Wildfire smoke drifts into Alberta, triggers air quality warnings across the province

Smoke from wildfires burning across the Canadian north has drifted into Alberta, causing air quality concerns across the province.

Environment Canada has issued a series of alerts warning that smoke pollution is causing "very poor air quality" and reduced visibility in communities across northern and central parts of Alberta. The haze is drifting south from more than 200 fires raging across the Northwest Territories, including a blaze which has forced the evacuation of the community of Wrigley.

As of Monday morning, July 20, the smoky conditions were most severe in the northern stretches of Alberta. According to the federal Air Quality Health Index, the Fort McMurray region was rated as high risk, while Grande Prairie was rated as very high risk. In Edmonton, pollution levels are expected to reach a very high risk rating later Monday, with severe concentrations of smoke expected to linger through to the morning.

Environment Canada cautioned that air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can change rapidly over short distances and from hour to hour. People more likely to be affected include those aged 65 and older, infants and young children, pregnant people, and those with existing illnesses. Residents in affected communities are urged to limit time outdoors, consider wearing a respiratory mask if spending extended time outside, and use air filters in their homes while keeping windows and doors closed.