Air quality statement ended for Ottawa, smog warning lifted in Gatineau

A Special Weather Statement issued by Environment Canada is lifted after the National Capital Region experienced another smoky day due to forest fires in northwestern Quebec.

A haze blanketed Ottawa on Friday, June 16 which prompted Environment Canada to issue a Special Air Quality statement for the city as well as, Smiths Falls and parts of the Valley. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was expected to reach a level of seven, or high risk by Friday afternoon.

When the statement was first issued in the morning of Friday, June 16, the AQI sat at a four, moderate risk.

At the height of the Quebec fires last week, downtown Ottawa saw an index of ten plus, which is considered extremely high risk.

Under the special air quality statement, those considered at greater risk of health issues when exposed to wildfire smoke include older adults, pregnant people, infants and young children, as well as people who work and exercise outdoors, people involved in strenuous, and people with existing illness or chronic health conditions.

In Quebec, smog warnings were first issued Thursday, June 15, affecting the areas of Gatineau, Pontiac, Low, Wakefield, Maniwaki, and Gracefield – among others.

Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair said Monday that more than 47,000 square kilometres had burned so far this year, with more than 430 wildfires raging across the country. He said that Canada is experiencing its worst wildfire season of the 21st century.

— with files from The Canadian Press