Environment Canada and the Province of Ontario have issued a special air quality statement for the entire Kawarthas region because of wildlife smoke beginning on Tuesday night (June 27).
The special air quality statement is in effect for Peterborough County, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Northumberland County, and Hastings Highlands.
High levels of air pollution will develop on Tuesday night due to smoke from forest fires. Smoke plumes from forest fires in northeastern Ontario and Quebec will move into the area overnight, resulting in deteriorated air quality. Conditions may improve for some areas on Friday.
Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.
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.
Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feel unwell. Take a break from the smoke at a location in your community where you can find clean and cool air. If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator-type mask (such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face, can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke.
