Air quality still poor in Calgary as B.C. wildfires continue to burn
Posted Jul 20, 2017 6:59 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
More than 75 homes have been destroyed by wildfires burning across British Columbia since the beginning of July, and the smoke continues to drift eastward as a special air quality statement remains in effect for Calgary.
Environment Canada predicts the Air Quality Health Index could reach 10, again Thursday, especially in parts of western B.C. and central Alberta.
The thickest smoke, in Alberta, is expected in the corridor from Hinton to Edmonton to Red Deer.
The smoke will remain over western and central Alberta until at least Thursday afternoon or evening, when thunderstorms may flush out some of it.
Conditions in the southwest will improve sooner as a low pressure system develops north of Calgary and southwest winds will help to push the smoke to the northeast.
Cariboo Regional District Chairman Al Richmond said staff have counted 41 homes that have been lost in rural areas throughout B.C., and that number may go up because there are several properties officials haven’t been able to access due to fire activity.
Wednesday, Premier John Horgan announced the province will extend the state of emergency another two weeks because of the ongoing wildfire situation.
