Wildfires in western, northern Alberta trigger air quality warnings for some regions
Wildfire smoke has sparked the national weather agency to issue air quality warnings around the county of Grande Prairie and the northwestern corner of Alberta, and air quality statements for much of northern Alberta.
Wildfire smoke has sparked the national weather agency to issue air quality warnings around the county of Grande Prairie and the northwestern corner of Alberta, and air quality statements for much of northern Alberta.
Parts of central Alberta, particularly the greater Edmonton area, are also expected to experience poor air this weekend, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada's (ECCC) air quality health index, which measures how safe the air is to breathe.
The Alberta Wildfire dashboard shows several out-of-control fires around the Alberta-B.C. border, including one that forced the County of Grande Prairie in western Alberta to expand an existing evacuation order Friday evening.
The Sousa Creek fire in the High Level Forest Area is still out of control, spanning nearly 39,600 hectares as of 8 a.m. MT Saturday, the dashboard shows. The flames are burning just south of Chateh, Alta., about 660 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, and forced Dene Tha' First Nation to evacuate people living there on May 29.
The ECCC air quality warnings say wildfire smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility in those regions.
The agency advises people in those places to limit their time outdoors, including rescheduling or cancelling outdoor sports or events.
The greater Edmonton area, including places like Fort Saskatchewan and Drayton Valley, are expected to experience high risk air quality throughout the weekend, the ECCC air quality health index shows.
The City of Edmonton activated its extreme weather response for poor air quality Saturday morning, it announced in a news release.
The response, initiated when the index forecasts seven out of 10 or higher for two consecutive days, is meant to help "vulnerable people" stay safe. It's currently expected to last until 9 a.m. Monday, but it can be extended if needed.
Open city-owned facilities, such as recreation centres and libraries, are available to people who need a break from smoke, the release said, adding that some of those facilities also offer free N95 masks and bottled watter.
Red Deer, Alta., a city about 140 kilometres south of Edmonton, could also see moderate risk air Saturday, which could worsen Sunday, the air quality health index shows.
