Smoke from British Columbia forest fires will continue to put air quality health index at an extremely high level in Cochrane and area and those having difficulty breathing are recommended to find an indoor place that's cool and ventilated.

Currently, Environment Canada forecasts the area will reach the very high-risk category later today and it will continue overnight and possibly drop slightly on Thursday.

During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour, reports Environment Canada. Air quality is expected to be intermittently poor for the remainder of the week.

Those with health issues, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, should pay special attention to their environment while these extreme levels continue.

"We know when there are periods of poor air quality there can also be some additional deaths related to air quality," explains Brian Proctor, of Environment Canada, "and so it's important for people to think about the risk of both short and long-term exposure to air pollution."

Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.

People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.

They recommend staying inside if you have breathing difficulties. Find an indoor place that's cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn't air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned.