Smoke from wildfires burning in British Columbia is wreaking havoc on a wide region in western Canada, reaching from northwestern B.C. all the way to central Manitoba.
Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement for the City of Calgary and much of the western part of the country on Wednesday morning.
The forecasted average in the city is an eight on the scale, or a high risk, but it could reach into the 10+ range for a very high risk in smoke.
The agency adds that air quality is expected to be poor throughout the week as well.
Officials say that there are certain groups who are particularly at risk because of smoke. Children, seniors and those with pre-existing health conditions could have difficulty in these conditions.
If you are prone to breathing difficulties, you are advised to remain inside in a place that is cool and ventilated.
Having an air conditioner that filters air can help, but if you don’t have air conditioning inside your home, consider going to a public facility that does.
Some Calgarians weren't going to let the smoky conditions get in the way of their tee time on Wednesday, but say that the air is pretty bad on the course.
"It was pretty grim. We were supposed to do 18 but we decided to just do nine," said Lynda Cherry. "I can feel it now at the back of my throat."
Another golfer says the conditions have been the worst she's ever seen on the course.
"It's sort of dissipated over the last few holes," said Shelly Azzopardi. "I usually walk this 18 but today I took a cart just because I didn't want to have the weight of the smoke in my lungs."
Stuart Brideaux, public education officer with Calgary EMS, says the air quality is very difficult to avoid no matter what you do.
"Being in an outside environment, whether it's for work or recreation or commuting can be most problematic. People who may feel the effects more are those who have underlying medical conditions already, generally of a respiratory nature."
He says that EMS see more of a rise in calls about respiratory issues during these smoke events.
"Not a lot can be done other than seeing if you can minimize the enviromental air exposure. When you stay inside, keep windows shut and not have new air drawn in via the furnace. Also be mindful of air conditioners and other appliances that will also drawn in environmental air."
Officials with Alberta Health Services say whenever there are smoky conditions present, they anticipate an increased amount of patients checking into doctor's offices and emergency rooms.
"Right now, the air quality index is in the high and very high range today, which is the top of the scale of the risk associated with poor air quality. It's happened the past few summers when we've gotten into this territory," says Dr. Jason Cabaj, Medical Officer of Health for the Calgary Zone.
If you have to go outside, Dr. Cabaj does say you can protect yourself with a mask, but only if it is properly fitted and the temperatures aren't too warm.
"They can increase the work of breathing and especially when it gets hot, that can be quite challenging to keep them on and use them. Our main recommendation is to do what they can to get out of the poor air."
Cabaj says that people should always monitor symptoms, both their own and those of their family members, to make sure they seek medical care when needed.
"If they notices any shortness of breath or anything concerning, they should speak to their health care provider, call Health Link at 811. If it turns out to be a really severe situation, consider going into an emergency room as they would for any other type of condition."
For more information on how to protect yourself during extremely smoky conditions as well as an update on the current Air Quality Health Index, visit www.airhealth.ca.
One of the major wildfires adding smoke to the Alberta region is the Wardle wildfire, burning in Kootenay National Park.
That blaze is approximately 3,600 hectares in size and continues to affect traffic on Highway 93 South.
Check DriveBC and 511 Alberta for the latest information on road conditions.
