Rocky View Schools has announced that recess and lunch breaks may be held indoors due to the smoke in Airdrie and the surrounding areas.
"RVS schools have been directed to follow the Government of Canada’s Air Quality Health Index due to heavy smoke in the region. Conditions may vary by community. Schools are asked to keep students indoors for recess and lunch breaks if the air quality is at 7/high risk or higher in their area. Conditions and decisions on indoor activities may change throughout the day."
Parents keeping students home due to air quality health issues are reminded to report their absence to their school.
As of 8 a.m., the AQHI in Airdrie is 8, classified as high risk. The AQHI scale runs from 1 to 10+, with 1–3 indicating low risk, 4–6 moderate risk, 7–10 high risk, and 10+ very high risk. The air quality may worsen throughout the day according to the AQHI forecast:
-
Wednesday: AQHI 10+ — very high risk
-
Wednesday night: AQHI 8 — high risk
-
Thursday: AQHI 4 — moderate risk
-
Thursday night: AQHI 4 — moderate risk
For at-risk populations — including children, elderly, pregnant people, and those with chronic illnesses — the agency recommends reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities.
The general population is advised to consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if symptoms such as coughing or throat irritation develop.
Environment Canada issued an air quality warning early Wednesday for Rocky View County near Airdrie and Crossfield.
"Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility," Environment Canada said in its 4:05 a.m. advisory. "Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour."
Federal health guidance identifies individuals aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, those with existing illnesses or chronic health conditions, and outdoor workers as more vulnerable.
The agency warned vulnerable groups should avoid strenuous outdoor activity and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
"During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status," the advisory said.
Common symptoms include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, or a mild cough. More serious symptoms — such as wheezing, chest pains or a severe cough — require immediate medical attention.
Environment Canada recommends residents limit time outdoors, keep windows and doors closed, and avoid outdoor sports or events.
The agency advises using a clean, good quality air filter in home ventilation systems or certified portable air cleaners that can filter fine particles. Those who must go outside are urged to wear a well-constructed, well-fitting, and properly worn respirator mask such as a NIOSH-certified N95.
"A well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke," Environment Canada said. "Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health."
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM.
DiscoverAirdrie encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverAirdrie app.
Best Western Hotels and Resorts