Toronto

Special air quality statement in place across GTA amid wildfire smoke: Environment Canada

The federal agency has also issued special air quality statements for a large swath of southern Ontario, including the Greater Toronto Area.

Agency has also issued special air quality statements for Toronto, swath of southern Ontario

A smoke-covered boat on the lake.
The marina in Thunder Bay, Ont., is seen shrouded in smoke this week. Wildfires have led Environment Canada to issue warnings about air quality for much of Ontario. (Kris Ketonen/CBC)

Smoke from wildfires burning in other parts of Canada has prompted Environment Canada to issue air quality warnings or statements for much of Ontario.

The agency placed parts of northern Ontario under an air quality warning on Thursday afternoon as wildfires scorch Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

It warns smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility in regions including Fort Hope, Kenora and Sandy Lake.

Environment Canada says high concentrations of wildfire smoke have moved south of the area and may remain in place for the next several days.

The agency has also issued special air quality statements for northern Ontario communities including Dryden and Timmins, as well as a large swath of southern Ontario spanning Windsor to Ottawa and the Greater Toronto Area.

The weather agency says the statements are in place through Friday, adding residents should consider limiting time outdoors and be mindful of smoke exposure symptoms.