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Expect smoke in the region

Last Updated Aug 18, 2017 at 8:34 am MDT

PHOTO. Supplied: Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.

Environment Canada has placed Fort McMurray under a special air quality statement.

With wildfires burning in British Columbia, North West Territories and Northern Alberta wind is bringing smoke into the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

Lynn Daina, wildfire information officer with Alberta Forestry ensures that the smoke does not impose any imminent threat to our region.

“This smoke is being caused from all of the wildfires and the way the winds blowing,” said Daina. “There is no threat to Fort McMurray, it’s not a fire that is going to cause any imminent danger.”

If people have any smoke related health concerns, they can contact the health link at 1-866-408-5465.

With the smoke in the region, we may be reminded of painful memories from our own wildfire and evacuation last year.

This is a natural response in recovery from trauma and there are many mental health resources available within the community

More information on mental health resources can be found here.