(Canadian Press)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

take precautions

Air quality once again poor across central Alberta

Aug 14, 2021 | 1:27 PM

A special air quality statement is again in effect for much of central Alberta.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) says wildfire smoke is causing the poor air quality and reducing visibility at times.

It is in place for the following communities:

• 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
• Rocky Mountain House
• Drayton Valley

Air quality can fluctuate over short distances and vary from hour to hour.

Chad Krahn

Unofficial 2024 By-Election Results

2h ago

Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association

Lacombe farmer speaks at provincial conference about increasing rural crime and mental health strains

8h ago

April 23-May 2, 2024

Red Deer Public Schools set to launch Open House series

8h ago

According to the ECCC:

Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.

If your home is not air-conditioned, be sure the house doesn’t get too warm when doors and windows are closed to keep out smoke. Exposure to too much heat can also result in illness.

Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties. Find an indoor place that’s cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn’t air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned.

Be air aware! Check your local weather forecasts and alerts so you know when to take extra care.

To check the latest Air Quality Health Index ratings, visit airquality.alberta.ca.

This advisory is subject to change and can be followed here.