Officials with Alberta Health Services said smoky conditions from wildfires in northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories had prompted a precautionary air quality advisory for the entire province.

AHS said the precautionary advisory is in place in addition to advisories issued May 26 for the entire North and Edmonton Zones, an advisory issued June 30 for the Red Deer area, and an advisory issued July 2 for northwestern Alberta communities.

As a result, people living in or visiting the province are asked to keep an eye on potential health concerns associated with smoky air conditions in the forecast – if such conditions are present, officials said even healthy individuals can experience irritation of eyes and throat, possibly shortness of breath.

Albertans are advised to reduce their exposure to smoke by closing outside windows and doors, turning down thermostats and furnace fans to a minimum setting, keep the fresh air intake closed on an air condition, close floor registers and fireplace dampers, and to not use a wood-burning fireplace, wood stoves or other smoke-producing appliances or features, including candles.

In addition Albertans are advised to reduce physical activity outside as necessary, and to not smoke.

Individuals with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions such as COPD, asthma, angina, a history of heart attack and congestive heart failure may notice their symptoms worsening due to the air conditions – they’re asked to monitor for worsening symptoms and to take precautions recommended by their doctor.

Individuals experiencing symptoms can also call Health Link Alberta at 811 to speak to a registered nurse.