The Lladnar Creek wildfire in Sparwood is one of several wildfires in B.C. that is bringing smoke into Alberta, resulting in a new special air quality statement for the southwest corner of the province. (Photo from Aug. 13, 2023. Credit: David Wilks)

By David Opinko

Special air quality statement in southwest Alberta due to wildfire smoke

Aug 17, 2023 | 8:47 AM

CROWSNEST PASS, AB – The residents of several communities along the Alberta-B.C. border are advised to limit their exposure to wildfire smoke.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued special air quality statements for the areas of Crowsnest Pass-Pincher Creek-Waterton and Cardston-Fort Macleod-Magrath.

The weather forecaster reports that wildfire smoke from B.C. is making its way into the province and is negatively impacting air quality.

One of the notable fires in southeastern B.C. is the Lladnar Creek fire in Sparwood. According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, it has burned 1,246 hectares of land and is causing a significant amount of smoke.

ECCC said wildfire smoke concentrations can fluctuate over short distances and vary considerably from hour to hour.

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Although wildfire smoke can impact everybody’s health, they add that some people are particularly vulnerable.

“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,” reads a statement from ECCC. “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.”

ECCC advised the public to stay indoors as much as possible and refrain from utilizing other pollutants such as cigarettes, candles, frying foods and wood stoves.

ECCC does not monitor air quality levels in the communities impacted by the special air quality statement, but the rating for Lethbridge is currently three, or “low risk.”

Most of southern Alberta remains under a heat warning, which is expected to persist until Friday when temperatures are forecast to moderate.

READ MORE: Heat warning issued for nearly all of southern Alberta

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