A red-coloured sunrise on Friday marked the start of another smoky day in Calgary. Through much of the day, Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) remained a 10-plus, representing a very high health risk. In fact, at one point, the city had the worst air quality of any major municipality in the world. Airdrie and several surrounding areas also saw an orange sky. The AQHI dipped as low as 6 later in the day but is expected to rise and fall over the next 24 hours in Calgary. “It’s a good day to stay inside,” ECCC’s Geoff Coulson said. “And it’s important to reinforce that it’s not just the most vulnerable members of the community that feel it in these conditions—it’s pretty much everyone.” The smoke is coming from wildfires burning in British Columbia and Washington State. Smoky conditions are expected to persist through Saturday as the plume gradually moves out of the region. At high and very high AQHI levels, people are advised to reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activity. Closing time The conditions led to a string of cancellations and postponements Friday. Outdoor pools were closed, and lessons were pushed back until at least Saturday. City wading pools remained open, but not well-attended. WinSport had to shutter its outdoor activities—mini golf, downhill karting and mountain biking—early. And some youth sports were cancelled. A CalWest little league baseball tournament moved its Friday games to Sunday. “We look at the AQHI, and if anything is above 7, we don’t play,” Sheena Hollis told CTV News. “It’s too bad. “We didn’t even have an air quality policy until probably four or five years ago.“ Smart summer To reduce unhealthy exposure, ECCC recommends keeping windows and doors closed, using a high-quality indoor air filter and moving outdoor activities indoors. A well-fitted respirator, such as an N95, can provide additional protection. Symptoms caused by wildfire smoke can include coughing, throat irritation, headaches and shortness of breath. Calgary is currently in the middle of a roughly two-week stretch of hot weather, with temperatures expected to reach or approach 30 C on most days. A well-fitted respirator, such as an N95, can provide additional protection when outdoors. Symptoms caused by wildfire smoke can include coughing, throat irritation, headaches and shortness of breath. Calgary is currently in the middle of a roughly two-week stretch of hot weather, with temperatures expected to reach or approach 30 C on most days. The smoke could prevent Calgary from reaching its forecast high of 32 C on Friday by limiting the amount of sunlight reaching the ground.
