Wildfire smoke from B.C. heading towards Calgary

Calgary has been enjoying some warm weather with a largely smoke-free summer. But, as fires rage within and around the province, wildfire smoke from B.C. is set to blanket the city this week.

The weather is also going to be hot, with temperatures of 33 degrees or higher in the forecast.

British Columbia has seen 565 wildfires so far this year, with 59 fires in the last seven days, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.

There are 33 fires in Alberta according to the Wildfire Alberta website, and a fire ban is in place for Banff National Park.

Parks Canada has reported no fires in the Banff and Jasper area, but the Banff Field Unit’s fire danger rating is listed as extreme.

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“Smoke from the wildfires, not only from B.C. but down into Washington, Oregon, and then stretching into Idaho too, that is going to start to filter into southern Alberta and you’ll notice it around Calgary as early as (Thursday), even late evening (Wednesday),” said CityNews meteorologist Michael Kuss.

Kuss also says temperatures are going to remain warm through to Thursday this week, and early mornings will be hotter than normal.

“For Wednesday into Thursday, and even Friday morning, the morning lows are going to heat up. Seventeen to 18 degrees potentially for morning lows; and as a result, that’s when where we could potentially see some heat advisories issued.”

The only respite for Calgarians, according to Kuss, is the small chance of showers on Friday.

Shelters can provide space away from heat and smoke

Those experiencing homelessness in Calgary have to deal with the smoke and the heat and may need to turn to shelters to stay safe.

The Mustard Seed, a Calgary non-profit organization dedicated to serving people experiencing homelessness and poverty, says it’s ready to help.

Andrew Miller, program director of basic services at the Mustard Seed, says they have plenty of space for people in need.

“We have not seen an increase for demand over the summer, some of that might be that there’s more people staying outdoors,” said Miller.

Miller adds they provide water to people in the mornings to ensure they are cool when they head out for the day. He says The Mustard Seed isn’t close to capacity, with nearly 100 vacancies available.

“There’s a number of places people can go downtown. One of those places is the Mustard Seed Downtown Neighbour Centre. They can go in there and cool down, and get water. Sometimes there is food available,” Miller said.

Environment Canada says during bouts of hot weather or when a heat warning is issued, it’s important to keep an eye on yourself and others for symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Symptoms include:

• High body temperature
• Lack of sweat
• Confusion
• Fainting
• Unconsciousness

The weather agency also says to pay attention to people who “can experience earlier or more severe effects from heat” such as kids, seniors, people who work outside, or people with health conditions.

-With files from Gaby Rios and Joey Chini