Environment Canada issues air quality warning for southeast Alberta
By Samantha Johnson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on September 6, 2022.
Compared to the last two summers, air quality in Medicine Hat has relatively clear in recent months. But that all changed this weekend when smoke from wildfires travelled into southern Alberta. Monday seemed to be a little less hazy than Saturday in some parts of the city, but the distinctive smell of smoke still lingered in the air. On Saturday, Environment Canada issued a Special Air Quality Statement for southeast Alberta due to wildfire smoke that is causing poor air quality, reduced visibility and elevated levels of fine particulate matter. Alberta was reporting 47 active wildfires as of Labour Day Monday, including the large Chetamon fire in Jasper National Park that is causing multiple power outages. British Columbia was reporting 183 active wildfires on Monday, with 60 located in the SE corner of the province. 7-6
