briefly ended the air quality warning for Regina Friday afternoon before re-issuing it around 1:55 p.m.)

According to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), there are 57 active wildfires in the province on Friday, including 14 that are not contained.