Toronto air quality remains poor due to wildfire smoke, temporary improvement possible Friday

Toronto's air quality remains severely impacted by ongoing wildfire smoke, with "very unhealthy" conditions reported.

Environment Canada issued an updated orange air quality warning Friday, noting that smoke from northwestern Ontario continues to affect southern parts of the province. Although a temporary improvement in air quality was anticipated for Friday afternoon, officials cautioned that very poor conditions would likely return by evening and persist through the weekend.

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There may be temporary improvement this afternoon however very poor air quality will return to all regions this evening and may persist into the weekend.

The persistent smoke has led to the cancellation of several outdoor events, including a FIFA Fan Festival watch party and the Rock the Park music festival. Meanwhile, 136 active wildfires raged in northwestern Ontario as of Wednesday evening, with 63 considered out of control. These fires have forced evacuation orders for multiple communities, and some blazes have damaged or destroyed homes.

Premier Doug Ford stated that provincial crews are working diligently to combat the fires and that the government will allocate necessary resources to ensure public safety. Environment Canada advises residents to limit outdoor exposure and stay cool indoors, warning of potential symptoms like eye and throat irritation, headaches, and coughs, with more severe symptoms possible for vulnerable populations.

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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.