A special air quality statement is in effect for Brazeau County near Drayton Valley and Breton.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) says wildfire smoke is or is expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility, which would vary hour to hour.
As smoke levels increase, so do health risks; officials advise limiting time outdoors by reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.
Common but mild symptoms of smoke exposure include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious, less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or a severe cough.
People over 65-years-old, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing or chronic health condition and people who work outdoors are more likely to be impacted by air pollution and should seek medical attention if symptoms are experienced, officials say.
Residents of the area should keep windows and doors closed as much as possible and, if able, use a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles.
For those that must be outdoors, officials recommend utilizing a well-constructed and well-fitting respirator mask, such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator, to reduce exposure to particles in the smoke.
You can monitor alerts and find the full list of impacted areas at the Environment and Climate Change Canada website.
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