Some people in Alberta want to move due to relentless wildfire smoke each summer

With heavy wildfire smoke blanketing large portions of Alberta this week, some people in the province say they are contemplating the idea of moving due to the repeated conditions in the summer months.

Special air quality statements have been in effect for numerous areas around Alberta this week, with Calgary even ranked as having some of the worst air quality out of major cities around the world on Thursday, June 12.

One Albertan took to Reddit to express their feeling about the smoke that has swept and seeped across the province summer after summer, calling the last five years “eye-opening.”

“I am seriously considering leaving Alberta and possibly Canada due to the smoke,” user Squarely Round posted to r/Edmonton.

“Our winters have always sucked, but at least the summers were enjoyable. Is anyone else feeling like they’ve lost their home?”

This is our normal
byu/Squarely_Round inEdmonton

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The post garnered plenty of reaction, amassing hundreds of comments from Albertans expressing how they feel about wildfire smoke wafting through the province year after year.

If the risk of smoke wafting in from wildfires has got you down, you can create a DIY air purifier for your home that’ll clean your air just as well — if not better — than those expensive units at the store.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) stated that air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour, and the air quality is expected to continue to improve today in some regions.

Those who are more likely to be affected by wildfire smoke, including those aged 65 and older, pregnant individuals, infants and young children, individuals with existing illnesses or chronic health conditions, and those who work outdoors, should avoid strenuous outdoor activities and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.

“During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status. 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,” ECCC added.