People are posting eerie orange sky photos across Ontario

Ontario residents are experiencing eerie, apocalyptic skies as wildfire smoke rolls across the province.

Wildfires have forced the evacuation of multiple communities in northwestern Ontario. As of Tuesday evening, there were 37 active wildfires in northeastern Ontario, according to the province. Of these fires: five are not under control, three are being held, one is under control and 28 are being observed.

The smoke prompted an orange-level warning for air quality from Environment and Climate Change Canada. Toronto’s air quality was ranked worst in the world on Wednesday morning.

As the orange hue settles over Ontario, people are posting photos on social media.

Toronto’s air quality is currently poor and unhealthy right now due to wildfire smoke drifting from northwestern Ontario

Be safe. Limit or avoid time outdoors.

Sensitive groups, for example those with heart/lung conditions, elderly, and pregnant individuals, should seek… pic.twitter.com/n4yLaSiwkw

— Lisa🌺 (@NurseLJohn707) July 15, 2026

The dark orange sky had some people thinking about the environment, and what people can do to help northern communities.

The sky over Mississauga right now, no filter, wildfire smoke and heatwave. Think about what you can do to reduce emissions and help the planet heal, because up north the folks can’t just step onto an air conditioned mall and forget about the warnings all around us. #onstorm… pic.twitter.com/s0oPXqvWeB

— RAYMI THE MINX (@raymitheminx) July 15, 2026

People should avoid outdoor activities.

Ontario is dealing with a heat wave and wildfire smoke at the same time, and the two together are tougher on your body than either one alone.

Take care of each other (and yourself) out there today. ⛳

📷 Conestoga Golf Club pic.twitter.com/FlnLbHAoxW

— GolfNorth Properties (@GolfNorthToday) July 15, 2026

Many people commented on the apocalyptic feel.

A Reddit user posted a photo of Mississauga City Hall.

“It’s like a zombie movie… the hordes will be coming soon,” one person said on Reddit.

“it reminds me of Mad Max. Very dystopian!” another person said.

In northeastern Ontario, the skies are even darker.

An apocalyptic scene unfolded on Highway 11 in Northwestern Ontario, Canada, this evening as the sky turned deep red and nearly black. pic.twitter.com/KK2RVqLMtP

— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) July 15, 2026

Slate River resident Alina Cameron, president of the Ontario Autism Coalition, took the opportunity to call out the Ontario government’s cuts to firefighting budgets.

Why aren’t there enough fire crews in northwestern Ontario @fordnation? pic.twitter.com/IsrVzLTRC5

— Alina Cameron 🇨🇦 💉 🔬 (@Alina_Cameron) July 15, 2026

Forecasters believe the air quality could improve on Friday in southern Ontario.