Nunavut commits to health updates as wildfires spread

With wildfires burning out of control across the Prairies, the Nunavut government is warning people in the territory that smoke can travel far and have negative effects on health.

“Wildfire smoke may be carried thousands of kilometres from the fire zone,” said Charmaine Deogracias, spokesperson for the Department of Health, in a public service announcement Monday afternoon.

“The location of the fires, and other factors such as wind direction and speed, can influence which communities may experience wildfire smoke.”

Conditions can change quickly, the announcement said.

Air quality in Arviat, Iqaluit and Kugluktuk — the three Nunavut communities monitored by the federal government’s Air Quality Health Index — is forecast to remain low risk through Wednesday evening.

The Health Department is monitoring conditions and will provide “specific health messaging” for people in areas where health risks from fire smoke may develop, the public service announcement said.

Exposure to smoke can irritate eyes, make breathing difficult, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. Elders, pregnant women, children and people with pre-existing respiratory and heart conditions are especially vulnerable.

When air quality deteriorates, the Health Department advises people to stay indoors with the windows and doors closed and to avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

“Anyone experiencing more serious symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath should go to their local health centre immediately,” the announcement said.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan are both under states of emergencies and thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes as wildfires burn out of control in both provinces.

“Canada’s changing climate provides ideal conditions for more frequent wildfires and longer wildfire seasons,” the public service announcement said.

So far in 2025, wildfires have burned 10,786 square kilometres across Canada as of May 30, compared to the 10-year average to date of 4,710 square kilometres, according to Natural Resources Canada’s National Wildland Fire Situation Report.