Air quality poor in Edmonton as wildfires burn across Alberta
Edmonton's air quality worsened Wednesday morning when it sat at a 10+, according to Canada's Air Quality Health Index.
"Given the number of wildfires burning and the vast area they cover, it's no surprise that wildfire smoke has settled in many parts of the province," said Dr. Laura McDougall, Alberta Health Services senior medical officer of health.
Above 10 is the highest category on the AQHI and considered "very high risk."
Coughing, eye irritation, shortness of breath and tiredness are all possible side effects of the poor air quality, McDougall said, and people should reduce their time spent outside and reschedule outdoor activities wherever possible.
Children and seniors are especially vulnerable and should take extra precautions.
As of 3 p.m. the air quality had changed to a "high risk" 9.
ALBERTA SMOKE MAP
An online map shows parts of Alberta are covered in smoke on Wednesday as wildfires continue to burn in central and northern parts of the province.
After weeks of wildfires, wind blew smoke into Calgary and Edmonton on Tuesday.
Wildfire officials say the smoke made it cooler and reduced extreme wildfire conditions.
"Winds have weakened today across most of the province and temperatures are near normal for this time of year,"said Christie Tucker, Alberta Wildfire's information unit manager. "But things will start to change tomorrow.
"It will get hotter and drier as we head to the weekend, and as we've seen that can lead to more active wildfire behaviour."
LATEST ON THE WILDFIRES
Alberta had 91 wildfires burning Wednesday afternoon, with 27 of them considered to be out of control.
Tucker said one firefighter had been seriously injured near East Prairie Métis Settlement, but she did not offer details on that injury or the condition of the firefighter.
A total of 19 evacuation orders were in place, and an estimated 11,990 Albertans had been evacuated.
Evacuation orders have been lifted for several communities, including Drayton Valley and the County of Grande Prairie, but officials said residents should stay vigilant.
"We all need to remember that this situation is volatile, for those returning residents, please remember that we still have active wildfires on the landscape," Tucker said. "If you see firefighters in your area, give them the space to work and keep a safe distance."
Since the start of the 2023 wildfire season, around 38,000 Albertans have been forced to leave their homes due to wildfires.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.