SEPT 12 @ 1:15PM: There are currently four active wildfires in the County. At this time, they do not pose a threat to any nearby communities. Firefighters are actively working to bring them under control.
SWF195
Located approximately 15 km northeast of East Prairie and 18 km southwest of Driftpile. This wildfire is currently classified as being held and is estimated to be 2.7 hectares in size. This wildfire was caused by lightning.
SWF196
Located in Prairie Echo. This wildfire is currently classified as out of control and is estimated to be 2.0 hectares in size.
SWF197
Located near Heart River Dam. This wildfire is currently classified as out of control and is estimated to be 0.50 hectares in size.
SWF198
Located 16 km north of Kapawe’no First Nation. This wildfire is currently classified as out of control and is estimated to be 0.20 hectares in size.
For more information visit: Alberta Wildfire Status
Special Air Quality Statement
Smoke from wildfires in the Northwest Territories and British Columbia will continue to drift into the Slave Lake Forest Area. The smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility in some areas. Air quality conditions are expected to improve by this evening.
Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.
As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.
You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.
People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.
When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool.
Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles.
If you must spend time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke. Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health. Check in on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution.
Learn more at canada.ca/wildfire-smoke.
For more information please visit Alberta Health Services at albertahealthservices.ca/news/air.aspx.
Visit airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.
