Well, fire season has started again.

The fires are way up north in the High Level region. Yes, it's horrible for those in the fire. And they're evacuating. But is this what summer is going to be from now til the end of time? I have a few roses that are blooming, because I bought them that way...but I can't even smell them, because (thank God) we have Particulate Respirators...and I wear one when I go outside. We have the windows closed and the air conditioner on.

Fires are an all summer thing here...between B.C.'s fires and northern Alberta...there's always smoke here. I'm finding it discouraging for being a roser, frightening for those in the fire (including animalls), and worrisome for the planet.

Any thoughts?

Hi Carol,
In Seattle we are also increasingly anxious about fire season every year. It is such a dystopian nightmare when the air turns thick with smoke and we are warned to stay indoors... And health experts are warning that air pollution is absolutely detrimental to our health in all respects, damaging our brains and other organs as much as our lungs. I'm very sad about it. We have had some smoke in the air in the recent days from Canadian fires, but it hasn't gotten bad enough to be very noticeable yet. Hopefully our species will get our act together and stop trashing the planet before it is too late.

Yes, it's really bad. I just read this:
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People in southern Alberta are being urged to stay indoors with windows closed Friday, as wildfire smoke blankets much of the region.

For Calgary, Airdrie and Red Deer, Environment Canada has issued an air quality health index of 10+, the highest on the scale, signifying very high risk. Most of the province is under a special air quality statement, as well.

"It means that there's a heavy load of pollution in the air — and we know that right now, there's forest fires burning in northern Alberta, and that forest fire air pollution has been transported on the wind," said Dr. Kathryn Koliaska with Alberta Health Services.

"Those little particles can be breathed deep into the lungs and so we want to limit the amount those are really being drawn into the lungs."
----
And I live in Calgary.

It just seems hopeless.

I can't even imagine what it must be like for all of you in fire zones. They announced today on OUR weather that the reason we've had such hazy skies and dim sunlight is because of the fires up in Canada. If it's affecting us here it must be awful for you guys. Please, take care and stay safe!

I''m sorry the fires are so bad up in Canada. Just today we have a wildfire about 4 miles from us here in NM. It's been super windy, so that is whipping the fires up.

Carol, I'm so sorry for what you are going through with the fires and hazardous air quality since we have experienced it here in No. CA. several times in the past 10 years.. I hope you get the relief you need soon! The situation sounds dire!

Carol,
Even though I live in the Pacific Northwest, I was unaware of the amount of fires plague your area. I am so surprised. I figured that you would have fewer fires because you are farther north. I guess I was wrong.

Our weather has been mild and rather wet. It must be a lot dryer there. Has it been hot? I really hope they get those fires under control quickly so you can go outside and enjoy your garden.

Well, the people who are really affected by the fires are a lot of indigenous First Nations people who live up there, who usually don't have much to begin with. So this is terrible for them. We also have fires up north in Ontario.

Air quality was a +12 today...so off the scale.
It's windy up north where the fires are...so that's not helping.

Sharon - I guess it's dry up there. And I think you're right...it was hot up there. I don't think they have any indication that they can stop it any time soon. I feel kind of selfish wanting to be in my garden when others are fighting for their homes, etc. But I guess we can't be paralyzed by what's happening elsewhere. Or everyone would curl up in a ball and die from what's happening all over the world. We have to try to be happy.

Reh0622 - yes, I'm always thinking of Californians and fire. It seems synonymous lately. Sigh.

Seil - it's affecting you too? Wow! This is terrible.

Karen - That's so scary!!! Just 10 miles away...and you have strong winds? Please stay safe. How awful!!!

For those of you feeling the effects of the various fires, I am so sorry! It is an unfortunate early beginning to fire season. Please stay safe.

Carol, I was looking at the webcams for Banff and Canmore and the air looks awful. I am glad you have your respiration protection that you can wear.

Mustbnuts - we have a westward blowing wind, and it's blowing the smoke away!! At least for today. Awesome...out of the 10 point scale...we were at a 12...and now we're at a 4...which is just moderate risk. ... one point away from minimum. So I went out today and mowed the lawn and fertilized the roses. Wahoo!! My throat is a little sore...but not much...I guess I should have used the mask...but it seems so nice out there.

We were in Banff a few years ago, some areas had the fire going, it was devastating to driving through areas of that had fire.

For California, we know a mom of friend of our youngest daughter who sold her house here in our area and bought a retirement house in Santa Rosa and that house was burnt down. Very sad.

SoCal - Oh wow...that is sad. When you buy a retirement home, you assume it's going to be your last home, and it houses all of your treasures that will make your final years comfortable and homey.

Here's the smoke map from today.

Oh, Seil! That just looks awful!

Oh my! That is awful. So, that's two fires worth of smoke? There's a fire in the state (sorry...don't know which state) under Minnesota?

You can check it out better on a site called Wildfire Today https://wildfiretoday.com

Thanks, Seil

Yikes that is awful! You can't seem to catch a break this year, Carol.

Ray_Gun - Thanks for the sympathy Things are much better. Although I have a sore throat from being out today. Could be much worse...I could live up in Fort McMurray like I used to.

Carol,
I wish you the best with your lungs. Smoke inhalation is no joke. We don't have mountains here, so I couldn't imagine what you have to go through during the fire season.


Jane