Health official warns Manitoba wildfire smoke could cause breathing problems

Forest fires popping up along the eastern part of the province are making for smokier air in the region, which has Manitoba health officials reminding people with breathing problems to be on their toes.

A major forest fire burnedeast of Caddy Lake nearthe Manitoba-Ontario border late this week. It forced cottagers in theBeresfordsubdivision at Nopiming Provincial Park to leave the area Friday night.

• Forest fire prompts evacuation of Beresford cottage subdivision at Nopiming park

Elyse Weiss, deputy chief public health officer with the province, advised people with asthma and other breathing issuesto check Environment Canada's website before planning outdoor activities.

"The people who are most at risk would be children, pregnant women, seniors or anyone at any age with lung or heart problems," Weiss said."Modify your physical activity, because anything that makes you breathe heavier, you might be more at risk of breathing the particulates into your lungs."

Weiss said those at risk need to take appropriateprecautions if they begin to showsymptoms of exposure to smoke, includingwatery eyes oran itchy, dry throat.