‘We are at the end of the exhaust pipe:’ Toronto air quality still among worst in world but relief is on horizon

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Hazy conditions persisted in Toronto and much of southern Ontario on Thursday as wildfire smoke from the north drifted south for the second consecutive day.

An air quality warning, orange alert, remains in effect today.

• IN PHOTOS: Here is a closer look at Toronto’s orange sky amid wildfire smoke
• Air quality in Toronto roughly five times worse today vs. Wednesday due to wildfire smoke
• These are all the smoke-related closures and cancellations in Toronto
• Toronto hospitals report spike in air quality-related emergency visits. Here is what the data shows

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

Air quality in Toronto, at one point, was the worst amongst major cities in the world, which prompted outdoor programs and facilities, including pools, to be shuttered.

“It’s almost as if we are at the end of the exhaust pipe for that smoke coming from the fires in Red Lake and northwest of Thunder Bay,” Environment Canada meteorologist Dave Phillips said.

According to Environment Canada, the air quality in Toronto on Wednesday morning was about five times worse than the previous day.

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.

4 p.m. – Why you should check your air conditioners amid wildfire smoke

Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Michelle Murti says that residents with air conditioning should adjust their systems to make sure they are set to recirculate air and are not bringing in smoke-filled air from outside.

She says that you should also make sure you are closing all windows so “you are not bringing in outdoor air into the home environment” while air quality is so poor.

“The biggest factor for indoor air is outdoor air. What is happening outside is what is driving what is happening inside. But you can avoid adding to that inside,” she said.

Murti described the last two days in Toronto as “really difficult” while speaking with CP24.

She said that while air quality is set to improve on Friday, residents should continue to stay inside as much as they can until then.

“People who have been outside, you can feel it right away. Your eyes will start stinging; people have said they start to cough right away, that throat irritation. So try to stay indoors as much as possible and limit that time outside,” she said.

-Chris Fox, journalist, CP24.com and CTVNewsToronto.ca

3:40 p.m. – Wildfire smoke has ‘systematic effects’ on body

Jeffrey Siegel, who is a professor at the University of Toronto, tells CP24 that while the wildfire smoke is of particular concern for vulnerable residents, it can have an effect on healthy adults as well.

“When we breathe in that stuff, it goes from our lungs into our bloodstream, and so it has systemic effects on our body,” he said.

“It obviously affects our respiratory system, but it also affects our hearts, our propensity for heart disease, risk of stroke, and cardiovascular issues, so really a wide variety.”

-Chris Fox, journalist, CP24.com and CTVNewsToronto.ca

3:25 p.m. - ‘It’s almost as if we are at the end of the exhaust pipe’

Environment Canada meteorologist Dave Phillips said the past 34 hours in southern Ontario have been suffocating with the wildfire smoke.

“It’s almost as if we are at the end of the exhaust pipe for that smoke coming from the fires in Red Lake and northwest of Thunder Bay,” Phillips said in an interview with CTV News Channel on Thursday.

He explained the heat dome that descended upon the province this week, which prompted some heat warnings, helped bring the smoke down.

“Typically, when you see smoke at times, it’s at high levels. It’s maybe 678 kilometres above the ground, and so you see the red sunset and sunrise, and you see kind of a bit of haze, but you’re not fumigated by that. But this heat dome, it was almost like a vacuum cleaner,” Phillips said.

“It took that smoke at the high levels and brought it right down to the ground where people were breathing it, and that’s why it’s been such a health issue.”

But there is good news on the horizon.

Phillips expects conditions will slowly improve tomorrow and by Saturday with rain in the forecast, which would also help in forest firefighting.

“This will help to scrub the air and get better,” he said.

Phillips also noted that cooler temperatures will prevail next week.

- Bryann Aguilar, journalist, CP24.com

3 p.m. - AFN calls for Ottawa to provide immediate support

The Assembly of First Nations has called on the federal government to provide immediate support to rebuild a First Nation devastated by wildfires in northern Ontario.

A message from Collins First Nation Chief Helen Paavola was read aloud at Thursday’s assembly meeting.

She said her community has been destroyed and residents evacuated without warning or assistance from any ministry.

Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige said over 30 homes, a school and a community centre went up in flames.

The Canadian Press

2:55 p.m. – Air quality improves but still 5th worst among major cities

Toronto’s air quality has begun to improve slightly but continues to pose a significant risk.

Environment Canada’s air quality index for the city now sits at nine after being listed at “10+ Very High Risk” throughout Thursday morning.

Toronto has also fallen to fifth place amongst the major cities with the worst air quality in the world currently, according to IQAir.

Minneapolis, Detroit, and Chicago currently sit atop that list.

Toronto’s air quality is listed as “unhealthy” on the IQAir index but is no longer designated as “hazardous,” as it was earlier in the day.

-Chris Fox, journalist, CP24.com and CTVNewsToronto.ca

2:20 p.m. – Smoke-filled air can cause inflammation in lungs

Ontario Medical Association (OMA) President Dr. Rebecca Hicks says that “it’s really important for people today to stay indoors if possible” and consider rescheduling any outdoor activities that are not urgent until the air quality in the city improves.

She says that breathing in smoke-filled air causes irritation in the lungs, which in turn leads to inflammation that can manifest in a variety of symptoms, including shortness of breath, cough, chest pains, and chest tightness.

“We have heard from many people, even those without respiratory or cardiac symptoms, that are experiencing some of those symptoms in a milder way,” she told CP24.

“The challenge is that when you already have something going on in that area of your body it takes less of those symptoms to then magnify and become more problematic.”

Hicks said that some of the other ways people can protect themselves from the wildfire smoke include ensuring their doors and windows are closed and wearing a N95 respiratory mask if they do need to venture outside.

-Chris Fox, journalist, CP24.com and CTVNewsToronto.ca

2:17 p.m. - Alberta sends help

Ontario is getting a helping hand from Alberta in its efforts to tame raging wildfires in the north.

Alberta wildfire officials say 94 firefighters and 13 aircraft have been sent to Ontario.

That includes two water bombers, six smaller air tankers and two helicopter tankers.

The Canadian Press

1:25 p.m. - Poor air quality-related ED visits spike

Two emergency departments in Toronto say preliminary data shows a significant jump in “selected respiratory and air-quality-sensitive presenting complaints” on Wednesday.

According to the University Health Network, the emergency departments at Toronto General Hospital and Toronto Western Hospital received 36 visits from patients experiencing issues related to poor air quality, including shortness of breath, allergic reaction, chest pain (non-cardiac), cough/congestion, and eye pain, on July 15.

That’s an 80 per cent increase from July 1, which saw 20 such complaints, a spokesperson wrote in an email.

They said that the “largest increases” were seen in shortness of breath, cough/congestion, and non-cardiac chest pain.

“The upward trend was also evident week-over-week, with visits increasing from 26 on July 8 to 36 on July 15,” Leslie Whyte Zhou said.

The health network went on to say that the data should be “considered anecdotal.”

“While the analysis does not establish causation, the pattern is consistent with a potential impact of reduced air quality and warrants continued monitoring,” Zhou said.

Read more here.

-Joanna Lavoie, journalist, CP24.com

1:20 p.m.- ‘Canada’s apologies won’t clear Michigan skies’

U.S. Republican politicians from Michigan are demanding immediate action from Canada as smoke from northern Ontario wildfires drifts across the border.

In a press release, Republican members of Michigan’s congressional delegation wrote, “after repeated conversations sharing concerns and a lack of meaningful progress, the members are making it clear that continued inaction from Canada is unacceptable.”

On Wednesday, Reps. Jack Bergman, John James, Lisa McClain and John Moolenaar penned a joint letter about the wildfire smoke to Prime Minister Mark Carney, warning him that Michigan Republicans’ “patience has run out.”

“We were told last year that this would be treated with urgency. It was not,” the representatives wrote.

“We are done accepting apologies in place of action. If Canada will not manage its forests to prevent these fires, the United States will look elsewhere, and act on our own, to protect our people.”

Read more here.

Ted Ballantyne, Senior Multiplatform Writer, CTV News

1:15 p.m.- Outdoor workers wearing masks

Outdoor workers are donning masks, taking breaks or staying home altogether as wildfire smoke wafts across southern Ontario and health officials raise concerns.

Environment Canada says the air quality in Toronto continues to be “very high risk,” with warnings in place from Windsor to Kingston.

The Canadian Press

12:50 p.m. - Ford defends wildfire funding

Premier Doug Ford is defending Ontario’s wildfire response as smoke from northern wildfires continues to choke much of the province, pushing Toronto into the highest-risk category for air pollution.

Speaking Thursday, Ford rejected suggestions the province has underfunded firefighting efforts, saying Ontario has “never underfunded our firefighters” and has more than doubled annual base funding since his government took office.

He said the province has added dozens of permanent frontline positions, increased pay for firefighters and pilots, and invested more than $650 million in new helicopters and water bombers, pledging his government “will continue to spare no expense” to protect communities threatened by the fires.

Budget documents show the Ontario government has slightly reduced its emergency funding to fight wildfires from $177 million in 2024-25 to $135 million for 2025-26.

12:20 p.m. – PM says feds in ‘close communication’ with province, municipalities

Prime Minister Mark Carney opened his remarks at an unrelated news conference in London, Ontario, by acknowledging the Canadians who have had their lives “upended” by “wildfires across the country.”

Carney added that the federal government is “in close communication” with provincial and municipal counterparts and is prepared to help.

“We stand ready and will be providing additional assistance as needed because Canadians always look after each other,” Carney said.

-Chris Fox, journalist, CP24.com and CTVNewsToronto.ca

12:20 p.m.- Guests of Canada’s Wonderland urged to wear masks

A spokesperson for the Vaughan amusement park says they remain open despite the poor air quality.

“Our staff have been provided masks, and we encourage guests to bring them as well, if they’re planning to visit,” the statement read.

-Codi Wilson, Journalist, CP24.com

12:15 p.m. - Day camp cancelled

Camp Robin Hood, a day camp operating in the GTA, announced that current conditions have prompted staff to cancel camp today.

“We have been closely monitoring conditions overnight and early this morning. Unfortunately, the air quality at camp is significantly worse today than it was yesterday,” the statement read.

“As an outdoor camp, the health and safety of our campers and staff will always be our guiding principle. While we’re incredible disappointed not to be together today, we know this is the right decision for our community.”

-Codi Wilson, Journalist, CP24.com

11:30 a.m. -Air in Toronto roughly five times worse today vs. Wednesday

The air quality in Toronto is currently about five times worse today than it was yesterday, as wildfire smoke continues to choke the city and surrounding area.

In an interview with CTV News, Peter Kimbell, warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment Canada, said a measurement of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) from west Toronto recorded this morning at 8 a.m. came in at 296 micrograms per metre cubed.

“That is definitely worse than it was yesterday, because yesterday, in the afternoon, it was 62 micrograms per metre cubed. So yeah, way worse, much worse today,” he said.

-Phil Tsekouras, Journalist, CTVNews.ca

10:40 a.m.- Toronto’s air quality appears to be improving

In Toronto, the air quality has improved from “hazardous” to “very unhealthy,” according data from IQAir.

Toronto’s air quality is now third worst in the world, behind two U.S. cities: Detroit and Minneapolis. Toronto’s air quality was considered to be the worst in the world among major urban centres on Wednesday.

-Codi Wilson, Journalist, CP24.com

10:30 a.m. – Change in wind direction will help clear wildfire smoke

CP24 Metrologist Bill Coulter says that winds will change from the northwest to the southeast by Friday morning which will help to improve the air quality in Toronto, but could result in a further deterioration in air quality in southwestern Ontario.

Toronto is experiencing northwest winds of 20 kilometres an hour this afternoon.

“Depending on where you are headed, you may still have to deal with it tomorrow, but Toronto should see some improvement from 10 plus, the highest on the air quality index, to about a four, which is moderate risk but much improved air quality,” Coulter says.

Chris Fox, CP24.com and CTVNewsToronto.ca journalist

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.”

Read more here.

-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