Air quality statement issued for Calgary as wildfire smoke blankets sky

A special air quality statement has been issued for Calgary and surrounding areas on Wednesdaydue to forest fires burning near Hudson Bay,Sask.

Thewildfire in Saskatchewan has been the primary source of surface level smoke in Alberta over the past few days and had prompteda special air quality statementin parts of central Alberta, including Edmonton, Tuesday evening.

As of 6:30p.m. on Wednesday, alertswere still in placefor the following regions:

• Airdrie - Cochrane - Olds - Sundre.
• Bonnyville - St. Paul - Cold Lake - Lac La Biche.
• Brooks - Strathmore - Vulcan.
• City of Calgary.
• Drumheller - Three Hills.
• Hanna - Coronation - Oyen.
• Lloydminster - Wainwright - Vermilion - Provost.
• Red Deer - Ponoka - Innisfail - Stettler.

Environment Canada says poor air quality and reduced visibility are expected to continue Wednesday evening. As of 7:40 p.m. MT,the air quality in Calgary was a 7 on the Air Quality Health Index, which is considered high risk.

The smokemaycause symptoms such ascoughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, and seniors, as well as thosewith cardiovascular or lung disease, are considered especially at risk.

Meteorologist Justin Shelley with Environment and Climate Change Canada saidshifting winds were expected to pull that smoke from Saskatchewan out of the area by mid-day Thursday or earlier.

He added thatthey've alsobeentracking upper level smoke coming out of Montana in recent days.