Wildfire smoke prompts Environment Canada to issue air quality warnings for much of Alberta

Environment Canada issued specialair quality statements for most of Alberta on Sunday morning and Edmonton by the afternoon.

The weather agency said smoke from wildfires iscausing poor air quality and reduced visibility.

According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, as of Sundaymorning there are more than 190 active wildfires in B.C. with more than 60 burning in the southeast fire centre.

Alberta is reporting 49 active wildfires in the province Sunday morning.

Theareas impacted include:

• Calgary
• Edmonton
• Airdrie
• Banff National Park
• Brooks
• Cardston
• Cold Lake
• Crowsnest Pass
• Drumheller
• Waterton Lakes National Park
• Cypress Hills Provincial Park
• DraytonValley
• Drumheller
• Edson
• Fort Saskatchewan
• Grande Prairie
• Hanna
• Hinton
• Grand Cache
• Jasper National Park
• Kananaskis
• Leduc
• Lethbridge
• Medicine Hat
• Nordegg
• Okotoks
• Peace River
• Red Deer
• Rocky Mountain House

Wildfire crews continue to try and extinguish a large wildfire in Jasper National Park.

"Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour," Environment Canadasaid in its air quality advisory.

"Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath."

Children, seniors and those with cardiovascular or lung disease are considered to be especially at risk.

Health information on air quality can befound here.

Alberta Wildfire has placed most of Alberta underfireban advisories, restrictions or bans.