Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued a special air quality statement on Thursday evening for Airdrie, Cochrane, Olds, as well as Sundre.

"Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility. Wildfire smoke from British Columbia is affecting air quality. Wildfire smoke concentrations can fluctuate over short distances and vary considerably from hour to hour," the statement read.

ECCC is warning that 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.

"Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feel unwell. Contact your healthcare provider or local health authority if you develop severe symptoms or need advice."

The City of Calgary is also under a special air quality statement.

According to mapping data from firesmoke.ca, much heavier smoke coming from British Columbia may be observed between 11 p.m. this evening and into the early hours of Friday morning. 

British Columbia currently has 371 active wildfires in the province, with 11 fires in the last 24 hours. 156 of those fires are deemed out of control. One of the wildfires of note near the Alberta border is the Horsethief Creek wildfire, estimated to be 3,918.5 Hectares in size. 

In response to Canada's Online News Act and Meta (Facebook and Instagram) removing access to local news from their platforms, DiscoverAirdrie encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoveryAirdrie app

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM