Smoke from wildfires triggers special air quality statement in Ontario

A haze from the western wildfires as seen from Waterloo Region on June 5, 2025.

The long weekend may be a smoky one for people in most of Ontario.

Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement at 1:28 p.m. Saturday, warning of poor air quality and reduced visibility.

“Smoke from forest fires is expected to continue to spread south into southern Ontario this afternoon and evening. The wildfire smoke may persist for much of the weekend for parts of southern Ontario,” the notice read.

The smoke is billowing from wildfires burning in the Prairies.

Environment Canada warns air quality and visibility could fluctuate over short distances and vary ‘considerably’ from hour to hour.

People living in the effected areas, including Waterloo Region, Wellington County, Brant County, Perth County and Oxford County, were encouraged to limit time outdoors and consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor activities.

The weather office said some people are more likely to be impacted by the smoke, including people aged 65 or older, pregnant people, infants and young children, and people with pre-existing conditions. Anyone working outdoors for long periods of time could also feel the effects.

Some people may experience eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. Rare, but less common, symptoms include wheezing, chest pain and severe coughs.