A special air quality statement has been issued by Environment Canada.

The weather agency says wildfire smoke coming from northeastern British Columbia is causing a widespread area of very poor air quality and reduced visibility.

Communities such as Strathmore, Brooks, Calgary and Chestermere are included in the statement.

“Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations,” Environment Canada said in a release.

Conditions should begin to improve Sunday night for much of the province. Over northwestern Alberta conditions are likely to remain poor through Monday or possibly Tuesday.

“Everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke. People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.”