Video: How does wildfire smoke affect our lungs?

Jonathan Wilson — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 16:55:52 +0000

The spread of uncontrolled wildfires has caused significant destruction and evacuations of communities across Manitoba this summer. With over 100 active wildfires in the province as of July 14, it doesn’t show any sign of slowing down. One of the other negative effects of the wildfires is the constant lingering smoke that can pose health risks, especially to those with health conditions that make them more vulnerable.

Dr. Andrew Halayko is a research scientist and professor in the Max Rady College of Medicine and a Canada Research Chair in lung pathobiology and treatment. We spoke with Halayko about what exactly the harmful chemicals contained in wildfire smoke are and who is most at risk, along with some of the best ways to mitigate the danger when significant wildfire smoke is present.

CBC Manitoba: Massive northern Manitoba wildfire ‘a very dramatic, serious situation,’ premier says after touring area

Fiona Odlum — Wed, 15 May 2024 20:10:18 +0000

Brian Amiro, acting department head and professor emeritus in the department of soil science at the University of Manitoba, said having such wildfires in spring is particularly troublesome.

“Across the boreal forest and especially in Western Canada, we can get spring fires that are very vigorous. What happens basically is after that snow melts we have dry fuel — dry grass that hasn’t greened up yet. And if that gets ignited, then we see that that fire can spread very quickly,” he told CBC Information Radio host Marcy Markusa on Tuesday morning.

To read the full story, please visit CBC Manitoba.

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Video: How does wildfire smoke affect our lungs?

CBC Manitoba: Massive northern Manitoba wildfire ‘a very dramatic, serious situation,’ premier says after touring area