Environment Canada issued a poor air quality statement on Thursday around 4:30 a.m. for Rockyview County and the city of Calgary due to the wildfire smoke. Environment Canada suggests you avoid spending time outdoors as much as possible to reduce exposure to smoke.

If someone must be outdoors Environment Canada suggests a well-fitted respirator-type mask. This can reduce any fine particles that are in the smoke. It is also suggested to be keeping windows closed and using an air purifier with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter in rooms a person spends a lot of time in. 

If a person starts to experience shortness of breath, wheezing, severe coughing, dizziness, or chest pains the person should contact a doctor and stop all outdoor activities.

As of 9:05 this morning, Wheatland County was also put under a special air quality statement from Environment Canada.

Environment Canada asks that people keep watch for updates on ecalertme.weather.gc.ca.