Environment and Climate Change Canada continued an air quality warning Thursday for Red Deer and Mountain View counties and nearby urban centres along with an even larger portion of Alberta compared to Wednesday.
“Smoke is causing very poor air quality and reduced visibility in some areas,” the federal agency’s 5:28 a.m. Sept.4 alert said for both counties. “Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.”
Included in the air quality warning is:
• Mountain View County near Olds, Sundre, Cremona, Water Valley, Didsbury and Carstairs.
• Red Deer County near Innisfail, Penhold, Bowden, Elnora, Lousana, Delburne, Pine Lake Spruce View, Red Lodge Provincial Park and Sylvan Lake.
This marks the fourth consecutive day Environment and Climate Change Canada issued an air quality warning for Red Deer County due to smoke and the third day for Mountain View County.
Air quality in Red Deer is forecast to be at a high health risk Thursday turning to a moderate health risk at night, according to the federal agency's air quality health index forecast.
“During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status. Limit time outdoors. Reschedule or cancel outdoor sports, activities and events,” the warning said.
“People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms,” it continued.
Affected people may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough.
“More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance,” the warning said.
