Wildfire smoke workshop teaches Albertans about dangerous impact of poor air quality [Video]

Wildfire season started early this year in Alberta and along with that comes the dread of smoke-filled skies.

The season traditionally runs from March 1 to Oct. 31, but Alberta Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen declared the start of the season 10 days earlier than usual last month.

The Calgary Region Airshed Zone (CRAZ) is hosting its first workshop on the health impacts of wildfire smoke on Monday in Canmore.

“Everybody, I find, gets a little more anxious when they look outside and all they see is a haze. What is it? What’s it doing to me?” said Jill Bloor, executive director of the Calgary Region Airshed Zone.

Since Alberta is experiencing warmer-than-normal temperatures and below-average precipitation in many areas of the province, it has led to a heightened wildfire risk.

“Forest fires are burning in the province already. They may not be in our area or affecting us …