Forest fire smoke from northwestern Ontario will result in “very poor” air quality in the Greater Toronto Area on Friday night, Environment Canada says.
The dirty air may persist into Saturday, the federal agency said in an orange-level air quality warning that remains in place for the region.
“During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status,” it said, adding people should reschedule or cancel any outdoor activities.
Meteorologist Rob Kuhn said earlier on Friday that showers with the chance of a thunderstorm on Saturday could “help sweep out some of the smoke” temporarily.
There are hopes that a strong cold front will sweep through the region Saturday night into Sunday to “get rid of a lot of the smoke,” he said.
But Kuhn warns the GTA might not be entirely done with the smoke this summer as wildfires continue to burn in the province.
Ontario officials say there are 136 active wildfires in the northwest region as of Wednesday, with 63 out of control. Another 44 fires are burning in the northeast, nine of which are out of control.
The wildfire affecting Namaygoosisagagun First Nation, Armstrong and Whitesand First Nation was more than 350,000 hectares large as of Thursday, according to Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services.
As a result of smoky conditions, the roof of the Rogers Centre was closed for the Toronto Blue Jays game against the Chicago White Sox in Toronto on Friday evening, the team said in a social media post Friday.
Mayor Olivia Chow and Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Michelle Murti told reporters at a news conference on Friday that city officials are monitoring air quality closely.
“We will keep adjusting city services as needed,” Chow said.
Why the sky turned orange | About That
On Friday, the city’s outdoor pools remained closed and lifeguards at 10 supervised Toronto beaches were cleared due to the air quality warning. Chow said that will remain the case with the air quality warning in effect and that wading pools will also be closed.
Indoor recreation facilities, CampTO programs and city-run childcare centres remained open but operating indoors. CampTO field trips were cancelled for the day.
Toronto has six “cleaner air spaces” open at city hall, Metro Hall, North York Civic Centre, Scarborough Civic Centre, York Civic Centre and East York Civic Centre.
Toronto the orange: Wildfire smoke leaves city under dirty sky with no relief likely until Friday
Environment Canada warned residents may experience symptoms including headaches, eye and throat irritation, wheezing or chest pains.
Seniors, pregnant people, young children, people who work outdoors and those with existing health conditions are more likely to be impacted by the wildfire smoke. They’re advised to avoid going outdoors and to seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.
