Extended: Precautionary fire smoke advisory for communities southwest of Red Deer River Valley (Central and Calgary Zones)

CALGARY - Due to continued prescribed burn activity in the Red Deer River Valley, Alberta Health Services is extending the precautionary fire smoke advisory that was first issued on Sept. 23. The extended advisory, which covers the communities of Sundre, Olds, Cremona, Water Valley, Carstairs and Didsbury, will now remain in effect until further notice.

Prescribed burns ensure smoke is managed more effectively than wildfires; however, smoke conditions in surrounding communities can vary depending on current weather conditions and prevailing winds. Should the wind forecast shift, the communities of Rocky Mountain House and Caroline could also be affected by this burn activity.

Although minor smoke conditions do not typically cause health concerns in most healthy individuals, if smoke conditions become more severe, even healthy individuals can experience irritation of eyes, throat and possibly shortness of breath. All residents and visitors to these communities are advised to monitor their own health, and adapt their activities as necessary.

If you can taste and/or smell smoke in the air:

• Be aware of your symptoms.
• Reduce levels of physical activity as necessary.
• Consider sheltering indoors with windows closed.
• Operate air conditioning (while sheltering indoors) using the recirculation mode, unless the air conditioner is equipped with a pleated air filter or a high efficiency particulate arrestor filter.

Individuals with respiratory conditions such as COPD and asthma, and individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions such as angina, previous heart attack and congestive heart failure, may be more likely to notice a worsening of their symptoms. Individuals with existing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions are advised to take the precautions and steps they normally do when experiencing worsening of symptoms.

Individuals experiencing symptoms can also call Health Link Alberta 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free at 1-866-408-LINK (5465), to speak to a registered nurse.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.7 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

• Health advisory
• Precautionary fire smoke advisory issued for communities southwest of Red Deer River Valley (September 23, 2011)

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