Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued an air quality advisory for the Rocky Mountain House, Nordegg and Sundre areas.

Officials say wildfire smoke is causing or expected to cause very poor air quality and reduced visibility.

Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances, say officials and can vary considerably from hour to hour.

During heavy smoke conditions, ECCC says everyone is at risk regardless of their age or health, with fine particles in wildfire smoke posing the main health risk.

Officials say people more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke are seniors, pregnant women, people who smoke, infants and young children, people who work outdoors, people involved in strenuous outdoor exercise and people with an existing illness or chronic health condition. Officials say those mentioned above are encouraged to avoid strenuous activities outdoors.

Symptoms can include milder and more common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, as well as serious but less common symptoms such as chest pains or severe cough.

If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.

ECCC says residents should limit time outdoors, and consider rescheduling or cancelling outdoor sports, activities and events.

To protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke, ECCC says actions can include using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air purifier that can filter fine particles.

Click here for more information on the alerts.