Three days after issuing an air quality warning for the Kawarthas region due to smoke from forest fires in Quebec, Environment Canada and the Province of Ontario have issued another air quality warning for the region for Tuesday (July 14) into Thursday, this time due to smoke from forest fires in northwestern Ontario.
The “yellow” air quality warning is in effect for Peterborough County, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, Haliburton County, and Hastings Highlands.
A strong jet stream is transporting dense smoke from hundreds of active forest fires in northwestern Ontario into southeastern Ontario, resulting in poor air quality, hazy skies, red sunrises and sunsets, and potential smoke odours. Hot and humid air will exacerbate the poor air quality.
As smoke levels increase, health risks increase.
Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.
You 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. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.
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 reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.
When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool.
Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using the highest quality air filter that your ventilation system can handle and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles.
If you must spend time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke. Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health.
Check in on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke.
Always follow guidance from local authorities.
