Wildfire smoke in Ottawa creating poorer air quality on Thursday
Posted Jul 16, 2026 10:37:09 AM.
Last Updated Jul 16, 2026 10:57:35 AM.
Fires burning in northwestern Ontario that have ravaged communities and forced evacuations is having an impact on the nation’s capital.
On Thursday, an air quality warning was issued by Environment Canada because of smoke creating haze in the city, which can be a danger to people. The weather agency is asking people to reduce their time outside until conditions improve late Thursday evening.
“You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough,” it notes.
People most at risk for symptoms from smoke include those aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children.
The humidity mixed with the smoke is causing more issues for people. Because of this, experts are telling people to keep cool and make sure air filters are clean.
“When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool,” the messages reads.
Communities in the north evacuating
Ontario Emergency Preparedness Minister Jill Dunlop said that 15 communities in the north have already started evacuations or are considering them.
She says the situation may continue to escalate rapidly, on Thursday.
Dunlop says it is likely there will be simultaneous evacuations that need to be done by air, with several communities in the north not accessible by road, and Ontario may not have enough resources to meet that need.
The minister asked her federal counterpart, Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski, for assistance as the crews battle the more than 180 wildfires burning across northern Ontario.
Winds out of the northwest could fan the flames of dozens of forest fires that have already devastated communities, including one fast-moving blaze that damaged and destroyed homes and buildings on Namaygoosisagagun First Nation, also known as Collins First Nation, north of Thunder Bay.
The fires have prompted evacuation orders for several communities, including Armstrong, Lac La Croix First Nation, Whitesand First Nation, Gull Bay First Nation and Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation.
With files from Allison Jones, The Canadian Press.
