Wildfire smoke prompts air quality warning for Calgary

Environment Canada has issued an air quality warning for large swaths of Alberta due to smoky air.

The statement includes Calgary and areas in the province as far north as Grande Prairie, and as far south as the U.S. border.

“Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility,” reads the statement. “Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.”

On Saturday night in Calgary, Environment Canada’s air quality index was considered high risk. Things cleared up in the days following, but with dozens of fires still burning in Alberta and neighbouring provinces, the hazy skies have returned.

The air quality index in Calgary was sitting at 6 as of Tuesday evening, meaning ‘moderate’ to ‘high’ risk. It jumped up to 10+ Wednesday morning, classified as ‘very high risk.’

The weather agency says people should consider reducing or rescheduling any outdoor activities, especially those aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, and people with an existing illness or chronic health condition.

Those who work outdoors are being asked to consider reducing strenuous activities and seeking medical attention if they experience any symptoms.

Common symptoms from smoke exposure include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, or a mild cough. People should seek medical assistance if they experience more serious symptoms like wheezing, chest pains, or a severe cough.

“If you must spend time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke,” says Environment Canada.

Calgary will likely be into wet and cooler weather by Thursday morning with showers and daytime high of 19 C expected.