Compared to previous years, this summer in the Heartland has brought far less high and very high Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) ratings as a result of wildfire smoke.

Between April and August 2026, Heartland Air Monitoring Partnership (HAMP) recorded 178 high or very high-risk AQHI hours attributed to wildfire smoke or a combination of wildfire smoke and summertime smog.

Even though there are still a few more weeks of wildfire season in front of us, this is a significant improvement from 2024 and 2025, which saw HAMP recording a much higher number of high and very high risk hours due to wildfire smoke by mid-summer.

How is wildfire smoke potentially harmful?

Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of many gases and particles, but it’s fine particulate matter that poses the main health risk. These particles measure less than 2.5 micron meters (µm) in diameter – so small they can’t be seen without a microscope. A single strand of human hair is at least 20 times larger, averaging 50-70 µm in diameter.

It’s these tiny particles that can get into your eyes, respiratory system and bloodstream (source: MyHealth Alberta).

Assessing your personal health risk using the AQHI

Even so, wildfire smoke affects everyone differently. This is why the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is designed to help you decide whether you need to take measures, using your own situation and symptoms as a guide.

MyHealth Alberta advises if you don’t have any specific health concerns, you may simply experience burning eyes, a runny nose, or coughing. But if you already have a heart or lung health concern, elevated levels of PM_2.5 may make it worse.

The scale shown here can help you determine your risk level and activities accordingly.

If you live near Bruderheim, Elk Island, Fort Saskatchewan, Gibbons, Lamont or Redwater, you can check your hourly AQHI right on our homepage at heartlandairmonitoring.org.