Smoke has moved into the Airdrie area Saturday, with the local forecast calling for hazy skies, gusting winds and potential air quality health risks through the weekend.
Environment Canada’s forecast notes "local smoke" Saturday and "widespread smoke" Saturday night. Winds from the northwest are expected at 20 km/h, gusting to 40, before becoming light this evening. The daytime high is forecast at 20 C, with a low of 2 C and a risk of frost overnight.
As of 11 a.m., the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for Airdrie was listed at 4—moderate risk, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada. The AQHI is forecast to reach 5 Saturday night and 7—high risk—on Sunday and Sunday night.
No special air quality statement is in effect for Airdrie as of Saturday morning.
A separate real-time reading from IQAir reported an Air Quality Index of 105 in Airdrie at 11 a.m., classified as "unhealthy for sensitive groups."
The FireSmoke Canada interactive forecast map showed smoke moving into the Calgary region Saturday morning, most likely from the northwestern part of Alberta, where multiple wildfires are active. The model is available online.
Health guidance from Environment Canada advises at-risk populations—including seniors, children and people with heart or lung conditions—to reduce or reschedule outdoor activity if symptoms such as coughing or throat irritation appear. No changes are recommended for the general population unless symptoms develop.
Fire restrictions in place across region
Rocky View County Fire Services issued a fire ban Friday for both its East and West regions due to persistent hot and dry weather. The ban is in effect until conditions improve and applies to all burning and fireworks permits, which are now suspended.
Exceptions to the ban include:
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Indoor household fireplaces
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Camp stoves and barbecues (charcoal, propane, or natural gas)
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Wood pellet grills
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Propane or natural gas fire pits
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Oil well flaring (must be registered at 403-264-1022)
Within Airdrie, a fire advisory issued May 30 remains in effect. Campfires are currently allowed but may be restricted or banned in the coming days based on weather and fire risk.
Under Airdrie’s advisory:
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All existing fire permits are suspended (except acceptable burn barrels and incinerators)
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No new fire permits will be issued
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Some essential burning may be allowed at the discretion of the fire department
Prohibited:
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Burning without a valid fire permit (except backyard firepits)
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Consumer fireworks
Permitted:
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Residential backyard firepits and wood campfires meeting bylaw requirements
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CSA- or ULC-approved gas or propane fire pits
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Gas, propane, or electric stoves, BBQs, and smokers
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Solid-fuel BBQs (charcoal, briquettes, wood)
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CSA-approved catalytic or infrared heaters
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Farm-use burn barrels and approved incinerators
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Approved industrial site fires
Fines apply for any outdoor fire lit during a fire ban within city limits, and those responsible may be charged firefighting costs if a blaze escapes control.
Fire bans and advisories are jurisdiction-specific. Airdrie sets its own municipal status, while provincial restrictions apply to Crown Land within Alberta’s Forest Protection Area.
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