Wildfire Smoke Settles Over Bow Valley as Air Quality Deteriorates

If the mountains looked hazy Monday afternoon, you're not imagining it.

A special air quality statement has been issued for Banff National Park, Canmore, Exshaw, Ghost Lake and the Kananaskis region as wildfire smoke moving west from northern Saskatchewan spreads across Alberta.

Forecasters say the smoke is expected to remain over parts of the province for the next couple of days, with air quality and visibility likely to fluctuate as conditions change.

The advisory has been issued with a moderate impact level and high forecast confidence, meaning most people may notice the smoke, while those with underlying health conditions or greater exposure could experience more significant effects.

Health officials say smoke can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, while prolonged exposure may cause headaches or coughing. More serious symptoms, including wheezing, chest pain or severe coughing, are less common but require medical attention if they occur.

People most vulnerable to wildfire smoke include seniors, infants and young children, pregnant people, those with chronic heart or lung conditions, and anyone who works outdoors. Officials recommend these groups reduce or postpone strenuous outdoor activities while smoke remains in the area.

For everyone else, the advice is straightforward: spend less time outdoors when smoke is heavy, keep windows and doors closed when practical, and use high-quality furnace filters or portable air cleaners indoors if available. Anyone who must spend extended periods outside may benefit from wearing a properly fitted N95 respirator or equivalent mask to reduce exposure to fine smoke particles.

The advisory was issued jointly by Environment Canada, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services. More information on reducing health risks from wildfire smoke is available at airhealth.ca.