At 4:52 a.m., Sunday (July 21), Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement for parts of Central Alberta.
The statement is in effect for Lacombe County, Lacombe, Blackfalds, and Bentley.
Wildfire smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility.
Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.
The fine particles in wildfire smoke pose the main health risk. As smoke levels increase, health risks increase.
People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke include pregnant people, seniors, infants, people who work outdoors, and people with an existing illness or chronic health condition.
Those more likely to be impacted should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors or seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms, including eye, nose, and throat irritation, chest pains, or severe cough.
Limit time outdoors. When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool.
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