If you think you've been smelling smoke, don't worry, you're not imagining it. Nor does your neighbor Fred from down the street have his firepit blazing at 10 in the morning.

What you smell, and in some cases can even see, is the haze created by all those large clouds of smoke coming off the wildfires burning in Canada.

As of early July 2023, our friends in the north have over 600 wildfires currently burning during what is being called the worst wildfire season in Canadian history

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Just how dangerous is this smoky haze blanketing the skies of South Dakota?

Well, there's no denying this haze can make for some spectacular-looking sunrises and sunsets, but the degraded air quality can also be dangerous for those who have health conditions that place them in high-risk categories.

The website MyHealth.alberta.ca says the biggest risk from smoke being generated from a wildfire is all the little particles found inside the smoke. These particles can often get in your eyes, your respiratory system, and your bloodstream. Resulting in burning eyes, a runny nose, coughing, and for some people, trouble breathing.

Who is at the biggest risk?

• People who have heart and lung disease.
• The elderly. (Those with heart and lung issues are at a greater risk.)
• Pregnant women.
• Small children.
• Those who work outdoors or participate in frequent outdoor sports activities.

How can you protect yourself?

If you fall into one of those categories and find yourself living in an area that has a heavy concentration of haze and smoke brought on by wildfires, experts say it's best to stay indoors with your windows and doors closed. Especially when the air quality outdoors reaches a dangerous level.

And should you ever find yourself suffering from shortness of breath, wheezing, dizziness, chest pains, or heart palpitations it's recommended that you contact your physician and seek immediate medical assistance.