Thick wildfire smoke cloaks Medicine Hat as air quality plunges
Sky over Medicine Hat ~6pm July 14th, 2025 Photo Cred: ASK THE HAT
UPDATE: as of 9:12pm July 14th - we have already hit 10+
Residents of Medicine Hat will be waking up to smoky skies and diminished visibility as wildfire smoke drifts southward from multiple blazes across northern Alberta. Tuesday morning, the region’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is set to hit 9 out of 10, indicating a “very high risk” air quality situation. *As of Monday Night we already hit 10+
Locals say the air has turned noticeably thick and acrid. “It’s already really smokey smell in Ranchlands,” said resident Shelly, echoing the growing concern among citizens as haze fills the sky.
Wildfires of note across northern Alberta
According to Alberta Wildfire’s “Wildfires of Note” update, as of July 14, several major wildfire complexes remain active and out of control:
Red Earth East complex in the Slave Lake Forest Area: includes multiple out‑of‑control fires—SWF085 (135,971 ha), SWF089 (12,927 ha), SWF092 (79,577 ha), SWF100 (18,376 ha)—with ongoing fire activity and suppression by helicopter and ground crews .
Sousa Creek complex near Rainbow Lake: HWF036 is out of control at ~52,672 ha, while HBZ001 and HBZ002 (totaling ~99,922 ha) are being held .
Caribou Lake wildfire (~67,866 ha) and LWF132 (~3,374 ha) in the Cold Lake area are also active and being aggressively fought .
These fires are hundreds of kilometres north of Medicine Hat, but prevailing winds have carried smoke far south, blanketing southern Alberta and escalating local air pollution.
Health implications & safety measures
Wildfire smoke contains ultrafine particulate matter (PM₂.₅), which penetrates deep into the lungs and poses serious risks—especially for children, seniors, pregnant individuals, and those with respiratory or heart conditions. Exposure is linked to asthma flare‑ups, bronchitis, exacerbated COPD, and even cardiovascular stress .
Health officials advise:
Stay indoors with windows closed. Use air conditioning on recirculate, not drawing outside air.
Use HEPA air purifiers in central living spaces to filter fine particles.
Limit strenuous outdoor activities, including exercise, until air quality improves.
Wear N95 or equivalent masks outdoors if exposure can’t be avoided.
Monitor local air quality, opting for air quality apps or Environment Canada alerts.
Support vulnerable people—check in with elderly neighbours or those with chronic illnesses.
Residents can also improve indoor air by running a quality HVAC filter, sealing drafts around windows and doors, and avoiding additional pollution sources like smoking or incense .
What’s next?
Smoke forecasts from BlueSky Canada indicate persistent smoke presence over southern Alberta through mid‑week, with possible reprieve late week if forecasted frontal systems push pollutants north .
Firefighting continues through the Slave Lake, Rainbow Lake, and Cold Lake zones. Alberta Wildfire officials say crews, supported by helicopters and heavy machinery, are working to contain active hotspots and prevent further spread ().
Quick tips for residents amid heavy smoke:
Keep windows closed, use A/C
Limits outdoor smoke intrusion
Run HEPA air purifiers
Reduces PM₂.₅ indoors
Avoid outdoor exercise
Minimizes breathing harmful air
Wear N95 masks publicly
Filters fine particles
Watch sensitive individuals
Prevents smoke-related health issues
Stay informed
Track air quality and fire status
As northern Alberta battles several out‑of‑control wildfires covering tens of thousands of hectares, their smoky trail has reached Medicine Hat, forcing local authorities and residents to prioritize air quality precautions.
If symptoms like coughing, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing occur, it’s advised to contact Health Link 811 or consult a physician.
