People in the Peace River, Fairview, High Prairie, and Manning region can expect their air quality to get worse Wednesday. Environment Canada has issued a special statement, noting that wind should push smoke from wildfires into the area.
It’s possible that the northerly winds could continue through Thursday and cause the smoke to move into the Grande Prairie region.
In that case, residents could experience symptoms like coughing, throat irritation, headaches, or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease like asthma are especially at risk.
“People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution,” Environment Canada explains. “They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.”
Anyone having trouble breathing is urged to stay inside.
The Town of High Level said Tuesday night that great progress was made on the Chuckegg Creek wildfire due to lighter winds. It remains three kilometres south of the town and an evacuation order is still in effect.