A precautionary fire smoke advisory was issued yesterday for Sundre and areas that could be affected by a prescribed burn in Yoho National Park.
Over the weekend, Parks Canada fire crews were preparing the main unit of the Red Deer River Prescribed Fire for ignition sometime this week.
The fire is located adjacent to the park's east boundary, 12 kilometres west of the Ya Ha Tinda Ranch and 51 kilometres north of Lake Minnewanka.
Ignition of the main unit will proceed after September 12, as conditions allow, according to Parks Canada staff.
According to Alberta Health Services officials, prescribed burns ensure smoke is managed more effectively than wildfires; however, smoke conditions in surrounding communities can vary depending on current weather conditions and prevailing winds.
Banff, Bragg Creek, Calgary, Canmore, Cochrane, Cremona, Exshaw, Kananaskis, Lake Louise, Morley, Sundre, and surrounding areas were placed under the AHS advisory.
The advisory will remain in effect for the duration of the prescribed burn, Sept. 12 through Sept. 14.
In preparation for the ignition of the main unit, an additional 150 hectares was burned within the east guard and burn operations were conducted in Scotch Camp meadow.
Guards are prepared and burned prior to igniting the main unit to contain the fire.
Although minor smoke conditions do not typically cause health concerns in most healthy individuals, health officials say if smoke conditions become more severe, even healthy individuals may experience irritation of eyes, throat and possibly shortness of breath.
Individuals with respiratory conditions such as COPD and asthma, and individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions such as angina, previous heart attack and congestive heart failure, may be more likely to notice a worsening of their symptoms.
AHS officials say all residents and visitors to these communities are advised to monitor their own health, and adapt their activities as necessary.
