Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement because of smoke for the northern Kawarthas region on Sunday (June 25).
The special air quality statement is in effect for Haliburton County, Hastings Highlands, northern Kawartha Lakes, and northern Peterborough County.
Smoke plumes from forest fires in Quebec moved into the area early Sunday morning, resulting in high levels of air pollution and deteriorated air quality.
Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.
People respond differently to smoke. Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feel unwell. Drinking lots of water can help your body cope with the smoke.
Conditions are expected to improve on Monday.
This story has been updated to include northern Peterborough County in the special air quality statement.
