Wildfire smoke map: Which parts of Canada are under air quality warnings?

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Wildfires in Western Canada have forced thousands of people to flee their homes and the heavy smoke has prompted nearly 200 air quality warnings and advisories across four provinces as of Monday.

Smoke from about 200 wildfires put Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City under advisories for the first time this year. The wildfire pollution also hit the United States, prompting an air quality advisory in New York City and as far as the Midwest earlier last week.

Everything you need to know about wildfire smoke and how to protect yourself

“Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour,” Environment Canada says, noting that it also depends on proximity to fires, fire activity and the direction and speed of the wind.

Here’s a map of the wildfire smoke and a look at the air quality warnings and advisories in place across Canada.

Alberta

The northern half of the province, for the most part, is under special air quality statements, where smoke is either “causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility.”

Environment Canada’s air quality warnings are in place for:

• Big Lakes County near High Prairie and Winagami Lake
• Birch Hills County
• Clear Hills County
• County of Grande Prairie
• County of Northern Lights
• Fairview
• Greenview
• Municipal district of Peace
• Smoky River
• Spirit River

These areas have very poor air quality because of heavy smoke, according to the weather agency.

Edmonton is currently at low risk on the air quality index, while Calgary is at moderate risk.

Find more information on Alberta air quality warnings and advisories here and the Air Quality Health Index in local communities here.

British Columbia

Several wildfires in the province’s northeast are burning. However, conditions have improved enough for cities’ air quality to be deemed low risk, including in Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler.

The air quality in Fort St. John, which is near the Alberta border and wildfires, has been downgraded to low risk, but is forecast to potentially reach a high risk later Monday evening.

In the province’s northeast region, Fort Nelson, North Peace River and South Peace River have special air quality statements, which means smoke is either causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility.

Find more information on B.C. air quality warnings and advisories here and the Air Quality Health Index in local communities here.

Saskatchewan

There are about two dozen active wildfires in Saskatchewan but there are no active air quality warnings or advisories in the province.

Smoke poses a low risk to health in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, according to Environment Canada.

Find more information on Saskatchewan air quality advisories and forecasts here and the Air Quality Health Index in local communities here.

Manitoba

Air quality near the small evacuated city of Flin Flon in the province’s north is currently at moderate risk, though the forecast maximum indicates air quality could be at high risk Monday into Tuesday. Smoke is also causing moderate-risk conditions in Winnipeg and Brandon, according to Environment Canada.

Air quality warnings are in effect for much of the entire province save for the southwest corner and the north beyond Southern Indian Lake.

Find more information on Manitoba air quality warnings and advisories here and the Air Quality Health Index in local communities here.

Ontario

In northern Ontario, an area covering the Manitoba border from north of Dryden to below Big Trout Lake and all the way east to Fort Hope is under air quality warnings. “Extremely high levels of air pollution,” according to Environment Canada, is expected to hit in the areas of:

• Ear Falls
• Pickle Lake
• Pikangikum
• Red Lake
• Sandy Lake
• Sioux Lookout
• Summer Beaver

The rest of the province is currently experiencing low-to-moderate air quality risks, including Toronto, Ottawa and Windsor.

Find more information on Ontario air quality warnings and advisories and forecasts here and the Air Quality Health Index in local communities here.

Québec

There is a low risk to health in Gatineau, and Quebec City due to wildfire smoke. Montreal is experiencing moderate risk.

Find more information on Quebec air quality warnings and advisories and forecasts here and the Air Quality Health Index in local communities here.

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Northwest Territories

The air quality warnings in Fort Smith, Inuvik and Yellowknife are low or moderate risk, according to Environment Canada.

Find more information on N.W.T. air quality warnings and advisories and forecasts here and the Air Quality Health Index in local communities here.

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What is the Air Quality Health Index and what does each rating mean?

The Air Quality Health Index is a scale from one to 10+ that Environment Canada uses to communicate the risks of different air qualities to Canadians and their health. The higher the number, the greater the risk, especially to vulnerable populations such as seniors, children, pregnant people and those with respiratory conditions.

The four designations are: Low health risk (AQHI 1-3), moderate (4-6), high (7-10) and very high (10+).

What activities should you avoid when under an air quality warning or advisory?

Wildfire smoke poses health risks and certain air quality conditions may require you to reschedule or refrain from outdoor activities until the air quality improves.

“During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status,” says Environment Canada’s website.

The Air Quality Health Index in your area may be used to figure out what activities are safe for you, according to Environment Canada.

• Low risk (AQHI of 1-3): Outdoor activities can be enjoyed as usual.
• Moderate risk (AQHI of 4-6): No need to modify outdoor activities for the general population, unless you experience symptoms like coughing or throat irritation. At-risk populations should consider reducing or rescheduling activities if experiencing symptoms.
• High (AQHI of 7-10): Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities if you experience symptoms and at-risk populations should take it easy.
• Very high risk (AQHI of 10 or higher): Reduce or reschedule outdoor exercise or strenuous activity and avoid outdoor physical exertion for at-risk populations.