Air quality statement issued for Calgary as wildfire smoke moves in

A special air quality statement was issued for Calgary and Rocky View County near Cochrane on Wednesday, July 14.

Environment Canada, Alberta Environment and Parks, Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services issued the statement after 7:30 p.m., saying “wildfire smoke is causing poor air quality and reducing visibility.”

Special air quality warnings also included Canmore, Kananaskis and Banff and Jasper national parks.

The air quality statement for Calgary and Cochrane ended on July 20 after 4:30 a.m. The statement was in effect for Calgary for approximately five days and nine hours, according to Environment Canada.

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The weather agency said to take extra precautions to minimize your smoke exposure when air quality statements are issued.

“Wildfire smoke is a constantly changing mixture of particles and gasses, which includes many chemicals that can harm your health,” it said.

A heat warning was also in effect for Calgary from July 13 at 4:15 p.m. to July 16 at 4:30 a.m., according to Environment Canada.

“Daytime high temperatures ranging from 29 to 33 degrees Celsius combined with overnight lows of 14 to 17 degrees Celsius are expected through next week for much of central and southern Alberta,” Environment Canada said on July 14.

“Areas around and including Edmonton to Cold Lake may see slightly cooler temperatures, in the 25 to 28 degrees Celsius range, starting on Friday.”