(Parks Canada)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

smoky sky

Special air quality statement issued for Red Deer due to BC wildfire, and Jasper fire growing

Sep 10, 2022 | 3:34 PM

A special air quality statement has been reissued for Red Deer and many other parts of the province.

Officials with Environment and Climate Change Canada say smoke from a forest fire in northern British Columbia has moved into portions of northern and central Alberta, causing poor air quality and reduced visibility in smoke.

There is also a large forest fire in the Jasper area, which Parks Canada shared Saturday afternoon has grown to 5,600 hectares.

The air quality statement is in effect for the following areas, among others:

• Camrose Co. near Bashaw and Meeting Creek
• City of Red Deer
• Co. of Paintearth near Halkirk and Big Knife Prov. Park
• Co. of Stettler near Big Valley
• Co. of Stettler near Botha and Gadsby
• Co. of Stettler near Byemoor and Endiang
• Co. of Stettler near Donalda
• Co. of Stettler near Stettler Nevis and Rochon Sands
• Flagstaff Co. near Forestburg and Galahad
• Lacombe Co. near Clive Alix and Mirror
• Lacombe Co. near Eckville
• Lacombe Co. near Lacombe Blackfalds and Bentley
• Ponoka Co. near Ponoka and Maskwacis
• Red Deer Co. near Elnora Lousana and Delburne
• Red Deer Co. near Penhold Innisfail and Bowden
• Red Deer Co. near Pine Lake
• Red Deer Co. near Spruce View and Red Lodge Prov. Park
• Red Deer Co. near Sylvan Lake and Stephansson House

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The weather advisory is subject to change, and you can follow it at the link below:

According to Parks Canada:

“Due to power outages and an active wildfire, only essential traffic is supported. Intermittent power outages are limiting access to basic visitor services including food, fuel, and accommodation. Parks Canada asks visitors to make alternate plans until regular power and services are restored to Jasper in the coming weeks.

All reservable frontcountry campgrounds in Jasper National Park are closed and the majority of self-registration campgrounds are closed for the season. For campsites in other national parks, campers are strongly encouraged to reserve on the Parks Canada Reservation System before arriving. It is always illegal to camp in a national park without a permit.”

Parks Canada adds that as Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway) is an important national transportation corridor, it’s closure is a last resort, and the same goes for the Icefields Parkway which connects Jasper and Banff.

For the latest road conditions, visit 511 Alberta.

A live smoke forecast can also be seen here.