Toronto Faces Lingering Smoke from Wildfires in Quebec and Northern Ontario

Toronto is currently engulfed in the smell of smoke as wildfires continue to blaze in Quebec and northern Ontario. Environment Canada has issued an air quality advisory for the Greater Toronto Area, cautioning residents about the high levels of smoke pollution. Even at low concentrations, wildfire smoke can pose health risks for everyone. The advisory urges individuals to take necessary measures to protect their health and minimize exposure to the smoke.

As per the Air Quality Health Index provided by Environment Canada, the risk level in the city is currently moderate at level 4, expected to rise to level 5 later tonight. Unfortunately, the smoky conditions are likely to persist until at least the end of the week. The FireWork system, which predicts wildfire smoke movement, indicates that denser volumes of smoke will blow southeastward towards the city and accumulate over the Greater Toronto Area by Thursday evening.

Residents in the affected areas are advised to limit their outdoor activities, especially strenuous ones, as long as the air quality advisory remains in effect. If individuals experience difficulty breathing, it is recommended to reduce or completely avoid physical exertion, as advised by the agency.

Social media posts from residents across southwestern Ontario have depicted the sun obscured by the thick smoke, further highlighting the extent of the situation. As of Tuesday morning, there are approximately 160 forest fires burning in Quebec and at least 47 in northern Ontario.

Canada’s emergency preparedness minister, Bill Blair, has expressed that the ongoing wildfires, including those in British Columbia and Nova Scotia, are some of the most severe the country has witnessed. He also stated that the current forecast for the upcoming months indicates the potential for sustained higher-than-normal fire activity this year.