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Stay safe during wildfire air quality alerts

July 23, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

The province experienced its first air quality alert of the year due to wildfires in northern Ontario that resulted in smoke blanketing southern parts of the province as well as parts of the US.

Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds of kilometres and affect health, especially for those already experiencing health issues.

Locally, the region was experiencing low air quality as the smoke created a visible haze and alarmed many residents by the amount of smoke in the air.

The Rotary Pool in Alliston closed for Wednesday, July 15, and Thursday, July 16, to prioritize the safety of residents and staff.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is reminding residents to take steps to protect themselves from exposure to wildfire smoke and know the signs of smoke-related illness and when to seek medical care.

Breathing wildfire smoke can affect your health. During poor air quality, limit your time outdoors and avoid strenuous activity.

Stay informed by checking air quality alerts and the Air Quality Health Index.

When hot weather and poor air quality coincide, air pollution levels often rise during extreme heat. Extreme heat can cause severe illness.

When both a heat and an air quality warning are in effect, most people should prioritize staying cool.

In these scenarios, if you need to be outside, consider wearing a well-fitting respirator, such as an N95 or equivalent, to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke. Keep indoor air as clean as possible by keeping windows and doors closed when temperatures are comfortable, using a portable HEPA air cleaner and setting your home’s ventilation system to recirculate mode.

If poor air quality returns, reduce indoor air pollution sources by avoiding smoking and vaping, burning candles or incense, using wood stoves, and products that release strong fumes.

Wildfire smoke can affect everyone, but some people are at greater risk of health effects. This includes infants and young children, older adults, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions such as heart or lung disease, people who smoke, and people who work, exercise or spend long periods outdoors.

Pay attention to how you and those in your care feel during air quality alerts.

Wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, and affect the lungs and heart.

If you experience shortness of breath, wheezing or asthma attacks, a severe cough, dizziness, chest pain or heart palpitations, you should seek medical care.

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