Thick smoke and falling ash wreaked havoc for Foothills residents with asthma, allergies and other heart / lung conditions yesterday as the smoke worsened throughout the evening.

Alberta Forestry has confirmed that a small, 3 hectare wildfire ignited in the Foothills to the west of Nanton, and southwest of Longview.

This fire was discovered on August 31st, and is currently under control and contained thanks to the effort of Alberta Wildland Fire Fighters, and local departments.

Photo courtesy of wildfire.alberta.ca

The cause of the blaze, is currently under investigation, but officials say the smoke those south of Calgary experienced yesterday wasn't caused by this local fire, rather, the big and out of control fires causing evacuations to the west of us.

A 250 hectare fire blazing in Moyie Lake near Cranbrook B.C. caused an evacuation order for 223 properties in direct danger on the southern side of the lake including the town site and the Eagles Nest RV Park, while another fire surrounding Lake Koocanusa has prompted evacuation alerts for the east side of the lake, and evacuation orders for communities and campgrounds on the west side of the lake.

A strong wind from the south west, blew smoke from these large fires into the Foothills, but a local cold front coming into the region this morning has cleared the air

There is local smoke expected in the Foothills forecast today, but the air quality rating is currently at 2 - which is low risk.

Experts advise those who can be affected by the poor air quality to stay indoors, in a well ventilated and air conditioned building.

They also suggest ensuring all doors and windows are closed.