Wildfire smoke blankets London as hazardous air quality forces outdoor closures

Health experts are urging precautions as the region battles hazardous air and extreme heat. CTV London’s Reta Ismail reports.

Smoke from wildfires burning across northern Ontario continued to blanket southern Ontario Thursday, prompting air quality warnings, the closure of outdoor recreation facilities in London, and the cancellation of another night of Rock the Park.

For a second consecutive day, Environment and Climate Change Canada’s air quality warning remained in effect as the Air Quality Health Index reached 10+ in the Middlesex-London region — the highest level on the scale.

Poor air quality is expected to continue into Friday. The smoky conditions were noticeable across the city, with reduced visibility and a strong smell of smoke lingering in the air.

“I noticed it last night. I was closing my sun porch windows before I went to bed, and I could really feel it in the back of my throat,” said Fred Hore, who wore a mask while walking downtown.

The Middlesex-London Health Unit is urging residents to limit their exposure to the smoke, warning that fine particulate matter can pose serious health risks.

“When air quality is as poor as it is, we worry about the pollution that is in the air we’re breathing, particulate matter that can cause irritation of our eyes, our throats, and particularly our lungs,” said Dr. Alex Summers with the Middlesex-London Health Unit.

Dr. Rodrick Lim, medical director of Children’s Hospital Emergency Department at LHSC, said the hazardous air quality combined with extreme heat has created what he described as a “perfect storm” for health concerns.

“It’s kind of the perfect storm, with not only the air quality being so poor yesterday and today, but also the extreme heat that we’ve been experiencing,” Lim said.

He warned residents not to assume conditions are safe simply because the sky appears to be clearing.

“Prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory problems and difficulty breathing,” Lim said. “If you’re already predisposed to breathing problems like asthma, or you’re young, pregnant, or elderly, it can be extremely dangerous.”

Health officials say those at greatest risk include older adults, children, pregnant people, and anyone with underlying respiratory conditions. They recommend limiting time outdoors, keeping windows closed when possible, and seeking medical attention if symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or worsening respiratory issues develop.

The City of London said outdoor recreation facilities, programs and sporting amenities remain closed until further notice because of the Environment and Climate Change Canada air quality warning.

The poor air quality also disrupted one of the city’s biggest summer events.

After Wednesday night’s opening performance by The Lumineers was cancelled because of the smoke, organizers announced Thursday’s Rock the Park concert would also be cancelled as air quality continued to deteriorate.

Officials continue to encourage residents to monitor the Air Quality Health Index and adjust outdoor activities based on current conditions rather than relying on visibility alone.