Photo by Matt Howard on Unsplash.

Grey Bruce Public Health (GBPH) is advising residents that Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement.

In a June 6 media release from GBPH, a large section of southern and eastern Ontario, including all of Grey and Bruce counties, may be affected due to smoke from wildfires in Ontario and Quebec.

Wildfire smoke may result in deteriorated air quality for most of the week, the release said.

GBPH is advising residents in Grey-Bruce, especially the most vulnerable, to take measures to protect their health and reduce exposure to wildfire smoke, which can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations.

People at greater risk of experiencing adverse health effects from wildfire smoke and deteriorating air quality include:

Infants, young children, seniors, and those who are pregnant;
People with chronic lung problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart disease;
People who work, engage in strenuous exercise or play sports outdoors.

While the Special Air Quality Statement is in place for Grey-Bruce, Public Health is urging residents to limit or stop outdoor activities if they’re feeling unwell.

Residents should stop outdoor activities and contact their healthcare provider if they experience shortness of breath, wheezing (including asthma attacks), severe cough, dizziness or chest pains.

People at greater risk of health impacts from poor air quality are recommended to reduce or postpone outdoor activities until conditions improve.

Residents can also limit their exposure to wildfire smoke by:

Keeping the windows and doors to their home closed if the indoor temperature is comfortable;
Using recirculation settings on their HVAC system;
Using a clean, good-quality air filter in ventilation systems;
Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter; and
Visiting community centres, libraries, and shopping malls, which often have cleaner filtered air.

Public Health is also encouraging residents to check in on their loved ones and neighbours who may be more susceptible to the health impacts of deteriorating air quality.

It’s common for people to experience mild irritation and discomfort because of wildfire smoke in the air. These symptoms usually disappear when the smoke clears. Drinking plenty of water can help the body cope with the smoke.

Wildfires burn across the country and officials warn it could be the worst season on record. As of Tuesday, June 6, there were over 413 active wildfires, including 249 deemed out of control.

An interactive map from Natural Resources Canada showing active wildfires in Canada as of midday on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

An interactive map from Natural Resources Canada showing active wildfires in Ontario and Quebec as of midday on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

This information shows what each dot on the map represents. Fires are classified as 'Out of control,' 'Being held,' 'Under control' and 'Other' and range in size from 1 to 100 Ha to greater than 1000 Ha.