Air quality concerns mount as the smell of smoke fills the air in Simcoe County and Muskoka
Residents in Simcoe County and Muskoka are advised to be cautious as forest fires in Quebec impact the air quality, prompting a special statement from Environment Canada.
The national weather agency says high levels of air pollution are possible due to smoke from the fires in Quebec and could result in deteriorated air quality throughout most of the week.
Quebec has been grappling with a severe forest fire season, characterized by a high number of wildfires stretching across vast stretches of forested areas, producing large volumes of smoke that winds can carry over long distances.
The City of Barrie issued an air quality statement Tuesday due to the haze settling over the region, noting the fire department is receiving an increase in calls about the smell of smoke.
"If there is no actual visible smoke or flames issuing from a vehicle or structure, consider the smell is possibly that of wildfire smoke in the air," the City stated in a release.
Environment Canada warns people with lung disease, asthma, heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant women, and those working outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.
The weather agency recommends staying indoors with the windows closed when possible and using an air purifier with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Two killed in bear attack at Banff National Park, grizzly euthanized: Parks Canada
Parks Canada says a bear attack in Alberta's Banff National Park has left two people dead. Officials say a response team trained in wildlife attacks was immediately mobilized but weather conditions at the time did not allow for helicopter use.
Ontario expands pharmacists' prescription powers to include 6 more common ailments
Ontario residents can now access treatment and medication for six more common ailments at pharmacies across the province.
1 in 20 Americans used ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19, study finds
A recent study has found 1 in 20 people in the U.S. who contracted COVID-19 used non-evidence based treatment, such as ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, due to beliefs in vaccine-related misinformation.
Why does a group of B.C. killer whales harass and kill porpoises without eating them?
A group of orcas that inhabit Canadian waters are known to harass and kill porpoises without eating them. A new study tries to explain why.
Who will the Toronto Blue Jays face in the AL wild-card series? They'll soon find out
The Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays will close out Major League Baseball's regular season Sunday at Rogers Centre in a playoff warm-up for both teams.
Ontario's minimum wage just went up. Here's what you need to know
Nearly a million minimum wage earners in Ontario got a pay bump today.
Ontario city home to Nazi soldier that visited Parliament shares mixed emotions
North Bay, Ont. is currently home to a man who was honoured with a standing ovation in the House of Commons during a visit from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but whose presence in Parliament later caused global outrage and embarrassment when details emerged about his past as a Nazi soldier during the second World War.
AI and data centres drink up billions of litres of water, experts say. This is why
As artificial intelligence dominates the public interest, some experts fear we don't understand the true climate impact of these models.
Gaetz says he will seek to oust McCarthy as speaker and calls for new U.S. House leadership
Rep. Matt Gaetz said Sunday he will try to remove House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a fellow Republican, from his leadership position this week after McCarthy relied on Democratic support to pass legislation that avoided a government shutdown.