Wildfires prompt air quality advisories across most of Alberta

Wildfire smoke has resulted in poor air quality warnings being issued for much of Alberta, including Calgary and Edmonton while smoke coming in from the B.C. wildfires has prompted air quality alerts as far away as Manitoba.

The advisories, which Environment Canada issued on Tuesday shortly after 3 p.m., come as much of the province is mired in a heat wave.

“During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour by hour,” read the statement.

Alberta Health Services issued its own advisory on Wednesday afternoon.

“Although minor smoke conditions do not typically cause health concerns in healthy individuals, if smoke conditions become more severe, even healthy individuals may experience temporary irritation of eyes and throat and possibly shortness of breath,” the advisory read.

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Both agencies advised people with breathing difficulties to stay inside.

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“Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath,” Environment Canada said.

“Children, seniors and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.”

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AHS also recommended that everyone monitor any symptoms and minimize outdoor activity.

Drivers should also keep their windows closed and run the car fan on recirculate mode to avoid drawing in outside air, AHS added.

For more information, check out the Air Quality Health Index and the provincial summary for Alberta.

AHS said the advisory will be in place until further notice.

Environment Canada did not say which wildfires prompted the advisories, however, there are currently hundreds of blazes burning in B.C.

Anyone suffering from symptoms can call Health Link at 811 to speak with a registered nurse.

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Heat warnings are also in effect for most of Alberta.

For a complete listing of weather watches and warnings across the province, visit Public Weather Alerts.