Calgary wildfire smoke prompts orange air quality warning; high-risk AQHI on July 24, 2026
Wildfire smoke in Calgary: Environment Canada issues orange air quality warning for July 24–26, 2026, advising residents to limit outdoor activity and follow health precautions.
Environment Canada issues orange air quality warning
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued an orange-level air quality warning on Friday, July 24, 2026, for Calgary and surrounding areas due to heavy wildfire smoke. The warning elevated concerns about very poor air quality and reduced visibility, urging the public to take precautions if spending time outdoors. Officials said conditions could change rapidly across short distances and that residents should monitor updates.
The alert covers a broad area of the city and its suburbs and is intended to inform both daily activities and planned events. Authorities emphasized that while a weather shift is expected to improve conditions over the weekend, smoke concentrations may linger in pockets.
Air Quality Health Index readings and short-term forecast
On the morning of Friday, July 24, the federal Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) registered a “very high risk” reading of 10+ for Calgary. Environment Canada and Alberta Health both noted that the AQHI rating signals significant public health risk, and that residents should reduce exposure to outdoor air.
Forecasts issued with the warning projected a decline in risk to “high” (AQHI 7) on Saturday, July 25, and “moderate” (AQHI 5) on Sunday, July 26, 2026. Meteorologists cautioned these are regional forecasts and actual local conditions may vary, urging people to check real-time AQHI updates before prolonged outdoor activities.
Source of the smoke and expected weather shift
Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Janelle Gergely said the bulk of smoke drifting over Calgary originated from wildfires in the B.C. interior and the northwestern United States. Upper-level winds have carried the smoke east and southeast into southern Alberta, producing widespread haze across the city.
Gergely said a directional shift in upper-level winds later in the weekend is expected to redirect the smoke away from Calgary and bring cleaner air from the southeast. She warned, however, that even after the primary plume moves, residual smoke may linger until it disperses fully.
Health risks and who should take extra care
Officials warned that while everyone can be affected by heavy smoke, certain groups face greater risk. Seniors, infants and young children, pregnant people, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions were singled out as particularly vulnerable to smoke-related health effects.
Common, mild symptoms include irritated eyes, sore throat, headaches and a dry cough, while more serious reactions can involve wheezing, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Health authorities advised anyone experiencing severe symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.
Practical steps to reduce exposure and protect indoor air
Residents were advised to limit time spent outdoors, postpone strenuous exercise and avoid outdoor events when possible while the orange warning is in effect. For those who must be outside, a well-fitting respirator mask (such as N95 or equivalent) can reduce inhalation of fine particles, though it does not eliminate all risk.
Indoors, keeping windows and doors closed helps reduce smoke infiltration, and the use of high-efficiency filters in home ventilation systems or certified portable air purifiers was recommended. Alberta Health warned against indoor activities that degrade air quality, including smoking or vaping, using wood-burning stoves or fireplaces, vacuuming, and burning candles.
Guidance for pets and community checks
Alberta Health noted that pets can also be harmed by wildfire smoke and recommended keeping animals indoors, offering plenty of water, and monitoring them for breathing difficulties. Pet owners who observe laboured breathing or distress in animals were advised to contact a veterinarian promptly.
Environment Canada encouraged Calgarians to check on neighbours, particularly those who are older, living alone, or who have pre-existing health conditions. Community support and timely checks can reduce risk and ensure those most vulnerable receive help or relocation if needed.
Local residents should continue to follow updates from Environment and Climate Change Canada and Alberta Health to track changing conditions. As forecasts evolve, officials stressed that simple precautions—staying indoors when possible, using filtration, and seeking care for severe symptoms—remain the most effective defenses against the health impacts of wildfire smoke.
