Special wildfire-related air quality statements in place for Calgary and most of Alberta
Western Canada is blanketed in a thick layer of wildfire smoke reducing visibility and prompting special air quality statements.
According to the Air Quality Health Index, Calgary's air quality was rated at an eight Monday morning, which, on a scale of one to 10+, is considered high risk. It was down to a three by Monday afternoon which is considered low risk.
The heavy smoke in the air can cause those with respiratory health concerns to feel worse.
Wildfires are raging in British Columbia and, here in Alberta, fire officials continue to douse hot spots of a wildfire near Dead Man's Flats on the south side of the Trans-Canada Highway near Canmore.
The fire near Canmore is currently being held and is considered under control, but the blaze contributed to heavy smoke over the weekend since it ignited Friday evening.
The B.C. Wildfire Service says there are approximately 270 active wildfires burning in that province.
According to Environment Canada, the smoke pollution can cause increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath.
The smoke includes a mix of particles, chemicals and gases in air that is considered harmful and its recommended that people limit their time outdoors.
The air quality in southern Alberta is expected to improve by Tuesday evening with rain in the forecast.
TRAVELLERS WATCHING THE SKY
Several Calgarians have told CTV News they have cancelled road trips to B.C. this month or returned early to be on the safe side with conditions changing by the hour.
Some Albertans have opted to stay closer to home.
“We’ve been travelling around Alberta for a while and we go (to B.C.) when it’s less smoky. We didn’t have much choice here because you have to book in advance so we’re hoping it will be okay,” said Mike Golko, from Sherwood Park is camping in Kananaskis Country for four nights with his family.
Golko said they usually travel to B.C. once a year but might may plans for later tin the fall or won’t go this year because of the crowds and wildfires.
Bob Fuschs was just passing through Alberta from Manitoba on his motorcycle to visit family in Shuswap Lake.
“We gotta go, I’m not getting any younger,” said Fuschs, but said family is keeping them updated on conditions.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Maple Leafs fall to Bruins in Game 3, trail series 2-1
Brad Marchand scored twice, including the winner in the third period, and added an assist as the Boston Bruins downed the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 to take a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series Wednesday
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
New Indigenous loan guarantee program a 'really big deal,' Freeland says at Toronto conference
Canada's Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland was among the 1,700 delegates attending the two-day First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) conference that concluded Tuesday in Toronto.
'Life was not fair to him': Daughter of N.B. man exonerated of murder remembers him as a kind soul
The daughter of a New Brunswick man recently exonerated from murder, is remembering her father as somebody who, despite a wrongful conviction, never became bitter or angry.