Residents of Waterloo Region and Guelph woke up on Thursday to dense smoke and strong campfire odors.
A serious orange-level air quality warning is still active, with Environment Canada predicting that these poor conditions will last through Friday.
The weather agency mentioned that there might be some improvement as the weekend approaches.
Throughout most of Wednesday, the Air Quality Index in Waterloo Region and Guelph hit a 10+, which is the highest possible level indicating very high risk.
On Thursday morning, those alarming air quality levels were still extremely high, with officials not expecting much change during the day.
Data provided by Environment Canada
On Wednesday, several local municipalities shut down outdoor pools, splash pads, and outdoor activities while moving summer camps inside. Burn bans were also put in place across Waterloo Region.
The World Cup viewing event planned for downtown Kitchener was canceled due to concerns over the poor air quality.
“During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status,” reads the warning from Environment Canada
The advisory encourages residents to limit time outside, reschedule outdoor sports or events, and watch for symptoms like eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, mild coughs, wheezing, chest pain or severe coughs. Vulnerable groups – including older adults, pregnant individuals, infants, young children, people with chronic illnesses and outdoor workers – should avoid strenuous activities outdoors.
In northwestern Ontario on Thursday, there were worries that winds from the northwest could spread flames from numerous forest fires that have already impacted communities.
Environment Canada indicated that Armstrong can expect widespread smoke with wind gusts reaching up to 40 kilometers per hour throughout most of today.
The fires have led to evacuation orders for several communities including Armstrong, Lac La Croix First Nation, Whitesand First Nation, Gull Bay First Nation and Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation.
Premier Doug Ford stated that teams are actively fighting over 180 wildfires in northern Ontario and that the province is committed to ensuring public safety without holding back resources.
Ontario forest fire officials reported on Tuesday that there are 148 active fires in just the northwest region alone; among these are 69 classified as out of control.
With files from the Canadian Press
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