Alberta Health Services has issued a precautionary air quality advisory for the Jasper, Hinton and Edson areas as wildfires burns across British Columbia.
According to the provincial agency, the air quality in the region is expected to be variable over the coming days and potentially weeks.
Currently there are more than 200 active wildfires burning across B.C. and more than 14,000 people have been forced from their homes. The province has also declared a state of emergency and out-going premier Christy Clark announced聽 a $100 million relief fund to help affected communities.
Although minor smoke conditions do not typically cause health concerns in healthy individuals, if smoke conditions become more severe, even healthy individuals may experience temporary irritation of eyes and throat, and possibly shortness of breath, according to AHS.
If you can taste or smell smoke in the air the agency suggests people should try and minimize physical activity outdoors, remain indoors with windows, doors and air circulation fans/vents closed and if you are driving keep your windows closed and run your car fan on re-circulate mode to avoid drawing in outdoor air.
Individuals with respiratory conditions and individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions may notice a worsening of symptoms in smoky air conditions.聽 These individuals should monitor themselves and take the precautions routinely recommended by their physicians if symptoms get worse.
Individuals experiencing symptoms can also call Health Link 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free at 811, to speak to a registered nurse.
Information about the air quality in many areas of Alberta is updated hourly on the Alberta Environment Air Quality Website: Air quality information is also available by phone, toll-free, at 1-877-247-7333.
