Wildfire smoke blankets Wellington County as air quality reaches 'very high risk'

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Summertime sunshine and fresh air have been spoiled by wildfire smoke drifting across the county, sending people indoors as air quality plummets.

Environment Canada issued an "orange" air quality warning for southwestern Ontario on Wednesday morning, stating smoke from northwestern Ontario wildfires is causing "very poor air quality and reduced visibility."

Ontario's Forest Fire Information Map showed 183 active wildland fires across the province on Wednesday, with the majority burning in northwestern Ontario.

Toronto led world rankings for the worst air quality on Wednesday morning, according to IQAir.

Locally, the air quality health index was sitting at a 10+, or "very high risk" on Wednesday morning.

Environment Canada recommends limiting time outdoors, cancelling outdoor activities and wearing a respirator type mask, such as an N95, when outdoors to reduce exposure to fine particulate in the smoke.

Windows and doors should be kept closed as much as possible to protect indoor air.

"During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status," Environment Canada's notice states.

According to FireSmoke Canada, an information portal run by weather researchers at the University of British Columbia, air quality conditions in Wellington County on July 15 will worsen throughout the day.

FireSmoke Canada suggests air quality could degrade in the county to a level of 28 to 60 micrograms of carcinogenic inhalable particulate matter per cubic metre.

The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment states human exposure shouldn’t be above a daily average of 27 micrograms.

Several local fire departments have issued fire bans due to the poor air quality and some organizations throughout the county have cancelled scheduled events.

For example, the Grand River Raceway in Elora cancelled all races for Wednesday night.

For a list of publicly accessible "clean air spaces" view Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health's ClimateSafe Map.

Symptoms of smoke exposure may include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and a cough. More serious symptoms may include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough.

Those most at risk include older adults, pregnant women, infants, young children, those with an existing illness/chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors.

Southwestern Ontario was also under a "yellow" heat warning on Wednesday, expected to continue into Thursday in some areas, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 33C.

Environment Canada states conditions may improve Friday morning.

Thursday's weather forecast calls for a daytime high between 28 and 30C, with lingering smoke, before clearing Friday with a mix of sun and cloud and a daytime high of 26 to 27C.