(rdnewsNOW/Josh Halll)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

take precautions

Wildfire smoke prompts Special Air Quality Statement for Red Deer

May 16, 2023 | 10:05 AM

As Red Deerians have likely figured out, the air quality in the region is less than optimal as of Tuesday morning.

Thus, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a Special Air Quality Statement. In fact, air quality advisories are in place for most of the province.

ECCC says conditions in Red Deer are expected to improve on Wednesday, and in fact look to gradually improve throughout the day today, according to the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI).

As of 9 a.m. on Tuesday, the risk for Red Deer is listed at 8, or ‘high risk’, on the Alberta Government’s AQHI website.

Red Deer’s PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) reading as of 9 a.m. was 137.3 μg/m3.

Last seen March 31

Missing: Eugenie Headman, 66, of Maskwacis

Apr 04, 2026

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

Apr 02, 2026

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

Apr 02, 2026

At 8 a.m. it was 183.8, and at 7 a.m. it was 128.3.

At 9 a.m. on Monday, Red Deer sat at a 2 rating, and an 8.3 PM2.5 reading.

Other areas such as Airdrie, Calgary, Drayton Valley, Edson, and Grande Prairie are listed at 10 or 10+, with is ‘very high risk.’

PM2.5 ratings elsewhere (as of 9 a.m.)

Drayton Valley: 487.1
Airdrie: 371.2
Calgary Southeast: 277.6
Edmonton East: 64.9
Tamarack: 180.9
Grimshaw: 105.4
Edson: 119.8

Statement from ECCC for Red Deer:

Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke.

People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke. Speak with your health care provider about developing a management plan for wildfire smoke events and maintaining a supply of necessary medications at home and always carrying these medications with you during wildfire season.

Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feel unwell. Contact your health care provider or local health authority if you develop severe symptoms or need advice.

Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and monitor your symptoms. People respond differently to smoke. Mild irritation and discomfort are common, and usually disappear when the smoke clears. Drinking lots of water can help your body cope with the smoke.

If you have an HVAC system in your home, use the highest rated MERV filter for your system (ideally rated 13 or higher) and set the fan to recirculate air constantly. You can also use a portable High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) air cleaner. Keep your doors and windows closed if the temperature in your home is comfortable.

Take a break from the smoke at a location in your community where you can find clean, cool air.

If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face, can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke. These fine particles generally pose the greatest risk to health. However, respirators do not reduce exposure to the gases in wildfire smoke. It is important to listen to your body and reduce or stop activities if you are experiencing symptoms.

Be sure to check on people in your care and those around you who may be more susceptible to smoke. Reduce sources of indoor air pollution. If you can, avoid smoking or vaping indoors, burning incense and candles, frying foods, using wood stoves and vacuuming. Dust on indoor surfaces can be removed by wiping and wet mopping during a pollution episode.

If you experience any feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, contact your mental health care provider for advice or visit https://www.wellnesstogether.ca/en-CA.

For more information please visit Alberta Health Services at www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/air.aspx.

Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.

This weather advisory, which is subject to change, can be viewed here.