‘A toxic cloud of pollutants’: Torontonians urged to stay inside as smoky conditions persist. Live updates here.

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CP24 LIVE: Wildfire smoke persists, triggering air quality warnings

LIVE: View of downtown Toronto as wildfire smoke blankets city

Air quality warning remains in effect as GTA covered in a haze

Nearly 200 active wildfires in Ontario causing widespread devastation

Wildfire smoke leaves Toronto with some of the world's worst air quality

Highway closures, evacuation orders issued in northern Ontario amid wildfires

Smoky conditions have once again shuttered outdoor programs and facilities in Toronto, including pools across the city.

An air quality warning, orange alert, remains in effect today as wildfire smoke from northern Ontario drifts south.

• IN PHOTOS: Here is a closer look at Toronto’s orange sky amid wildfire smoke

Environment Canada is warning that everyone, “regardless of their age or health status,” is impacted by poor air quality.

Key details:

• An air quality warning, orange alert, remains in effect on Thursday
• Some cancellations and closures have been reported, including City-run outdoor pools
• Experts are urging people to stay indoors today
• The smoke is expected to subside on Friday.

10:15 a.m. - How to keep your pets safe as wildfire smoke blankets Toronto

As an orange-level air quality warning remains in effect for Toronto, pet owners are being reminded to keep an eye on their four-legged friends as wildfire smoke covers the city.

Dr. Karen Ward, chief veterinary officer at the Toronto Humane Society, spoke to CP24 Wednesday evening and said there are some common mistakes pet owners make when smoky conditions creep in.

She said taking your dogs outside or leaving your windows open are chief among them.

“When the air quality is poor, if it is hard for us to breathe, it’s going to be hard for our animals,” she said.

Animals with short snouts, brachycephalics, like pugs, French bulldogs, Boston terriers and pekingeses are particularly at risk, she said.

Owners should monitor their dogs eyes for redness or irritation as smoky conditions persist, she said, adding that they could experience difficulty breathing or lethargy due to the poor air quality.

-Phil Tsekouras, Journalist, CTV News Toronto

10 a.m. - When will Toronto’s air quality improve?

Toronto’s air quality is currently listed at “10+ Very High Risk” by Environment Canada. The weather agency says that the air quality in Toronto will improve to “High Risk” by Thursday night before dropping to a “Moderate Risk” on Friday.

Environment Canada, however, says that the air quality will worsen once again by Friday night and will be classified as “High Risk” on its scale.

The weather agency says that when air quality is classified as “Very High Risk,” the general population should “reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors.”

Chris Fox, CP24.com and CTVNewsToronto.ca journalist

9:30 a.m.- Smoke at Pearson

Canada’s largest airport says operations are smooth this morning despite the thick smoke settled over its runways.

“It’s a hazy sunrise over the airfield,” reads a post from Toronto Pearson Airport, which said it expects nearly 150,000 travellers to pass through today.

-Luca Caruso-Moro, Journalist, CTVNews.ca

9:20 a.m.- Ontario may need federal aircraft: minister

Ontario’s Emergency Preparedness Minister Jill Dunlop says her province may need federal aircraft resources “at extremely short notice.”

In a letter posted to social media Thursday morning, she asked the federal government to improve aircraft readiness.

“Given the evolving situation, and the increasing number of evacuation requests, additional air transportation resources may be required at extremely short notice,” reads her letter addressed to her federal counterpart, Elanor Olszewsky.

Ottawa has said in the past, she also wrote, “a 48-hour lead time ... may be necessary to respond to requests” for help.

“I respectfully request your assistance to reduce this lead time to 24-hours or less by ensuring aircraft and their crews are placed at a heightened state of readiness.”

-Luca Caruso-Moro, Journalist, CTVNews.ca

9:05 a.m.- How bad is Toronto’s air today?

According to IQAir, yesterday the city was ranked in the red “unhealthy” category. Today, conditions have worsened, with Toronto moving into the dark purple “hazardous” category, the most severe rating on the air quality scale.

The light purple category indicates “very unhealthy” air, while dark purple signals air pollution levels that pose an increased health risks to everyone.

-Jermaine Wilson, Journalist, CTV News Toronto

8:40 a.m.-Mississauga cancels outdoor activities

The City of Mississauga has officially moved its outdoor programming indoors today.

In a post to social media, officials warned residents to “avoid strenuous outdoor activities.”

”As a precaution, outdoor programming will be moved indoors where possible. Let’s Play in the Park programs are cancelled, and all outdoor pools are closed," the post read.

“Where possible, make-up classes for cancelled activities will be rescheduled to a later date, or a refund will be issued if a class is not rescheduled.”

-Jermaine Wilson, Journalist, CTV News Toronto

8:35 a.m.- Toronto now ranked #2 for worst air quality

Toronto has climbed from third to second on the list of cities with the worst air quality in the world, according to air quality data tracker IQAir.

This comes just one day after Toronto held the top spot for worst air quality throughout much of the day on Wednesday.

-Jermaine Wilson, Journalist, CTV News Toronto

8:30 a.m.- Canadian smoke drifts to U.S.

Smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario has drifted south of the border, leaving parts of several northeastern U.S. states under hazy, orange skies.Hazardous conditions were reported in Wisconsin and Michigan, while Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania also noted serious health risks as a result of the smoke.

-Luca Caruso-Moro, Journalist, CTVNews.ca

8:20 a.m.-Toronto Argos move practice indoors

The Toronto Argonauts have moved their practice indoors today.

Communications Manager Mike Hogan made the announcement on social media, saying that the decision was made “due to the air quality” and that today’s training will not be open to the public.

-Jermaine Wilson, Journalist, CTV News Toronto

8:15 a.m.- ‘A toxic cloud of pollutants’

Emergency room physician Dr. Edward Xie said wildfire smoke is very harmful to our lungs, hearts, brains, and immune systems.

“Wildfire smoke it a toxic cloud of pollutants. It includes carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, carcinogens, so cancer-causing agents, and microscopic particles that can be especially dangerous, including what’s called PM2.5,” he told CTV’s Your Morning on Thursday.

-Codi Wilson, Journalist, CP24.com

8:10 a.m. - Family doctor sees more patients with breathing difficulties due to smoke

Dr. Ashley Sebastian is a family physician from Brampton and said Wednesday that she has seen an increase in the number of patients coming in with breathing difficulties.

Sebastian warned that the deteriorating air quality is especially dangerous to vulnerable members of the population, including the elderly, young children, pregnant people, and the unhoused.

“So, we need to pay very close attention to this, and if you do need help, seek help at your local emergency department, if you can, or visit your family doctor.”

She said people who must be outside, especially those with respiratory issues or other health concerns, should consider wearing a mask to help filter out particulate matter.

“(Masks) can reduce and filter some of the particulate matter that might lead to some breathing difficulties. So certainly, you can wear masks to help improve your breathing quality,” Sebastian said.

-Phil Tsekouras, Journalist, CTV News Toronto

7 a.m. - ‘Some of the worst air we ever experience’

CP24 Meteorologist Bill Coulter said Toronto will see the worst of the bad air today before the situation improves on Friday.

“At least for the immediate future, we should see some improvement,” he said. “It is shifting out of our area temporarily tomorrow.”

He urged people to avoid any type of strenuous activity outdoors if possible.

“This is some of the worst air quality we ever experience here in the city,” he added.

“We really are telling you to limit your time outdoors... This just is not good. And we don’t say that lightly. We don’t tell you when it is super cold to stay indoors.”

-Codi Wilson, Journalist, CP24.com

6:45 a.m. - London, Ont. experiencing ‘major issues’ due to the smoke

The air quality warning remains in effect for London, Ont., Thursday morning and the smoke is causing disruptions in and around the city.

“Smoke continues to move into southern Ontario. Forest fires in northwestern Ontario and a northwest wind bringing that smoke down… we are having some major issues in and around the region,” said CTV London Meteorologist Julie Atchison.

On Wednesday, night one of the Rock the Park outdoor musical festival ended early due to the smoky conditions.

As the smoke persists, Atchison is advising, “Avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially when we are into these air quality issues. Smoke and haze will be an issue through the day today.”

CTV News London

6:30 a.m. - Toronto’s air quality third worst in the world

Toronto’s air quality was ranked third worst in the world on Thursday, according to air quality data tracker IQAir. That marks only a slight improvement to the city’s air quality on Wednesday, which was ranked worst the world throughout much of the day.

-Codi Wilson, Journalist, CP24.com

6:25 a.m.- ‘We need to come together’: First Nations forced to evacuate

The fires have prompted evacuation orders for several communities, including Armstrong, Lac La Croix First Nation, Collins First Nation, Whitesand First Nation, Gull Bay First Nation and Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation.

Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige said a fast-moving wildfire has advanced toward Namaygoosisagagun First Nation, also known as Collins First Nation.

The fire has caused extensive damage and destruction to homes and buildings, Debassige said in a statement.She said community members were forced to flee without the support of emergency services but all have been accounted for based on the information available as of Wednesday morning.“

The Anishinabek Nation will be dedicating resources to support Namaygoosisagagun First Nation through this devastating natural disaster in whatever areas possible, including boots-on-the-ground, accommodation co-ordination, and liaising with government,” she said.

“It is in these moments of crisis that we need to come together to support one another.“Collins First Nation Chief Helen Paavola has said that some people fled on boats as trees next to their homes caught fire.

The community has declared a state of emergency and it’s seeking support from both the provincial and federal governments.

“Our primary focus is to take care of our community members as many of our people ran out of their houses with only the clothes on their back,” Paavola said.

The community is located about 210 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, and it’s not accessible by road.

The Canadian Press

6:20 a.m. - U.S. ambassador to Canada releases statement on wildfires

Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. ambassador to Canada, released a statement Wednesday saying responding to wildfires demands a “shared response” from both countries.

He noted that smoke has reached the U.S., including over his home state of Michigan.

“I commend the outstanding cooperation between the United States and Canada as we confront these fires together. Our two governments are monitoring and sharing information in real time – coordination that reflects our partnership at its best," Hoekstra said in a statement.

“This challenge knows no borders. The United States will continue to coordinate closely with Canada, just as we have for more than four decades of shared wildfire emergencies.”

In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul urged residents to take precautions as an air quality health advisory is in effect.

Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also posted about the deteriorating air quality due to the wildfire smoke.

“Poor air quality affects everyone, but some people are more sensitive to it than others, including people with heart or lung conditions, older adults, pregnant New Yorkers, and infants and children,” the mayor posted on social media.

-Phil Tsekouras, Journalist, CTV News Toronto

6:15 a.m. - Limit time outdoors

Environment Canada is advising people to limit their time outdoors today as much as possible.

People exposed to the smoke may experience mild symptoms, including eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough, the national weather agency says.

“People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.”

-Codi Wilson, Journalist, CP24.com

6:10 a.m. - Ford posts video on Ontario’s wildfires

In a video posted on social media Wednesday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford addressed the ongoing wildfires in the province, pointing out that his government has 156 fire crews and nearly 150 water bombers and helicopters working to extinguish them.

“Our government will not spare a penny to keep people safe,” Ford said, proceeding to tout his government’s investment in forest firefighting, such as adding new personnel and adding new water bombers and helicopters.

He also acknowledged the help the province is getting from Alberta and Yukon. The premier also recognized those who are helping displaced residents.

“I’m encouraged by the compassion and the care we’ve seen from people across the province who are opening their communities to their fellow Ontarians who have been forced to evacuate as a result of these fires,” the premier said.

“I promise that our government will continue to do everything we can to protect people and communities across Ontario.”

The Ontario Liberal Party criticized the Ford government on Wednesday for underspending on emergency forest firefighting. The party said Ontario budgeted only $150 million this year, down from $271 million last year.

“A realistic base budget would allow the ministry to recruit and retain crews, maintain aircraft, secure equipment, and prepare evacuations before communities are threatened, rather than scrambling once fires are burning and families are being forced from their homes,” Ted Hsu, the Ontario Liberal critic for Rural Affairs, Natural Resources, Mining & Forestry, said in a statement.

“The North will come together, as it always does, but its resilience cannot excuse a government that failed to prepare. Protecting Ontario means protecting all of Ontario, with enough crews, equipment and funding in place before the next emergency.”

-Phil Tsekouras, Journalist, CTV News Toronto

6 a.m.- Outdoor pools closed

The city has closed all outdoor pools and wading pools today due to the wildfire smoke.

In a news release issued on Wednesday night, the city confirmed that outdoor recreation programs will be cancelled today and CampTo programming will move indoors. City-run child care centres will be open today but children will remain indoors.

-Codi Wilson, Journalist, CP24.com