By James Wood

Waterton wildfires sending smoke across southwest

Sep 11, 2017 | 7:10 AM

MEDICINE HAT, ALTA- Residents of southwestern Alberta should expect the next few days to be smoky.

Due to the wildfires currently burning in Waterton Lakes National Park, widespread smoke and poor air quality are expected across the region, especially near the boundaries of the park. A statement from Environment Canada has forecasted little improvement in the air situation for ‘the next few days’, due to a persistent weather pattern.

“Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath,” reads the statement.

“Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk,” reads the statement.

“If your home is not air-conditioned, be sure the house doesn’t get too warm when doors and windows are closed to keep out smoke. Exposure to too much heat can also result in illness.”

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Residents are advised to stay inside if they have any breathing difficulties, and find an indoor place that is cool and ventilated.

“Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help,” read the statement.

“If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn’t air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned.”

The situation will continue to be monitored.

The following areas are affected by the advisory.

City of Medicine Hat

Co. of Forty Mile near Bow Island and Whitla

Co. of Newell near Patricia

Co. of Newell near Tilley and Rolling Hills

Cypress Co. near Bowell and Redcliff

Cypress Co. near Bowmanton Schuler and Hilda

Cypress Co. near CFB Suffield

Cypress Co. near Dunmore and Woolchester

Cypress Co. near Irvine and Walsh

Cypress Co. near McNeill and Sandy Point District Park

Cypress Co. near Seven Persons

Cypress Co. near Suffield and Hwy 879

Cypress Co. near Tide Lake

S.A. 2 near Bindloss Empress and Social Plains

S.A. 2 near Buffalo and Cavendish

S.A. 2 near Iddesleigh and Dinosaur Prov. Park

S.A. 2 near Jenner and Atlee

City of Lethbridge

Co. of Forty Mile near Skiff

Co. of Lethbridge near Coaldale

Co. of Lethbridge near Coalhurst Nobleford and Barons

Co. of Lethbridge near Picture Butte and Turin

Co. of Warner near Milk River and Coutts

Co. of Warner near Raymond Stirling and New Dayton

Co. of Warner near Warner

Co. of Warner near Wrentham

Co. of Warner near Writing-On-Stone Prov. Park

M.D. of Taber near Grassy Lake and Hwys 877 and 513

M.D. of Taber near Taber and Barnwell

M.D. of Taber near Vauxhall and Hays