The air quality in the Edmonton area and central Alberta is set to become very poor Wednesday evening, as a huge amount of smoke from the B.C. wildfires drifts over the mountains and settles across the province.
According to the Alberta Environment website, the capital region’s air quality health index (AQHI) could reach 8, or high, overnight. Alberta Health measures the AQHI on a scale of 1 to 10, with the higher the number, the greater the health risk.
READ MORE: Fire ban issued for southern Alberta, including backcountry Kananaskis Country
“We may experience periods where there’s increased haze in the air,” said Dr. Chris Sikora with Alberta Health Services.
“You may actually be able to smell or taste the wildfire smoke itself and that’s a lot of the particulate matter, the very fine particles that are blowing as a result of the combustion of the fires burning in British Columbia.”
Environment Canada believes the corridor of thickest smoke and thus poorest air quality will be between Hinton, Red Deer and Edmonton.
READ MORE: More smoke coming: air quality in Edmonton expected to worsen
The weather agency said the smoke will remain over western and central Alberta until at least Thursday afternoon or evening, when thunderstorms may flush out some of the smoke.
A special air quality statement was put in place for much of central Alberta. Click here for the details from Environment Canada.
The City of Edmonton has between 300 and 400 kids enrolled in outdoor summer camps this week. Staff are keeping an eye on the air quality because of the B.C. wildfires.
“When a special air advisory came out yesterday, we sent out a memo to parents letting them know that there could be program modifications happening for this week based on what we were seeing with the air quality,” said Elena Londeau, a supervisor with Edmonton programs and events.
“Our staff are trained to do all kinds of activities — activities that can be done indoors or outside — and they’re always monitoring the kids.
“They have their First Aid and CPR. They’re monitoring the kids all the time,” Londeau said.
Watch below: The air quality in the Edmonton area and central Alberta is set to become very poor Wednesday evening as smoke blows in from BC. Julia Wong reports from the river valley.
Several construction workers in Edmonton Wednesday said it would “probably” take a lot of smoke to keep them from working.
“So far it’s been alright,” Matt Visser said.
Still, they’re keeping an eye on the air quality levels.
“If I notice that it’s going to get unsafe and it starts affecting me, I definitely take a break… or quit for the day,” Denen Stembridge said. “Safety first, always.”
What to do about breathing difficulties
Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.
Environment Canada said generally, wearing a mask is not the best way to protect your health during a smoke event and may lead to a false sense of security.
WATCH: The air quality in Edmonton is expected to worsen into Wednesday as smoke from the B.C. wildfires makes its way into Alberta. Su-Ling Goh has the details.
Those with breathing difficulties are advised to find an indoor place that is cool and ventilated. “Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn’t air conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air conditioned.”
READ MORE: Jasper National Park under fire ban due to high risk of wildfire
Close to 40,000 people have been ordered to leave the southern and central B.C. Interior because of the fires and another 17,000 remain on evacuation alert.
For up-to-date information on the air quality across the province, visit Alberta Health’s website.
To see a radar map of the smoke forecast, visit Alberta Wildfire’s website.
Want your weather on the go? Download the Global News Skytracker weather app for IOS and Android.
— With files from Caley Ramsay and Emily Mertz
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