The Special Air Quality Statement that has been in place all week is expected to continue into the weekend once again.
High levels of air pollution continue to blanket the region due to smoke from forest fires.
With two new fires detected since Thursday evening, there are currently 34 wildfires burning across the northeast.
Chapleau 9 is located 19 kilometres south of Highway 101 and 1 kilometre west of Turner Lake. The 0.3-hectare fire is not under control. Sault Ste Marie 7 is located one kilometre south of Gull Lake and six kilometres north of Goulais Lake, nestled just outside the Algoma Headwater Provincial Park. The 0.7- hectare fire is not under control.
Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour, Environment Canada said.
The Air Quality Health Index for Ontario says to expect the air pollution to be moderate risk for much of today and this evening, while climbing up to low risk for Saturday.
“Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations,” Environment Canada states in the report. “Continue to take actions to protect your health and reduce exposure to smoke.”
People with lung disease or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk from wildfire smoke. If you begin to feel symptoms, including experiences shortness of breath, wheezing (including asthma attacks), severe cough, dizziness or chest pains, stop outdoor activities and contact a health-care provider.
It’s also a good idea to keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows (if the temperature in your home is comfortable). If necessary, an air purifier with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in a room where you spend a lot of time can help. Avoid air purifiers that produce ozone.
“If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face, can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke.”
Be sure to check on people in your care and those around you who may be more susceptible to smoke.
