LAKELAND - On Wednesday morning, the skies over much of the Lakeland region were hazy, with widespread smoke believed to be coming from wildfires in northern B.C. and Alberta.
According to Randi Adams, a spokesperson with the Alberta government, there were seven new wildfire starts over Tuesday night. However, she explained, they are already either labelled as under control or being held.
An air quality advisory was put into effect on Aug. 14 by Environment Canada. Information from the Environment Canada states that wildfire smoke is causing or expected to cause very poor air quality and reduced visibility. The statement continued by saying that air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.
“During heavy smoke conditions, everyone is at risk regardless of their age or health. The fine particles in wildfire smoke pose the main health risk,” the air quality advisory read.
According to this information, those more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke-including seniors, pregnant women, people who smoke, infants and young children, as well as those who work outdoors or involved in strenuous outdoor exercise or have existing illnesses or health conditions, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors.
The public is advised to seek out and follow health guidance from local authorities and protect air from wildfire smoke by using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air purifier that can filter fine particles.
While warm temperatures with a chance of showers are forecast for Wednesday and Thursday for the area, cooler, wetter weather is expected going into the Aug. 16 weekend.
According to the Air Quality Health Index posted on the LICA Environmental Stewards website, the Lac La Biche area was registering a rating of 26, which is very high risk. The St. Lina area was also registering an AQHI rating of 18 - which is also considered to be high risk.
The Government of Alberta's AQHI map showed the Cold Lake area with a lower rating of five but smoky conditions were also being reported south, in the St. Paul area.