Wildfire smoke spurs air quality statement for parts of Alberta

CALGARY – Smoky conditions caused by wildfires in Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories are causing poor air quality in parts of Alberta on Wednesday.

The air quality statement was in effect for Medicine Hat, Fort McMurray, Fort Mackay and Fort Chipewyan areas as of 10:02 a.m.

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People living or travelling in the affected areas may experience irritated eyes and throat and / or shortness of breath.

The statement suggests closing and locking outside windows and doors, turning down furnace thermostats and furnace fans to minimum settings and keeping any air conditioner fresh-air intakes closed and the filter clean. People should also avoid running fans or using wood-burning fireplaces or other smoke-producing appliances, including candles.

For the latest updates on the air quality, click here.

READ MORE: Health officials warn of dangerously hot weather across Alberta