Wildfire smoke prompts closures, warnings in northwestern Ontario

Wildfire smoke spreading throughout northwestern Ontario has prompted closures and event cancellations on Tuesday.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued air quality warnings for the Ear Falls, Pickle Lake, Pikangikum, Red Lake and Sandy Lake areas.

Meanwhile, special air quality statements have been issued for the following areas:

• Armstrong.
• Atikokan.
• Beardmore.
• Thunder Bay.
• Dryden.
• Ignace.
• Nipigon.
• Sioux Lookout.

Wildfire smoke from Ontario and Manitoba wildfires may remain in the region for the next several days, Environment and Climate Change Canada said.

"As smoke levels increase, health risks increase," the Northwestern Health Unit said in a news release issued Monday.

"Forest fire smoke is made up of a mixture of gases and fine particles that can be harmful to your health. You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance," it says.

The health unit is recommending people limit their time outdoors, and keep windows and doors closed as much as possible.

'Part of a larger health issue'

Air quality concerns led the Canada Games Complex in Thunder Bay to close its pool and track early Tuesday morning. However, the facility said they would be re-opened by 11:30 a.m. ET.

"Due to the extreme air quality we are experiencing outdoors, the pool and track area is also experiencing some smell and mild haze indoors and has improved since the facility opened this morning," the complex said on Facebook. "Swirl Pool (tot pool) will remain closed for the day."

The Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board's elementary track and field event, which was scheduled for Tuesday, has also been cancelled due to air quality, the board said in a Facebook post.

The event has been rescheduled for Thursday, weather and air quality permitting, the post says.

Lakehead Public Schools, meanwhile, said on social media Tuesday that the intermediate three-pitch tournament has been postponed, and indoor recess implemented, because of the smoke.

Rebecca Saari is a Canada Research Chair in global change, atmosphere, and health, and an associate professor at the University of Waterloo with expertise in air pollution.

She said those doing high-intensity workouts outdoors will be breathing in more polluted air, so they may want to consider exercising indoors in a well-sealed space, keeping doors and windows closed.

Children, pregnant people, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions are most at risk of smoke-related harms, Saari said.

"They can have acute symptoms that can lead to visits to their doctor or [the] emergency room or hospital," she said.

Wildfires are the single-largest contributor to a pollutant called particulate matter, said Saari, which "in Canada is associated with over 17,000 early deaths every year and around $150 billion in economic damages."

"It's a big part of a larger health issue," she said,

Those who must spend time outdoors are urged to wear a well-fitting respirator mask, she said, and check the air quality health index in their area.