Toronto Faces Severe Air Quality Issues Due to Ontario Wildfires

3 weeks ago 0

On Wednesday, Toronto experienced some of the worst air quality levels globally as wildfires swept through Ontario, sending smoke into New York City and other areas in the U.S. northeast.

The city’s sky turned orange under a smoky haze, and the air carried a strong scent of wood smoke. Environment Canada issued warnings about health risks associated with outdoor activities due to the poor air quality. Although these conditions are severe in Canada, cities like Delhi and Dhaka often face even worse air quality for extended periods.

Evacuations occurred in at least six rural and First Nations communities around Thunder Bay, Ontario, a city located near the Minnesota border. Namaygoosisagagun First Nation, with approximately 40 residents, evacuated by boat.

“An entire first nations community has been erased because of this disaster,” Sol Mamakwa, an Indigenous provincial parliament member, stated, expressing support for the community members.

Three trains carrying flammable cargo faced threats from nearby flames and were relocated to safer areas as per the Ontario Provincial Police. Municipalities prohibited open flames, including campfires, following an intensely hot day. This measure aimed to prevent further risks.

Earlier in the season, moister conditions due to rainfall in the west and cooler eastern temperatures helped temper wildfire activities, typically spanning from April to October.

Satellite image of smoke from a wildfire in Ontario

The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center reported 838 active wildfires across the country. While 4.7 million forest acres have burned this year, this is significantly less than 2025’s 22.2 million acres, marking it as the second-worst year following 2023.

The haze coincides with a heat wave affecting Ontario and the northeastern U.S., potentially worsening on Wednesday. A heat dome elevating temperatures to nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit traps smoke from distant wildfires, affecting air quality.

Vjosa Isai reports for The Times from Toronto, covering news throughout Canada.