Wildfire smoke lingers over Calgary ahead of long weekend

The smoke from wildfires across the province continues to linger in the Calgary air Thursday, though conditions are continuing to improve.

The city’s air quality health index has been moved to an 8, still considered high risk, but down from Wednesday’s high of 10.

Special air quality statements from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) remain in place across most of the province.

However, overall risk related to wildfire smoke in Calgary is expected to decrease heading into the Victoria Day long weekend, with some rain even forecasted for the city for Monday’s holiday.

As of Thursday morning, there are 92 fires burning in the province — up from Wednesday — with 26 considered out of control, according to Alberta Wildfire.

Despite more fires burning, many people have been able to return to their homes.

Evacuees of Drayton Valley were recently told they could go back to their homes, after being forced to leave around two weeks ago.

There are more than 2,500 people fighting the fires in Alberta, including support from across Canada, the armed forces, and the United States.

One experienced firefighter, Frankie Payou, is in a coma after a burning tree fell on him while he tried to protect his community, the East Prairie Metis Settlement. Another individual was reportedly also injured by a falling tree in the Drayton Valley area.

Smoke has travelled to British Columbia and Saskatchewan, though those provinces have blazes of their own. Evacuation alerts have also been lifted in parts of B.C.

FireSmoke Canada projects that smoke from the wildfires in Alberta will reach as far as Dallas, TX., as well as southern Ontario, Quebec, and the Northwest Territories.