Air quality at extreme levels in Fort McMurray

A new concern has emerged out of Fort McMurray after air quality testing measured at an extreme level in the community.

During a press conference Monday morning, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley stated that as of 10 a.m., the daily air quality health index in Fort McMurray sat at 38.

“The air quality health index is based on measurements of three conditions, contaminants, smoke, ozone and nitrogen-dioxides,” said Premier Notley. “It is generally measured on a scale of one to 10. It is a formula that in extreme conditions can generate results well over 10.”

The extreme air quality has meant that those working in Fort McMurray are having to be more cautious working outdoors for long periods of time and are required to wear specialized masks.

Cooler weather the previous week meant the air quality was less of an issue, but warmer temperatures and shifting winds pushed the index to an extreme level. Premier Notley said re-entry into Fort McMurray, including vehicle retrieval, has been delayed.

An app created by the Alberta Government has also been created for residents to see high-level satellite overview of the status of the city following the wildfires.

“We are committed to providing information to residents as soon as we can, and these images will help us begin to answer the questions people have about the state of their homes and community,” explained Minister of Municipal Affairs, Danielle Larivee.

Larivee warned the images should not be used for official damage assessments as structures that appear to be standing could still be damaged.

The Alberta Premier did not say when residence will be able to return to their homes, but reiterated that five conditions need to be met for re-entry. Those conditions include wildfires no longer posing an imminent threat to the community, critical infrastructures being able to provide service, essential services being restored, hazardous areas secured and local government reestablished.

At 285,000 hectares, the wildfire continues to burn out of control. It is currently approximately 10 to 12 kilometres from the Saskatchewan border.