Wildfire Smoke Continues to Impact Millions in Canada’s Major Cities

Smoke from wildfires hangs over Parliament Hill in Ottawa on June 6, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick)

Poor air quality due to wildfires may persist into the weekend for some of Canada’s most populous cities, Environment Canada says.

Toronto is expected to continue experiencing hazy skies and poor air quality over the next 72 hours as smoke from wildfires in Quebec and northeastern Ontario continues to compromise the air quality in southwestern Ontario.

According to the latest update, Toronto’s air quality will deteriorate and reach “high risk” status starting at 2 p.m. local time on June 8 until June 9 evening, based on its “forecast maximums.”

Environment Canada says people with lung or heart diseases, older adults, children, pregnant women, and those who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects from the smoke.

“Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations,” said the agency in its special air quality statement issued on June 8.

“Stop outdoor activities and contact your health care provider if you or someone in your care experiences shortness of breath, wheezing (including asthma attacks), severe cough, dizziness or chest pains.”

Ontario Cities

Ottawa, whose air quality hit “10+” or “very high risk” on June 7, improved overnight to “low risk.” The forecast, however, noted that the air quality in the national capital may deteriorate to “moderate risk” by June 9.

The same applies to Kingston, Ont., where residents were exposed to “very high risk” air on June 7, though authorities said the region might experience improved air quality throughout June 8 before once again deteriorating on June 9.

Other cities in Ontario such as Hamilton and Kitchener are expected to experience the same air quality levels as Toronto.

Quebec

In Montreal and Quebec City, the air quality is projected to be of “low risk” until the night of June 9. The province said earlier that the wildfire fight will presently focus on the northern region. Its forest fire agency—Societe de protection des forets contre le feu—said there are 150 active fires in the province and, so far, more than 639,000 hectares have been burned, representing the worst fire season on record.

British Columbia

In British Columbia, two out-of-control wildfires east of Vancouver and a blaze on Vancouver Island are creating smokey skies. The air quality in the northeastern and southeastern region of Metro Vancouver is expected to experience “moderate risk in smoke” throughout June 8, according to Environment Canada.

Vancouver will have a “moderate risk” air quality forecast for June 8 before the situation improves to “low risk” throughout the next day.

Alberta

There were no alerts issued for Calgary and Edmonton on June 8 as the air quality in both Alberta cities is observed to be of “moderate risk” in the next 72 hours.

Alberta has lifted its state of emergency following a very difficult May, during which 314 fires burned more than 12,000 square kilometres of forest, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes.

In Halifax, Nova Scotia, the air quality remains at “low risk” into June 10 and 11.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.