MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - Persons impacted by wildfire smoke in the area are being offered support in the form of free masking.
In a release posted on the county's website on June 19, Mountain View County (MVC) officials said thanks to a generous donation from the Canadian Red Cross, the county now has free N-95 masks available to “help protect residents from wildfire smoke and other air quality issues.”
An N-95 mask is a respiratory protective device designed to filter airborne particles.
The protective masks can be picked up at the front counter at the county office, located at 1402 Twp. Rd 1408, just west of Highway 2A between Olds and Didsbury.
“A limited supply will also be available at the county’s annual upcoming pancake breakfast on June 27 at the Bergen Community Hall, officials said,. “thank you to the Red Cross for supporting our community.”
On its website, the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) said, “On behalf of the Government of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross is distributing N-95 respirator masks, free of charge, to Canadian organizations located in communities at risk of exposure to wildfire smoke that may impact air quality.
“As of May 2025, organizations can request to receive N95 respirator masks, free of charge. This will allow organizations to distribute respirator masks to the communities and people they serve, to help mitigate the impacts of wildfire smoke.”
The masks will be distributed free of charge across Canada, on a first-come, first-served basis, from May until October 2025, CRC officials said.
