BANFF – Alberta and British Columbia wildfire smoke has prompted an air quality advisory for Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis, the MD of Bighorn and the Îyârhe (Stoney) Nakoda First Nation.
As the Bow Valley is under a heat warning and with temperatures expected to reach between 28 and 38 degrees Celsius this week, plus a combination of wildfire smoke, there is potential for increase health risks.
“The fine particles in wildfire smoke pose the main health risk. As smoke levels increase, health risks increase,” reads to the statement from Environment Canada.
“Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour,” reads the statement.
The Town of Jasper and Jasper National Park began evacuating Monday night due to wildfires close to the community.
Those who are more prone to be impacted from the smoke should reduce or reschedule outdoor activities and pay attention to symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, chest pains and severe coughing.
“Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air purifier that can filter fine particles,” reads the statement.
The statement suggests using a respirator such as a NIOSH-certified N-95 or equivalent respirator.
There are currently 170 wildfires burning in Alberta, including carryover but not mutual aid wildfires. This year, there have been 770 wildfires not including mutual aid or carryover wildfires.
According to firesmoke.ca, smoke is forecasted to worsen in the coming days for Bow Valley.
In British Columbia, there are 368 active wildfires with 873 wildfires in total this year.
