An air quality warning is in effect for much of Alberta after wildfire smoke from the Northwest Territories blanketed the province. Environment Canada issued the warning just before noon Monday for all areas north of Red Deer, including Edmonton.
There are 202 active fires burning in the N.W.T., covering over 777,000 hectares. All but seven are out of control. The smoke is expected to remain in Edmonton through Tuesday, with the Air Quality Health Index forecast to hit 10+, which is very high risk.
Environment Canada advises vulnerable groups-the elderly, pregnant individuals, children, and those with chronic conditions-to reduce outdoor activity. During extreme heat, the priority is keeping cool.
Research links long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in wildfire smoke to serious health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular problems, and impacts on brain health. An AQHI of 5 or higher can cause damage and inflammation.
A 2024 study estimated that smoke-related deaths from wildfires linked to climate change have soared since the 1960s, with about 12,566 annual deaths in the 2010s attributed to climate change.