Toronto Faces Severe Air Pollution from Forest Fire Smoke, Air Quality Reaches High Risk Levels

The smoke from forest fires in Quebec and Ontario is currently causing significant air pollution in Toronto. According to Environment Canada, the air quality index has reached level 7, which denotes a high risk. The organisation encourages locals to stay away from physically demanding outdoor activities as they may cause symptoms like coughing and throat irritation.

Since Monday, when the air quality advisory went into force, smoke and haze have engulfed the city. Around 4 p.m., things should start to get a little better, and overnight, the risk should go down to a moderate level. However, Thursday morning’s forecast is for increased smoke density, which will result in even poorer air quality and a risk level of 9 by Thursday afternoon.

The Toronto Blue Jays have announced that the game on Thursday night will take place inside a covered area due to the poor air quality. In different areas of the Greater Toronto Area, there have been fire restrictions, and numerous school boards have rescheduled or moved outdoor events indoors. The City of Hamilton has also enacted a fire ban, making it illegal for anybody, including those with an open-air burning permit, to use an open flame.

Beyond Toronto, the effects of the flames can be seen in Niagara Falls Tourism’s suspension of its fireworks programme owing to unsafe conditions. Toronto now has the third-worst air quality in the world, according to the World Air Quality Index.Environment Canada advises using face masks to prevent exposure to smoke particles, which represent the highest danger to health, in order to lessen the health concerns. Sadly, it is anticipated that the smoke from the wildfires will linger all weekend. While there are over 50 active fires in northeastern Ontario, more than 100 flames are now raging in Quebec.