An air quality advisory is in effect for most of Alberta Wednesday including Mountain View and Red Deer counties and the urban centres located near them.
“Wildfire smoke is causing or expected to cause very poor air quality and reduced visibility,” said Environment Canada in its 2:34 p.m. Aug. 14 warning.
The following areas are included in the warning:
• Mountain View County near Carstairs, Stirlingville, Cremona, Water Valley, Olds, Didsbury and Sundre.
• Red Deer County near Elnora, Lousana, Delburne, Penhold, Innisfail, Bowden, Pine Lake, Spruce View, Red Lodge Provincial Park and Sylvan Lake.
The warning says air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.
“During heavy smoke conditions, everyone is at risk regardless of their age or health.
The fine particles in wildfire smoke pose the main health risk,” the warning states.
People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke such as seniors, those who are pregnant, people who smoke, infants and young children, people who work outdoors, people involved in strenuous outdoor exercise and people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, are encouraged to avoid strenuous activities outdoors.
