Smoke prompts warnings from Alberta health experts, restrictions on outdoor activities [Video]

The smell and taste of smoke hung heavy in the air across much of Alberta Wednesday morning, as wildfires in northern B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan continue to burn, sending a thick blanket of smoke south across most of the province.

The air quality health index — which rates air quality on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the best and 10 being the worst — was listed as 10+ or “very high risk” in Lethbridge, Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer on Wednesday morning.

The heavy smoke prompted Environment Canada to issue Air Quality warnings for most of the province — stretching from Peace River country in the north, south to the border with Montana.

The national weather agency warned about spending too much time outside because of the health risk — especially for people who are over the age of 65, infants and young children, people with pre-existing or chronic health conditions, anyone who is pregnant …