Poor air quality as wildfire smoke continues to blanket Ottawa, region

A person wears a mask as they cycle through Majors Hill park in Ottawa as forest fire smoke from Manitoba hangs over the National Capital region. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

The special air quality statement that was issued for eastern Ontario and western Quebec Thursday remains in effect as smoke continues to linger over the nation’s capital.

The air quality health index was at level five, a moderate health risk, in the early hours of Saturday morning in Ottawa. As of 9 a.m., the level climbed to six. Environment Canada is expecting the level to rise to seven during the day, which is a high health risk.

On Friday, the capital’s air quality was rated 10+ or “Very High Risk” at 4 p.m., after a slight improvement earlier in the day.

“High levels of air pollution due to smoke from forest fires are expected to continue into Sunday morning,” said Environment Canada in an update.

Smoke from wildfires in western Canada continues to blanket all of Ontario, western New York State and most of Quebec, according to www.firesmoke.ca.

“As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events,” reads the statement.

“You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.”

Residents over the age of 55, pregnant women, workers who work outdoors and people with existing health conditions are at risk of being impacted by wildfire smoke. Those people are asked to protect themselves by limiting their exposure to smoke by staying indoors.

“When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool,” reads the statement.

“Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles.”

Those who must spend time outdoors are asked to wear a respirator type mask, such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator, reads the statement.

The statement comes as fires continue to ravage the Prairies, prompting the province of Manitoba to declare a national emergency. Hundreds of Manitoba First Nations are seeking refuge in Niagara Falls, hundreds of kilometres away from home.

More information about reducing your health risk is available at airhealth.ca.

Weather forecast

Environment Canada calls for a high of 25 C and a mix of sun and cloud this Saturday.

A low of 10 C and a few clouds are expected for tonight.

Sunday will be sunny with a high of 24 C. A low of 15 C and a 30 per cent chance of showers are expected overnight.

On Monday, the capital will see a high of 22 C and a 40 per cent chance of showers. A low of 15 C and a 60 per cent chance of showers are expected for the night.

The normal temperatures for this time of year are a high of 23 C and a low of 13 C.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Josh Pringle