Smoke in much of Alberta and western Saskatchewan is causing very poor air quality, while wildfires continue to rage in Canada's north.

Environment Canada has issued air quality warnings for regions of both Prairie provinces, saying smoke is also reducing visibility in some areas.

The warning comes as wildfires in the Northwest Territories, including one not far from the hamlet of Fort Providence, forced hundreds to flee their homes.

The fire southwest of Yellowknife has so far scorched 1,020 square kilometres of land.