A smoky sundown in Pincher Creek

Highway 6 into Pincher Creek, 9:30 pm July 17, 2014
T. Lucas and C. Davis photos and video

Chris Davis

Smoke is drifting across the province from fires in the BC interior and northern Alberta. Pincher Creek and area has definitely been affected, with air quality diminishing daily, particularly noticeable yesterday July 16 and today. The area is covered in a haze of smoke, resulting in stinging eyes, the smell of smoke everywhere, decreased visibility, and other effects.  The sun has been hidden behind the haze for the last two days, and the mountains usually so visible to the west and south of Pincher Creek have likewise been hidden.

Alberta Health Services has issued "Expanded Precautionary Air Quality Advisories" for the North, Edmonton and Central Zones, but no such advisory has been issued for the AHS South Zone at this time (July 17, 11:20 pm).

According to Environment Canada the smoke in Alberta is supposed to persist until Friday.

According to The Weather Network, there is a chance of thundershowers in the area Friday July 18, and cloudy periods on Saturday July 19.

Related links:

Alberta Wildfire on Facebook
Alberta Wildfire app for Apple
Alberta Wildfire app for Android Android 
Wildfire status map for Alberta
Alberta Air Quality Health Index
Alberta Fire Bans
Alberta Parks Fire Bans and Restrictions
Wildfire Smoke Forecasts for Western Canada