A view above Sunnybrook Farm reveals a hazy looking sky in Red Deer and the surrounding region due to wildfire smoke drifting in from many parts of Alberta and B.C. (rdnewsNOW / Sheldon Spackman)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Wildfire Smoke

Special Air Quality Statement added to Heat Warning for Red Deer and surrounding area

Jul 15, 2021 | 11:41 AM

In addition to the ongoing Heat Warning currently in place for Red Deer and the surrounding region, Environment and Climate Change Canada has now issued a Special Air Quality Statement for the area as well.

The air quality statement is in effect for:

• Camrose Co. near Bashaw and Meeting Creek
• City of Red Deer
• Co. of Paintearth near Halkirk and Big Knife Prov. Park
• Co. of Stettler near Big Valley
• Co. of Stettler near Botha and Gadsby
• Co. of Stettler near Byemoor and Endiang
• Co. of Stettler near Donalda
• Co. of Stettler near Stettler Nevis and Rochon Sands
• Flagstaff Co. near Forestburg and Galahad
• Lacombe Co. near Clive Alix and Mirror
• Lacombe Co. near Eckville
• Lacombe Co. near Lacombe Blackfalds and Bentley
• Ponoka Co. near Ponoka and Maskwacis
• Red Deer Co. near Elnora Lousana and Delburne
• Red Deer Co. near Penhold Innisfail and Bowden
• Red Deer Co. near Pine Lake
• Red Deer Co. near Spruce View and Red Lodge Prov. Park
• Red Deer Co. near Sylvan Lake and Stephansson House

Officials say wildfire smoke is causing poor air quality and reducing visibility.

If you or those in your care are exposed to wildfire smoke, officials encourage you to consider taking extra precautions to reduce your exposure. Wildfire smoke is described as a constantly-changing mixture of particles and gasses which includes many chemicals that can harm your health.

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According to the Alberta Air Quality Health Index, Red Deer’s air quality reading is expected to reach a high of 8 on Thursday. On a scale of 1-10, a reading of 8 is categorized as a High Health Risk. A more moderate risk of 6 is forecast for Friday.

For more details, consult www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/air-quality-health-index/wildfire-smoke.html.

Meanwhile, a Heat Warning remains in effect for:

• Camrose Co. near Bashaw and Meeting Creek
• City of Red Deer
• Co. of Paintearth near Halkirk and Big Knife Prov. Park
• Co. of Stettler near Big Valley
• Co. of Stettler near Botha and Gadsby
• Co. of Stettler near Byemoor and Endiang
• Co. of Stettler near Donalda
• Co. of Stettler near Stettler Nevis and Rochon Sands
• Flagstaff Co. near Forestburg and Galahad
• Lacombe Co. near Clive Alix and Mirror
• Lacombe Co. near Eckville
• Lacombe Co. near Lacombe Blackfalds and Bentley
• Ponoka Co. near Ponoka and Maskwacis
• Red Deer Co. near Elnora Lousana and Delburne
• Red Deer Co. near Penhold Innisfail and Bowden
• Red Deer Co. near Pine Lake
• Red Deer Co. near Spruce View and Red Lodge Prov. Park
• Red Deer Co. near Sylvan Lake and Stephansson House

Daytime high temperatures ranging from 29 to 33 degrees Celsius combined with overnight lows of 14 to 17 degrees Celsius are expected through next week for much of central and southern Alberta.

Residents of and visitors to the warned regions are advised to take the following precautions to protect themselves, their families and their neighbours:

• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day.
• Take frequent breaks from the heat, spending time in cooled indoor spaces where possible.
• Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages to stay hydrated.
• Check for your children or pets before you exit your vehicle. Do not leave any person or pet inside a closed vehicle, for any length of time.

Monitor for symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, such as high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting, and unconsciousness.

Pay particular attention to individuals that can experience earlier or more severe effects from heat including infants, children, seniors, and individuals with pre-existing lung, heart, kidney, nervous system, mental health or diabetic conditions, outdoor workers, as well as those who are socially isolated.

Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

For more heat health advice, visit: www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/heat.aspx.

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