The wildfires in British Columbia have caused a thick layer of smoke to descend on the city of Calgary and other parts of Alberta, prompting Environment Canada to issue a special air quality alert.
The environment agency says smoke from the fires is causing poor air quality as it pushes across Alberta.
The air quality got so bad in the city overnight, most sections of the city were sitting at the highest level of “10” on the AQHI scale. It was the poorest air quality Calgary has seen all year.
The index dropped to “4” by mid-morning but was projected to inch back up to “7” later in the morning.
The advisory is in place for a wide area of Alberta, reaching to Cold Lake in the northeast, down to Medicine Hat in the southeast
In Cold Lake, near the border with Saskatchewan, the town is currently sitting at “10” on the index, though that will drop through the day. A cold front is expected to move in and clear out the smoke.
Environment Canada warns that certain people may notice increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath during the smokiest hours.
“Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk,” the agency warns, adding that those with lung diseases, such as COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution.
Environment Canada advises that the best approach during poor air quality days is to limit outdoor activity and stay inside if you have breathing difficulties.
“In general, wearing a mask is not the best way to protect your health during a smoke event,” Environment Canada warned. “In fact, masks may lead to a false sense of security, which may encourage increased physical activity and time spent outdoors, meaning increased exposure to smoke.”
