Canada: Wildfire smoke blankets Ottawa for a third day

Canada: Wildfire smoke blankets Ottawa for a third day

• Where in Canada are the forest fires?

• What started the forest fires in Canada?

• Are Canadian wildfires normal?

wildfires in Canada: For the third day in a row, Ottawa is shrouded in a thick haze caused by smoke from nearby forest fires in northeastern Ontario and Quebec.

Health experts warn that those with heart or lung diseases, older folks, children, and those who work outside are more vulnerable to the health impacts of the smoke and that schools are being forced to cancel outdoor recess due to it.

 

According to a special air quality statement from Environment Canada, the air quality in Ottawa was 10+ and "very high risk" at 6 a.m.

"The quality of the air has declined as a result of smoke plumes from forest fires in Quebec and northeastern Ontario. According to a statement from the weather service, air quality may get better on Thursday before declining once more on Friday.

"Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour."

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Vera Etches says there has been an increase in visits to Ottawa hospital emergency rooms due to the smoky conditions.

"We've seen that increase over the last 24 hours. People with respiratory conditions like asthma and others might feel this first," Etches told CTV News Ottawa.

"But we also know from the data elsewhere that people with heart conditions, it can have an impact over time."

Etches recommends people "move indoors" for recreational activities during the poor quality days.

Etches says if you do wear a mask outdoors, you should wear an N95 mask.

"It's well fitted, doesn't have gaps," Etches said. "That can block more of the small particles. It doesn't change some of the gases that are in smoke; those gases are still going to come through but it can make a difference for some people.

The Air Quality Index shows a "very high risk" 10+ for Ottawa, Kingston, and Belleville on Wednesday. The Air Quality Index is at "high risk" 8 for Cornwall.

Ottawa weather

Environment Canada's forecast calls for "widespread smoke" today. High 17.

Thursday will be cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers in the afternoon. High 20 C.

The outlook for Friday calls for clouds with a 30 percent chance of showers. High 18 C.

Saturday will be cloudy with a slight chance of showers. High 22 C.