Smoke from Canadian wildfires lowers air quality and visibility across Montana

Smoke swept through the Montana skies earlier this week blocking mountain views and lowering air quality. Luckily for the Big Sky State, where there was smoke there wasn't fire.

Since early May, the Canadian Province of Alberta has been ravaged by wildfires and the winds have swept the smoke south. More than 100 separate fires have burned the forests of central Canada and 93 of those fires are actively burning as of Friday, May 20.

While the trees of Montana have so far survived the early summer heat, the skies have unfortunately not been so lucky and according to the Missoula City-County Health Department, the air saw some serious dips in quality over the week, usually hovering somewhere between moderate and unhealthy for sensitive groups (USG).

"When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, people with heart or lung disease, children and the elderly should limit prolonged outdoor exertion," said Sarah Coefield, Air Quality Specialist for the Missoula City-County Health Department. "Anyone experiencing symptoms of heart or lung disease associated with smoke exposure should contact their health care provider."

The weekend brought clearer skies and better quality of air and coming days show signs of even further improvement as well a possibility of rain in the affected area of our northern neighbour. However, those with underlying health conditions should keep the air quality under consideration while engaging in outdoor activities.