Special air quality statement for Calgary ends

Calgary’s smoky conditions stemming from a northeastern B.C. wildfire have improved, leading Environment Canada to end the special air quality statement Sunday afternoon.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) ended the special air quality statement just after 1 p.m., dropping an air quality hazard level of 10+ or “Very high risk” Saturday night down to a four or “moderate risk.”

The ECCC says conditions in a few parts of northeastern Alberta have improved temporarily. In the original statement, the ECCC said conditions will most likely remain poor through Monday or possibly Tuesday.

The smoke spreading into Alberta stems from the wildfire near Fort Nelson, in the far northeastern corner of B.C. about 1,600 kilometres from Vancouver.

The mayor of Fort Nelson says a tree blown down by strong winds fell onto a power line and started the fast-growing wildfire, which has forced the evacuation of thousands.

That wildfire has grown to nearly 2,500 hectares as of Sunday, forcing nearly 3,500 residents to evacuate.

Parts of B.C. near Fort Nelson received a similar warning in place from Environment Canada, and people are advised to stay indoors or away from strenuous activity outside.

“Reduce sources of indoor air pollution. If you can, avoid smoking or vaping indoors, burning incense and candles, frying foods, using wood stoves and vacuuming. Dust on indoor surfaces can be removed by wiping and wet mopping during a pollution episode,” the ECCC says.

Alberta is dealing with multiple wildfires in the north, including one burning out of control near Fort McMurray that has communities on evacuation alert.

In addition, an out-of-control wildfire burning near the northwestern Alberta hamlet of Teepee Creek has led to an evacuation order for residents in the County of Grande Prairie.

With files from Emma Crawford