Wildfire Resources

Wildfire smoke is becoming a more frequent part of Canadian summers, and climate change is expected to increase both the number and intensity of wildfires. Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other pollutants that can harm your lungs, heart, and overall well‑being, especially for people with existing health conditions or those who are more vulnerable. Because smoke can travel long distances and linger for days or weeks, having access to clear, trusted wildfire resources helps communities understand changing air quality conditions and take steps to protect their health.

Current Wildfire Conditions

Get quick access to reliable wildfire and smoke information for the Peace River region, Alberta, and across North America. Explore free tools that help you track wildfire activity and air quality, including PRAMP’s PurpleAir Microsensor Network for local particulate matter data, BlueSky modeling for forecasted smoke movement, the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard for current wildfire locations, and the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for up‑to‑date air quality and health risk information.

PurpleAir Microsensor Network

PRAMP has a network of PurpleAir microsensors that detect particulate matter (PM).  PurpleAir sensors are small, inexpensive, easy to install and operate, and require only a power source and a Wi-Fi connection. While data from these sensors lacks the precision for regulatory reporting, they provide a reliable indicator of PM concentrations in communities across the Peace region and thousands of communities worldwide.

View Current Readings

BlueSky Modeling for North America

BlueSky is a software framework that includes data and models for fuel consumption, emissions, fire, weather, and dispersion. These are linked into a single system that produces forecasts of hourly ground-level PM2.5 concentrations from wildfires up to 48 hours into the future. Twice per day, an animation is published that shows the forecast (or predicted) movement of smoke plumes and the corresponding 1-hour PM2.5 concentrations.

View Current Forecast

Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard

The Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard provides an overview of the current wildfire situation across Alberta. The site includes wildfire status for each of the province’s 10 forest areas, including the Peace River area. Alberta Wildfire provides links to report a wildfire, find the status and location of wildfires, fire restrictions and bans, and information about wildfire prevention.

View Dashboard

Know your air quality and protect your health.  

Understanding Air Quality Health Index Messages

The AQHI uses a scale to show the health risk associated with the air we breathe. The following table provides the health messages for ‘at risk’ individuals and the general public for each of the AQHI Health Risk Categories.

Health Risk Air Quality Health Index At Risk* Population General Population
Low 1-3 Enjoy your usual outdoor activities. Ideal air quality for outdoor activities.
Moderate 4-6 Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you are experiencing symptoms. No need to modify your usual outdoor activities unless you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.
High 7-10 Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also take it easy. Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.
Very High Above 10 Avoid strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also avoid outdoor physical exertion. Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.

* People with heart or breathing problems are at greater risk. Follow your doctor’s usual advice about exercising and managing your condition.

Limit Your Exposure to Wildfire Smoke

  1. Stay informed: Visit prampairshed.ca or your local Airshed for info on air quality in your community.
  2. Keep indoor air as clean and cool as possible. Keep windows and doors closed. Close fresh air intakes and set your air conditioner to recirculate. Use a high-efficiency (HEPA) air cleaning filter.
  3. Plan indoor activities at places such as recreation centres and public libraries.
  4. Avoid activities that can worsen indoor air quality. Avoid smoking, vaping, wood stoves, gas stoves, candles, and vacuuming.
  5. Reduce the amount of time spent outdoors. Avoid vigorous outdoor activities. Consider wearing an N95 mask if outdoors.
  6. Drink plenty of water and stay cool.
  7. Smoke affects everyone differently. Listen to your body and contact your health provider or call 811 if you have questions.

WeatherCAN App

Stay informed on outdoor air quality conditions, plan your outdoor activities, and manage exposure to outdoor air pollution. The WeatherCAN app informs users of the level of health risk associated with local outdoor air quality. The app provides hourly AQHI readings and daily forecasts for all AQHI communities across Canada.

Download and Share These Free Resources

Wildfire Resource Downloads

Are you at risk?

Learn about AQHI risk levels, health impacts, and outdoor activity guidelines.

Download (PDF)

Limit Your Exposure

Find seven effective ways to reduce wildfire smoke exposure and protect your health.

Download (PDF)