Smoke will continue to cover the city for the next several days. (Photo Courtesy Bob Schneider)

By Gates Guarin

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes

Smoke from Western forest fires blanketing Medicine Hat, most of southern Alberta

Sep 13, 2022 | 5:16 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The summer of 2022 has been a summer of extreme weather conditions. June started off mainly cool and wet. July brought damaging winds and the touchdown of a tornado, followed by a prolonged period of extreme heat. Now, smoke from forest fires have been making its way into Medicine Hat.

“This year, we had a really different story at the start of summer versus the end,” says Kyle Fougere, meteorologist for Environment Canada. Fougere says there are currently more than 100 active fires in B.C. alone, and a westerly wind will continue to push smoke from B.C. as well as the northwestern United States our way.

He says the current weather pattern is forecast to remain stable for the next several days, causing the smoke and particulates in the air to linger.

A special air quality statement has already been issued, and conditions are expected to get worse before they get better, especially in the afternoon and evening hours. Fougere says things could change in an instant.

“With smoke forecasting, it’s really difficult because the concentration can change really quickly over a short period of time, and it can shift over very short distances quite quickly,” says Fougere.

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The wind pattern is not expected to changed until at least this weekend, prompting Alberta Health Services to remind more vulnerable individuals, such as seniors and children, to take even more precautions. Dr. Vivien Suttorp, medical officer of health for Alberta Health Services’ South Zone, says those with underlying respiratory and cardiovascular issues should also use extreme precautions if outdoors for an extended period of time.

“There are some individuals who are more sensitive to air quality and activities outside, for example as opposed to others,” says Suttorp.

Medicine Hat public schools will be monitoring the ongoing air quality to keep students as safe as possible.

Mark Davidson, public school division superintendent, said in a statement:

“Medicine Hat Public School Division is monitoring Government of Canada’s Air Quality Health Index regarding smoke from wildfires in BC and the impact on parts of Alberta. If the index rises to level 7 “high risk”, we will move to “Shelter in Place” and all outside activities and recess breaks will be transitioned.

Parents are encouraged to communicate with the school if their child has a medical concern that requires a higher level of caution.”

Suttorp says to use your best judgment when spending time both indoors and outdoors. She says to make sure windows are closed and ventilation systems are shut off. She also recommends drivers use the re-circulation function when driving.

“Check out what it’s like outside before you go out,” Suttorp says. “If you truly have significant underlying conditions which make it more difficult for you to breath, ideally you stay home and see how it goes throughout the day if you can do that activity outside after.”