On Wednesday evening, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued a special air quality statement for Airdrie and the surrounding areas. 

"Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility. Air quality and reduced visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour," the statement read.

Environment Canada is also reminding residents that wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations.

"Continue to take actions to protect your health and reduce exposure to 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."

It is advised to stop outdoor activities and contact your healthcare provider if you or someone in your care experiences shortness of breath, wheezing (including asthma attacks), severe cough, dizziness or chest pains. Stay inside if you are feeling unwell and experiencing symptoms. Keep your indoor air clean and keep your doors and windows closed if the temperature in your home is comfortable.

"Use an air purifier with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter in a room where you spend a lot of time. Avoid air purifiers that produce ozone. Check the filter and change it if required. Take a break from the smoke by temporarily relocating or finding a location in your community with clean, cool air such as a library, shopping mall or community centre."

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.

Be sure to check on people in your care and those around you who may be more susceptible to smoke. Pay attention to information and direction from your local authorities and evacuate if told to do so.

Review your wildfire smoke plan and make sure you have enough medical supplies if the smoke continues to impact your community. 

The advisory is in effect for Airdrie, Cochrane, Olds, and Sundre.