Smell smoke? Wildfires ignite high air pollution levels in Simcoe County, Muskoka
Concerns mount over air quality as haze hovers over the region from wildfires across the province and Quebec.
Environment Canada's Senior Climatologist David Phillips warned the smokey situation is unhealthy. "And it will linger for as long as the weather stays stale."
Environment Canada's special air quality statement remains in effect, and will persist into the weekend, as high levels of air pollution developed in the region due to forest fire smoke.
"Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone's health, even at low concentrations," the national weather agency stated. "Continue to take actions to protect your health and reduce exposure to smoke."
It recommends stopping outdoor activities and remaining indoors with the windows closed "if the temperature in your home is comfortable."
Dr. Emil Prikryl with Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) warns residents, especially those who are considered at high risk of illness like seniors, young children and people living with chronic heart and lung conditions, to protect themselves as the air quality worsens.
"There can be mild symptoms ranging from sinus irritation, a mild cough, itchy throat, itchy eyes; you might've had that already," she said.
"All the way to much more severe ones like significant shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain or heart palpitations."
Barrie fire officials said its call centre had been fielding an increase in calls, primarily due to the smell of smoke.
Fire officials say it's unusual for this level of smoke for this length of time, which can vary in intensity in certain areas at different times.
"It is certainly dependent on the weather. It'll come and go. The smoke, depending on wind conditions and wind direction, could vary greatly from hour to hour," said Asst. Deputy Chief Derek Wilson, Barrie Fire and Emergency Service.
They advise residents that structure or vehicle fires usually create dark smoke and flames and to consider what they are smelling may be from the forest fires before calling in an emergency.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.