‘We can’t escape it’: Wildfire smoke blanketing Calgary

Breathing in wildfire smoke has become an annual occurrence, and there's a sense of concern about the health risk, especially for the most vulnerable.

The familiar sight of wildfire smoke blanketing Calgary has returned for another year, raising concerns about air quality and public health.

While current smoke levels are deemed moderate for the general public, those who are at risk or have medical conditions should reduce activity.

Environment and Climate Change Canada says the agency advises that individuals without pre-existing health conditions, such as shortness of breath or heart and lung issues, can continue outdoor activities.

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However, those with such conditions are encouraged to consider rescheduling or reducing the intensity and duration of strenuous outdoor activities.

The white haze across Calgary has become a persistent reminder of the ongoing wildfire season for Raf Nazareno and his dog.

“I guess we can’t escape it now. And it’s coming. And let’s hope it’s not too bad,” he said.

“I feel like July and August is probably going to be really bad this year.”

Nazareno, who prefers cooler weather, says he has seen a noticeable increase in haze over the past few days.

“The last couple (of) days, you look to the horizon like the sky is kind of whitish. And then you see that fog. But you know, it’s not really fog. It’s the smoke that’s coming. It’s not too bad yet, but it is increasing the last couple of days,” he said.

As of Monday, Alberta was battling 66 active wildfires, with significant blazes in the Grand Prairie region, north of Slave Lake and west of Fort McMurray.

Beyond provincial boundaries, smoke is also blowing in from northern British Columbia, while fires rage in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Jed Kaplan, a University of Calgary earth, energy and environment professor, confirmed the intensity of the current fire season.

“I’d say the fire season is definitely off to a big start,” he said.

He says a warming climate is creating tinder-dry conditions in boreal areas, making them ripe for ignition.

Kaplan researches ways to develop better forest management policies to mitigate the impact of destructive blazes.

“A controlled fire can be a way of avoiding some of these really catastrophic and really powerful fires that also send lots of smoke high up in the atmosphere that affects people hundreds or even thousands of kilometres away,” he said.

Despite the current moderate air quality, cooler temperatures anticipated this week could offer some relief by helping suppress the smoke.

Christy Climenhaga, of Environment and Climate Change Canada, says there is rain in the forecast for the Calgary region.

“We are seeing some pretty decent northwest flow in the province today, which will bring that smoke into southern Alberta,” said Climenhaga.

“We are not expecting air quality advisories or statements at this point to come into southern Alberta.”