Environment Canada says current indications point to Central Alberta being in the path of the thickest smoke from the B-C wildfires today, leading to poor air quality between Edmonton, Red Deer and Hinton.

It may cause you to experience increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath.

Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.

Issued by Environment Canada, Alberta Environment and Parks and Alberta Health.

Special air quality statement in effect for:

• Camrose Co. near Bashaw and Meeting Creek
• City of Red Deer
• Co. of Paintearth near Halkirk and Big Knife Prov. Park
• Co. of Stettler near Big Valley
• Co. of Stettler near Botha and Gadsby
• Co. of Stettler near Byemoor and Endiang
• Co. of Stettler near Donalda
• Co. of Stettler near Stettler Nevis and Rochon Sands
• Flagstaff Co. near Forestburg and Galahad
• Lacombe Co. near Clive Alix and Mirror
• Lacombe Co. near Eckville
• Lacombe Co. near Lacombe Blackfalds and Bentley
• Ponoka Co. near Ponoka and Maskwacis
• Red Deer Co. near Elnora Lousana and Delburne
• Red Deer Co. near Penhold Innisfail and Bowden
• Red Deer Co. near Pine Lake
• Red Deer Co. near Spruce View and Red Lodge Prov. Park
• Red Deer Co. near Sylvan Lake and Stephansson House

A smoke event will occur in western and central Alberta beginning today.

Forest fires in BC are generating huge amounts of smoke over western Canada. This smoke will cross the Rockies through the day today.

Due to the smoke, the AQHI will likely reach above 10, or very high risk, in parts of western and central Alberta today. There is some uncertainty as to where the thickest smoke will set up, but current indications are that the corridor of thickest smoke and thus poorest air quality will be between Hinton, Red Deer, and Edmonton.

The smoke will remain over western and central Alberta until at least Thursday afternoon or evening, when thunderstorms may flush out some of the smoke.
Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.

In general, wearing a mask is not the best way to protect your health during a smoke event. In fact, masks may lead to a false sense of security, which may encourage increased physical activity and time spent outdoors, meaning increased exposure to smoke. They can also make breathing more difficult.

People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.

Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties. Find an indoor place that's cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn't air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned.

Be air aware! Check your local weather forecasts and alerts so you know when to take extra care.

Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.