The weather service said smoke from the wildfires is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility. According to the BC Wildfire Service, as of Sunday morning there are more than 190 active wildfires in BC with more than 60 burning in the southeast fire centre. Alberta is reporting 49 active fires in the province as of Sunday morning. Areas affected include:
Calgary Edmonton Airdrie Banff National Park Brooks Cardston Cold Lake Crowsnest pass drum lighter Waterton Lakes National Park Cypress Hills Provincial Park Drayton Valley drum lighter Edson Fort Saskatchewan Grande Prairie Hannah Hinton Large cache Jasper National Park Kananaskis Leduc Lethbridge Medicine hat Nordegg Okotoks Peace River Red Deer Rocky Mountain House
Fire crews continue to work to extinguish a large wildfire in Jasper National Park. “Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can vary over short distances and can vary significantly from hour to hour,” Environment Canada said in its air quality advisory. “People may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath.” Children, the elderly and people with cardiovascular or pulmonary disease are considered to be at particular risk. Health information on air quality can be found here. Alberta Wildfire has placed most of Alberta under fire warnings, restrictions or bans.
