By Laine Mitchell (Twitter: @Laine_Mitchell)

Smoke-filled air spurs special air quality statement for Drayton Valley

Aug 7, 2018 | 3:28 PM

A blood orange sun shone over much of Alberta on Tuesday, with a plume of smoke arriving in the province courtesy of wildfires burning across neighbouring British Columbia.   

Albertans across the province noticed the taste and smell of smoke hanging in the air, with many towns and cities air qualities deteriorating throughout the day. 

Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement for the Town of Drayton Valley along with surrounding towns and hamlets, including Breton, Warburg, Devon, Calmar and Pigeon Lake. 

The Air Quality Health Index for Drayton Valley reached an 8 on a possible scale of 10 Tuesday afternoon, signalling ‘high risk.’

That means those at risk, including children, seniors and people with a heart or lung disease should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors. 

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The general population are advised to reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.

Meteorologists said that during a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour.