Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement Saturday for much of Alberta, including Cochrane.
Wildfire smoke coming from northeastern British Columbia is causing a widespread area of very poor air quality and reduced visibility, the federal agency noted.
The air quality statement is in effect for the Cochrane - Airdrie - Calgary - Olds – Sundre area.
By Saturday evening, Environment Canada noted that conditions had improved temporarily in parts of northeastern Alberta.
Smoke is expected to return on Sunday.
“Conditions should begin to improve Sunday night for much of the province. Over northwestern Alberta conditions are likely to remain poor through Monday or possibly Tuesday,” the air quality statement said.