Smoke hangs over Calgary as wildfires rage in B.C., Alberta

Calgarians woke up to a hazy skyline Thursday morning as smoke drifted in from forest fires in B.C. and Alberta.

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The smell of smoke remainsin the airin Calgary, but Environment Canada's air quality health index for the city has been downgraded to "low risk."

However,the national weather agency has issued"special air quality statements" many parts of central Alberta, includingCalgary.

That means people prone to respiratory problems should avoid outdoor activitiesif the smoke triggers a reaction.

There is a total of 18 wildfires burning in Alberta three are out of control, six are being held and nine are under control.

Most are in the northern part of the province.

Since April 1, Alberta has recorded 840 wildfires which have burned 14,277hectares.

Because of the hot dry conditions, officials have issued a fire advisory for the Calgary area.

No new burn permits will be issued, but existing ones are still valid.

The wildfire hazard status is now extreme.

In B.C., there more than 120 forest fires currently burning. The Northwest Territories has about 160.