Environment Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement for Chatham-Kent and Rondeau Park as smoke from forest fires in the Prairies continues to drift into southern Ontario, causing poor air quality and reduced visibility.
Conditions are expected to vary throughout the day, with air quality gradually improving from north to south. However, officials warn that smoke levels and visibility can change rapidly, even over short distances.
As smoke levels increase, so do health risks. Residents are advised to limit time outdoors and consider rescheduling outdoor sports, events or other activities.
Common symptoms of smoke exposure include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, and mild coughing. More serious symptoms such as wheezing, chest pain, or severe cough may also occur. Anyone experiencing a medical emergency is urged to seek immediate medical attention.
Those most at risk include people over 65, pregnant individuals, infants, young children, people with chronic health conditions, and those who work outside.
When indoors, residents are encouraged to keep windows and doors closed. If poor air quality coincides with extreme heat, officials advise prioritizing strategies to stay cool. Using a clean air filter in home ventilation systems or a certified portable air cleaner can also help reduce exposure to fine particles indoors.
For those who must be outside, a well-fitting, properly worn respirator mask, such as a NIOSH-certified N95, can offer some protection from fine particulate matter, though it does not eliminate all risks.
Environment Canada also recommends checking in on vulnerable neighbours, friends, or family members.
For up-to-date information on local air quality, visit airhealth.ca or canada.ca/wildfire-smoke.
Residents are asked to monitor alerts and follow public health guidance as conditions evolve.
