Calgary air quality still poor, slight improvements expected

Calgary resembled a sci-fi movie Tuesday, with an orange haze covering the city, bringing with it the highest possible air quality index rating — a 10, labelled as very high risk.

Wednesday is expected to have more of the same.

CityNews meterologist Michael Kuss says that depending on the wind, there could be some relief in time for the long weekend.

“Wildfire smoke will continue to be an issue today and tomorrow for sure, we will get some improvement into Friday and Saturday,” he said.

By Wednesday night and into Thursday, a slight improvement is expected with the air quality index showing the city could see conditions improve to a 7, which is still considered high risk.

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• Calgary under fire advisory as hot, dry conditions continue

• Air quality warning for Calgary as wildfire smoke rolls in

Dr. Franco Rizutti with Alberta Health Services say Calgarians should take some steps to protect themselves over the next few days until conditions improve.

“There are a few things folks can do, so reducing fresh air intake with windows, doors, if you have any additional air coming in for other appliances, to turn that off; change your furnace filters, a higher quality air filter would help,” he explained.

Wearing an N-95 mask is also a good idea for those who have to spend any time outside, according to experts. However, it’s best to limit doing any sort of physical activity in the current conditions.

The city issued a fire advisory Tuesday because of the increased smoke, and officials haven’t ruled out imposing a fire-ban, depending on how the conditions develop.

As of Wednesday morning, there were 92 wildfires burning in Alberta, with 27 considered out of control.