Special air quality statement issued for Calgary as fires continue

Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for Calgary linked to the smoke from fires in southern Alberta and British Columbia.

• View the latest air quality conditions for Alberta

"Smoke from forest fires in British Columbia, northwestern parts of the United States, as well as from a fire within Waterton Park continue to impact Alberta causing poor air quality," the agency said in a statement Saturday afternoon.

"Conditions are expected to gradually improve on Sunday."

Residents can experience coughing, shortness of breath, headaches and throat irritation from these conditions.

"People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels.

• Waterton remains under evacuation as Kenow wildfire grows to 8,500 hectares

"Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits."

Waterton Lakes National Park remains under an evacuation order issued Friday afternoon due to the nearby Kenow wildfire.

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