Air Quality Warning For Medicine Hat
Environment Canada reported the air quality as of 6 am this morning was at a 10+ indicating very high risk. It makes it a good day to stay indoors. The forecast indicates that there will be no relief from the smoke until tomorrow.
The City of Medicine Hat has previously stated that people can seek shelter from the heat at the following locations, presumably people can shelter from the smoke at the same locations. The Owl did try to find out what emergency plans are in place for air quality but to no avail. We do have well over 100 unhoused people who have no shelter from the smoke. The Owl will try to contact them again and see if anything has changed. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to seek shelter in the following locations as suggested by the City of Medicine Hat from this high risk situation.
“Visit the Big Marble Go Centre, Medicine Hat Public Library, Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre, City Hall vestibule, or Medicine Hat Mall to cool off during regular hours of operation.”
4:05 AM MDT Wednesday 11 June 2025
Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility. Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.
People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms. During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status.
Limit time outdoors. Reschedule or cancel outdoor sports, activities and events. You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough.
If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance. When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool. Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles.
If you must spend time outdoors, limit the time as much as possible. A well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke. Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health.
Check in on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution. Always follow guidance from local authorities.
Learn more at canada.ca/wildfire-smoke.
Visit airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. Issued by Environment Canada, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services
In effect for:
City of Medicine Hat
Follow:Regional ATOM
