Update: The City of Saskatoon lifted the air quality advisory at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Indicating that winds are expected to be from the south for the rest of the day, meaning smoke from the fire will no longer have a significant impact on Saskatoon.

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On Friday, some residents in Saskatoon and surrounding area received a Notify Now message regarding a air quality advisory from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment. The advisory is for the City of Saskatoon and is due to the building materials fire north of the city and south of Martensville.

The advisory says smoke levels are expected to vary throughout Friday evening and through Saturday morning, with heaviest impact to the northern regions of the city.

Visibility may be reduced on roadways and the smoke may pose respiratory and eye irritation. Residents are advised to prevent smoke from entering their homes by staying indoors, keeping windows and doors closed whenever possible, and limiting use of heating and ventilation systems. Elderly residents and people with compromised immune systems or respiratory issues are advised to take extra caution to prevent exposure to the smoke. If you feel unwell or require medical attention, please contact 8-1-1 for advice, or dial 9-1-1 if it is an emergency.

As of Saturday morning, Deputy Fire Chief of the Martensville Fire Department, Dean Brooman says the fire is under control and firecrews are currently working to get it completely extinguished. He describes is as a garbage fire that is now emitting mostly smoke. Brooman adds they were able to limit and contain the fire to the area where it had started.

A follow-up message will be sent on the Notify Now system when this advisory is lifted.