Hazy Calgary skyline caused by raging B.C., Alta., forest fires

Forest fires in British Columbia and Alberta are making for a hazy skyline in Calgary.

Winds are continuing to pull smoke from the fires, one of which is currently rated as out of control by Alberta provincial authorities.

However, the Alberta Quality Health Index says air quality in the Calgary area remains within safe levels.

Officials are not cautioning Calgarians to take any special precautions unless they notice their throats becoming irritated or they begin coughing continuously.

People prone to respiratory problems should avoid outdoor activities if the smoke triggers a reaction.

Beaverlodge, near Grande Prairie, is ranked as having the worst air quality in Alberta.

Provincial authorities there are cautioning people in the northern community to reduce outdoor activities, and people who are elderly or who have respiratory problems are advised to stay indoors.

Some forests closed to public

Meanwhile, access to certain portions of the forested area west of Rocky Mountain House is being restricted.

A wildfire over 5,600 hectares in size is burning there and its behaviour is being described as extreme.

All recreational, industrial and public access to the affected area is closed and only authorized people with a valid permit from Environment and Sustainable Resource Development may access the area.

There are no residential communities in the closure area.

The forest closure extends from the mountains south of Highway 11 and north to the Cline River, east from the Banff National Park border to Whiterabbit Creek.

Highway 11 travel is not restricted by the closure but portions may be closed in future as Alberta Transportation and Environment and Sustainable Resource Development teams continue to evaluate the risk.

Watch a video posted Friday by Environment and Sustainable Resource Development of their efforts to battle the fire.