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3mo ago

Air Quality Warnings Persist Across Prairies as Edmonton Hits 10+ Risk

Wildfire smoke driven south by a cold front has kept Edmonton under emergency measures.

Thick smoke from wildfires blankets the downtown in Calgary, Alta., on Wednesday, May 17, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
The orange-coloured sun shines through a heavy cloud of wildfire smoke over Calgary's Fish Creek Park early Tuesday morning.
Smoke from northern wildfires in the air as the sun sets near St. Albert, Alta. on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025.
Signage on Highway 2 North near the Provincial Wildfire Center in Prince Albert, Sask., Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

Overview

  • Environment Canada reported very poor air quality and reduced visibility, with Edmonton reaching an Air Quality Health Index of 10+.
  • Edmonton activated its extreme weather response Sunday night, opening public facilities and distributing N95 masks, with the program slated to run to Sept. 3 and extend if needed.
  • Air-quality advisories also covered parts of Saskatchewan and much of northern Alberta, while Calgary was forecast to reach a moderate-risk AQHI of 6 on Tuesday.
  • Strathcona County confirmed the GenAlta recycling-plant fire that added a local plume over the weekend is out with no remaining hot spots.
  • Officials urged residents to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, and protect vulnerable groups as experts warned of health risks from fine particulate pollution.