Special air quality statement issued for wildfire smoke drifting into southern Ontario [Video]

Wildfire smoke will likely impact air quality in parts of southern Ontario in the next few days.

Wildfires continue to rage in Manitoba and Saskatchewan as more than 30,000 people in those provinces have been forced to leave their homes.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a special air quality statement Thursday morning for areas in Northern Ontario extending down to Owen Sound and into southwestern Ontario.

Other areas in southern Ontario, including the GTA, are not included in the statement but could continue to see hazy conditions.

The special air quality statement said smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility. Wildfire smoke is expected over the area on Thursday. Conditions are expected to slowly improve overnight, however, the potential for ground-level smoke will continue into Friday, Environment Canada said.

“As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events,” Environment Canada said. …