A special air quality statement has been issued for Ponoka, Bashaw, and surrounding areas by Environment and Climate Change of Canada.

Wildfire smoke is blowing in from across the province, causing poor air quality and reduced visibility in many areas.

Smoke can be harmful to a person’s health, and those with lung disease (asthma, heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people and those who work outdoors are at a higher of experiencing health effects from the smoke.

It is recommended that people stop outdoor activities or contact their healthcare provider if they experience shortness of breath, wheezing (including asthma attacks), severe cough, dizziness or chest pains. Try and keep your windows closed if the temperature in your home is comfortable and use an air purifier with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter in rooms where you might spend a lot of time. It is recommended to wear a well-fitted respirator-type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face. This will help to reduce exposure to the fine particles in smoke.

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Wildfire smoke is blowing in causing low air quality and reduced visibility. (Photo by Leah Bousfield/Rimbey Review)

Wildfire smoke is blowing in causing low air quality and reduced visibility. (Photo submitted by Judy Anderson)