New Air Quality Advisories in Effect for Western Canada

Travelers visiting the great outdoors in B.C. and Alberta may not be getting the breath of fresh air they’d hoped for.

Environment Canada released a special air quality statement Sunday night (Aug. 11) for the Prince George region in B.C. that cautions at-risk populations to limit time outdoors due to wildfire smoke.

“The fine particles in wildfire smoke pose the main health risk,” Environment Canada said in the statement. “As smoke levels increase, health risks increase.”

The area is under a category seven “high risk” advisory on the Air Quality Health Index until this evening (Aug. 12), when it will be downgraded to “moderate risk.” Other communities across B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are under “moderate risk” advisories, including travel hubs like Calgary, Edmonton, and Regina.

As of writing, Grande Prairie in Alberta and Flin Flon in Manitoba are also under “high risk” advisories, with Flin Flon residents being warned of “very poor air quality and reduced visibility” due to wildfire smoke.

Those most at risk from poor air quality include seniors, pregnant people, smokers, young children, and those with an existing illness or chronic condition, as well as those who work or perform strenuous activities outdoors.

According to Environment Canada, strenuous outdoor activity in the areas under advisory should be reduced or rescheduled.

The advisories also cautioned that air quality conditions can vary hour to hour, and that those who believe they may be experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention. Symptoms range from mild eye, nose and throat irritation to chest pains or severe cough.

Wildfire season in Canada rages on

Wildfire season in Canada is getting worse, and the tourism industry is raising the alarm.

The Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) recently expressed concern over how increased wildfire activity will impact Western Canada.

“The wildfires in Western Canada have not only posed a threat to the safety and well-being of residents but have also had a significant impact on the tourism industry in the region,” CATO said in a statement released in response to the Jasper wildfire. “As a key player in the travel sector, CATO recognizes the importance of addressing climate change to ensure the long-term sustainability of our industry.”

Currently, over 150 wildfires are classified as “out of control” by the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System. The largest is the Semo complex fire burning in Northern Alberta. Already that wildfire complex covers over 100,000 hectares, and with warm weather and no precipitation forecast for the coming days, fire activity is expected to increase.

Increased wildfire activity – more specifically its impact on the tourism sector – was a major talking point at this year’s Rendez-vous Canada, an annual tourism convention that was held in May. Last year was Canada’s worst wildfire season ever, and the country’s international reputation took a hit.

“The biggest challenge we had [in 2023] was how big the fires are by comparison to how big our country is,” said Beth Potter, president of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. “People are…not understanding how big Canada is and that the whole country is not on fire.”