Air quality warnings and advisories expand in parts of Ontario

Air quality warnings and advisories have expanded across Ontario.

Wildfires continue to rage in Manitoba and Saskatchewan as more than 30,000 people in those provinces have been forced to leave their homes.

An air quality warning has expanded across Northern Ontario.

Wildfire smoke may remain in place for the next several days for some areas in northwestern Ontario, Environment Canada and Climate Change said in the warning.

Areas impacted by the warning include a swath of land north of Kenora from the Manitoba border to James Bay.

A special air quality statement is in effect in areas north of Thunder Bay.

The smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility.

People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms, the warning states.

During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status. Limit time outdoors. People may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough.

Central and southern Ontario are not part of the advisory but the hazy conditions experienced this week are due to the wildfire smoke.

FireSmoke Canada, a portal for information about wildland fire weather and smoke, shows smoke drifting across Ontario and beyond this week. But the heaviest hit areas (shaded in dark) are at the Ontario-Manitoba border and into Saskatchewan.

FireSmoke Canada, a portal for information about wildland fire weather and smoke shows the smoke drift across Canada and the U.S.