Reduced visibility on major Calgary road due to smoke

Calgary's transportation department says smoke is reducing visibility on a major road in southeast Calgary — this comes as fire crews responded to a call nearby and Environment Canada has issued an air quality alert for the City of Calgary. 

According to City of Calgary Transportation on Twitter, smoke has caused hazardous road conditions and reduced visibility on Deerfoot Trail north of Glenmore Trail S.E.

Drivers are advised to proceed with caution.

Fire crews responded to a grass fire just off of Deerfoot Trail near the Glenmore Trail exit in southeast Calgary Sunday. The Calgary Fire Department said there were "numerous apparatus" on scene trying to get the blaze under control.

Environment and Climate Change Canada also reinstated a special air quality statement for Calgary Sunday, as wildfire smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility at times.

"Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone's health even at low concentrations. Continue to take actions to protect your health and reduce exposure to smoke," the statement read. 

People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.

As of 2 p.m. the city's air quality health index was at a seven, which is considered to be high risk.

Several grass fires have been burning in and around the city over the past week. Wildfires — and poor air quality as a result of those them — continue to pose a threat to the province.