Environment Canada issues special air quality statement as wildfire smoke clouds over the city
A haze is seen over Edmonton as Environment Canada issued an air quality warning on June 10, 2025 (CTV News Edmonton/Evan Klippenstein)
On Tuesday morning Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement for Edmonton as wildfire smoke hung over the city.
The agency said that the Air Quality Health Index had exceeded 10, signalling a high risk to some who will be outdoors today.
It is recommended that seniors, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with pre-existing or chronic health conditions and people who work outdoors, reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.
Symptoms may look like eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough.
More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. Environment Canada says if you experience more serious symptoms to seek medical attention.
It is also recommended to keep windows closed as much as possible. However, when there is an extreme heat event occurring on top of poor air quality, it is advised to prioritize keeping cool.
Those who have to work outside, it is advised they wear a respirator mask such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent.
There are currently 61 out-of-control wildfires burning in the province as of Tuesday morning.
Environment Canada says Edmonton can expect to see poor quality throughout the evening, but that it should ease up by Wednesday morning.
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