Latest news with #forestfires
CTV News
3 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Forest fire smoke prompts air quality concerns across northeastern Ontario
Environment Canada has issued an air quality statement for much of northeastern Ontario, including areas in and around Greater Sudbury, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins. Environment Canada has issued an air quality statement for much of northeastern Ontario, including areas in and around Greater Sudbury, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins. 'Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility,' the statement said Saturday. 'High levels of air pollution due to smoke from forest fires are expected to return tonight and persist into Sunday. As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.' Symptoms caused by forest fire smoke in the air include eye irritation, headaches and mild coughing. 'More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough,' Environment Canada said. 'If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.' Keep windows closed People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, 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 reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms. 'When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible,' Environment Canada said. 'When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool. If you must spend time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator-type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke. Check on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution. Learn more by clicking here. Click here for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.
CTV News
3 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
‘It's smoky out': Londoners cope with poor air quality
A haze is present in the air across much of southwestern Ontario as forest fire smoke from the west continues to affect air quality. 'It's been poor for the past few days, particularly earlier this morning,' said David Pavletic, Manager of Health Hazards at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. At 7 a.m. Friday, Environment Canada reported the air quality index had almost reached 10, the maximum score. That's when Pavletic states things get serious. 060625 - smoky air David Pavletic, Manager of Health Hazards, Middlesex-London Health Unit. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London) 'The recommendation at that point would be to the general population to reduce activities outdoors and strenuous activities, for sure.' But air quality fluctuates with wind patterns. The unpredictability led some Londoners to be proactive, including senior Pauline Salisbury, who opted to wear a mask on a visit to Cherryhill Village Mall. 'I have a cough, and it's smoky out,' she explained. Another not taking many chances was parent Kiki Charles. She took her son, Elijah, to a city playground while the index was low. 'I wanted to kind of beat the bad weather.' As the pair had fun, she was mindful of advisories warning that children, seniors and those with compromised health face the greatest risk from the smoky air. 'I pay attention to whether or not he's exhausted or dehydrated,' Charles said. Even while indoors, there are safety precautions health officials recommend. They include closing all windows and doors and considering the purchase of a good quality air filter for heating and cooling systems. Not everyone heeds the advice, including Sandy Kirby. 'I read it. I'm careful, but I don't get all frantic about it.' Still, health officials advise that the poor air is expected to linger through the weekend. 060625 - smoky air Pauline Salisbury, opted to wear a mask on Friday. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London) That's why Pauline plans to keep her mask on. 'Well, like, I know some friends of mine who have a chronic cough. So, if they see me wearing a mask, then hopefully they will too, and protect themselves.'
CTV News
4 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Forest fire smoke impacts air quality for London and Middlesex
A special air quality statement has been issued by Environment Canada for areas including London and Middlesex County. A special air quality statement has been issued by Environment Canada for areas including London and Middlesex County. A special air quality statement has been issued by Environment Canada for areas including London, Middlesex County, Lambton County, Windsor and Essex. 'The forest fire smoke from the Prairies has made its way down into Ontario and will continue to affect our air quality over the coming days,' said CTV London Meteorologist Julie Atchison. Environment Canada recommends reducing outdoor activity, especially for vulnerable people. Thursday's rainfall is expected to come to an end in the evening, with some breaks of sunshine. Friday and Saturday will both have a mix of sun and cloud, with a high of 24. Saturday's probability of showers will drop down to 30 per cent. Here's a look at the rest of the forecast Thursday: A few showers ending this afternoon then cloudy with 40 percent chance of showers. Local smoke. High 20. UV index 4 or moderate. Thursday night: Cloudy. Hazy. Low 10. Friday: Cloudy. Clearing late in the afternoon. High 24. Humidex 26. UV index 6 or high. Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud. High 24. Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud. High 23. Monday: Cloudy with 60 percent chance of showers. High 22. Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud with 30 percent chance of showers. High 23.
National Post
5 days ago
- Climate
- National Post
What we know about the wildfires burning in Canada and sending smoke to the U.S. and U.K.
High winds coupled with a warm, dry spring are fuelling a wave of forest fires across western Canada and parts of Ontario. Article content More than 200 fires were reported across the country as of Tuesday morning, half of which are labelled out of control. Article content Wildfires have already burned close to 2.2 million hectares this year, equivalent to the size of about 4 million football fields. At about seven times its ten-year average, the burn area is unusually large for this time of year. Article content Article content The Shoe fire in Saskatchewan's Narrow Hills Provincial Park has scorched 408,000 hectares as of Monday, roughly 18 times the size of the city of Saskatoon, and is threatening 11 communities. Article content To the north, a 83,000 hectare fire in La Ronge, Sask, forced several neighbouring communities to evacuate. On Monday , the fire had crossed into the town's airport. Article content Article content The evacuation also included 45 acute and long-term care patients from the care homes and a health centre in La Rouge, the Saskatchewan Health Authority said. Article content Article content In Manitoba, more than 17,000 residents, including 5,000 people from Flin Flon, a mining city located near the Saskatchewan border, were forced to evacuate from their homes. The smoke has been too thick for water bombers to reach, leaving firefighters struggling to contain the blazes. Article content Multiple fires beset the First Nations communities of Pimicikamak Cree Nation and Pukatawagan, prompting the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs to make an urgent plea for emergency response on May 30.
Globe and Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
SSR Mining Announces Temporary Suspension of Operations at Seabee Due to Power Interruptions Caused by Forest Fires
SSR Mining Inc. (Nasdaq/TSX: SSRM) ('SSR Mining' or the 'Company') announces that operations at Seabee have been temporarily suspended due to power interruptions caused by forest fires in the vicinity of the mine. The forest fires are currently located approximately 15 kilometers to the north of the site. At this stage, the fire does not pose an immediate threat to site and infrastructure, however normal-course safety precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of our staff. Further updates will be provided as necessary. SSR Mining is listed under the ticker symbol SSRM on the Nasdaq and the TSX.
