Hours after Edmontonians started noticing a smoky haze building in the Edmonton area; officials issued special statements regarding air quality in the Capital Region.
Just before 5 p.m. Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement for the City of Edmonton, St. Albert and Sherwood Park region, plus Parkland County near Wabamun Carvel, Keephills, Spruce Grove and Stony Plain, Morinville, and Big Lake, and Leduc County near Leduc, Beaumont and Kavanagh.
The alert said smoke from the wildfire burning in the Fort McMurray area had blown into Edmonton and surrounding region.
Officials said individuals might experience symptoms like coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath – with children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.
A short time later, Alberta Health Services issued a precautionary air quality advisory for the Edmonton Zone.
The advisory said anyone who can taste or smell smoke in the air to monitor their symptoms, minimize physical activity outdoors, stay inside with windows, and doors closed, and air circulation fans and vents closed.
What a difference a few hours can make, slide the bar in the photo below to see Edmonton's downtown skyline before and after smoke rolled in on Thursday, May 19:
