Air quality alerts have been issued across much of Ontario, including the Ottawa-Gatineau region and the Greater Toronto Area, due to drifting smoke from wildfires. Environment Canada announced on Thursday that the smoke is expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility, particularly overnight and into Friday morning.

The alerts indicate that the air quality in these regions could reach a high-risk level of 7 on the Air Quality Health Index. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities and consider rescheduling any planned events. The only local area not affected by the smoke is Grenville-sur-la-Rouge.

Environment Canada has highlighted that certain groups are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. This includes individuals over 65, pregnant people, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. People who work outdoors are also at increased risk. Symptoms of smoke exposure may include eye, nose, or throat irritation, mild coughing, and headaches. More severe symptoms, such as chest pain or intense coughing, should be treated as medical emergencies.

The smoke is a result of wildfires raging across Western Canada, particularly in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. As these fires continue to burn, air quality warnings have been issued from the Alberta-British Columbia border to the Quebec-Labrador border. In the U.S., parts of the Midwest are also experiencing hazardous air quality due to the drifting smoke, with alerts in states like Wisconsin, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Minnesota.

Environment Canada recommends that residents keep windows closed, use high-quality air filters or purifiers, and stay informed about local air quality conditions. The agency has issued special air quality statements for various regions, including northern Ontario communities like Dryden and Timmins, as well as a large area spanning from Windsor to Ottawa and the Greater Toronto Area. The smoke is expected to linger for several days, prompting ongoing advisories for residents to be cautious about their exposure.