No end in sight to choking smoke
Air quality still a high risk, with short-lived relief expected Sunday
The thick smoke from hundreds of B.C. wildfires blanketing Calgary is now expected to remain through the weekend, with any relief likely to be only temporary.
“It looks like by Sunday, northerly winds will push the majority of the smoke down into the U.S. instead of across into Alberta,” said John Paul Cragg, Environment Canada warning preparedness meteorologist.
“But by Tuesday, zonal flow, which is from west to east, will set up again, so the smoke could be moving back into Alberta again.”
The city’s air-quality health index improved Thursday afternoon to 7 — still considered high risk — after registering 10+, or very high risk, a day earlier. Much of Alberta is under a special air-quality statement as the smoke continues to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility. Events throughout the city have been cancelled, including the YMCA youth collection drive for the Calgary Food Bank. The Calgary United Soccer Association cancelled all league games for a second day and the city has closed all outdoor pools along with cancelling several programs.
The two-day Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer is still set to go this weekend and all participants will receive an email about contingency plans. Extra buses and sweep vehicles will be on hand as a precaution, and a medical team will cycle alongside participants. The weekend Country Thunder Music Festival, beginning Friday at Prairie Winds Park, will also proceed as planned, with any updates or cancellations to be announced on social media.
As smoke hangs over the city, individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath.
Children, seniors and those with cardiovascular or lung diseases, such as asthma, are especially at risk.
It’s still unclear what the longterm health effects could be as a result of poor air quality from wildfires, says respirologist Dr. Chris Carlsten, although it’s possible that it could affect both lung and cardiovascular health.
But for now, Carlsten said his primary focus is on the shortterm effects.
“I’m currently concerned about acute affects but concerned we’re creeping toward potentially more chronic effects,” he said.
“We should be worried that the trend is going in the wrong direction. We’re having more high-intensity fires and, if this continues, we’ll get more into that chronichealth-effects area of concern.”
Alberta Health Services spokesman Bruce Conway said staff are working diligently to “maintain good air quality within AHS facilities for staff, patients and volunteers,” including hospitals across thecity.
Air filters are being changed, doors and windows are being kept closed, and staff have been advised to alert management to any specific concerns about air quality.
The B.C. government declared a state of emergency on Wednesday in response to more than 500 fires that have overwhelmed the province’s firefighting capacity and triggered international support.
More than 1,800 forest fires have been recorded since the season began on April 1, charring nearly 3,800 square kilometres of timber and bush.
As of 3 p.m. on Thursday, Calgary hit its 222nd smoky hour this year, keeping 2018 in third place for its most ever in a single year.
Another 46 smoky hours will bump 2018 to second place, with 2017 still the smokiest year ever recorded in Calgary, at 321 hours.
According to Cragg, Alberta can expect to see reduced air quality until the fires in B.C. are put out. This might not be for awhile, with 566 wildfires still burning across B.C.
“Whenever there are big fires in B.C., there’s a good chance of Alberta seeing smoke,” he said.