Wildfire smoke drifts into Alberta, triggers air quality warnings

Affected residents urged to take precautions winds push smoke south

Smoke from wildfires burning across the Canadian north has drifted into Alberta, causing air quality concerns.

Environment Canada has issued a series of alerts, warning that smoke pollution is causing “very poor air quality” and reduced visibility in communities across northern and central parts of Alberta.

Forecasting models from FireSmoke Canada, a University of British Columbia project that tracks wildfire weather across the country, shows the haze is drifting south from more than 200 fires raging across the Northwest Territories, including a blaze which has forced the evacuation of a community called Wrigley.

Fire outside Wrigley, N.W.T., moves closer to community

Orange and yellow warnings from Environment Canada remain in effect for nearly 140 communities, warning that wildfire smoke is expected to blanket the region.

As of Monday morning, the smoky conditions were most severe in the northern stretches of Alberta.

According to reports issued Monday by the federal Air Quality Health Index, which tracks airborne pollution levels across the country, the Fort McMurray region has a high risk, while Grande Prairie was rated as a very high risk due to current levels of contamination in the air.

Essential workers evacuate Wrigley, N.W.T., as fire nears

The haze expected to reach parts of central Alberta, including the Edmonton region, later on Monday.

In Edmonton, according to air quality monitoring forecasts, local pollution levels are expected to reach a very high risk rating later Monday with severe concentrations of smoke expected to linger through to the morning.

Environment Canada officials cautioned that air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can change rapidly over short distances and from hour to hour and can pose a potential health risk to everyone, regardless of their age or health status.

People more likely to be affected by wildfire smoke, include those aged 65 and older, infants and young children, those pregnant or people with an existing illness.

Here's how wildfire smoke exposure can impact your health

Long-term health effects of wildfire smoke exposure a growing concern

Residents in affected communities are urged to take precautions, to limit their time outdoors or consider wearing a respiratory mask if they must spend extended time outside. They can also limit their exposure by using an air filter in their homes and keeping their windows and doors closed.

Smoke exposure may cause common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough, Environment Canada cautioned. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains and severe cough.

Anyone experiencing severe symptoms is urged to seek immediate medical attention.