Wildfire haze blankets Edmonton

People with breathing problems are being advised to take precautions as smoke from wildfires across northern Albertamove into Edmonton, blanketing the city with a thick haze.

Alberta Health Services has issued a precautionary air quality advisory for Edmonton, and communities across northern Alberta were placed under a precautionary last week.

As of Thursday morning, Edmonton was classified as a moderate risk on Environment Canada's air quality index.

AHS says even healthy people may experience temporary irritation of eyes and throat, and possibly shortness of breath.

People with certain respiratory conditions including ,COPD, asthma, and those with existing cardiovascular problems such as angina, previous heart attack and congestive heart failure, may notice a worsening of symptoms, and should take precautions.

To reduce exposure to the smoky air conditions, minimizephysical activity outdoors, and remain indoors with windows, doors and air circulation fans/vents closed.

AHS says children and seniors are also at higher risk of smoke-related illness.

Individuals experiencing symptoms due to the smoke can also call Health Link at 811 to speak to a registered nurse.

Smoky conditions expected to continue into Friday

Particulate levels from dust and forest fires that are above provincial guidelines were reported in Lamont County on Thursday morning, according toAlberta's Fort Air Partnership.

The particulate matter reported is less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter small enough to settle deep into the lungs.

The Fort Air Partnership says a new smoke plume that willhitEdmonton and areas east of Edmonton at around midnight Thursdaycould cause continued poor air quality that extends into Friday.

Information about the air quality in many areas of Alberta is updated regularly on the Alberta Environment and Parks website.Air quality information is also available by phone, toll-free, at 1-877-247-7333.