GTHA air quality improves despite raging northern Ontario wildfires

Air quality across Hamilton, Halton and the Niagara regions improved over the weekend, despite ongoing wildfires in northern Ontario and across the country.

On Friday, these regions sat at a very high risk on the Air Quality Health Index, with readings of 10-plus.

Environment Canada downgraded its air quality warning from orange to yellow on Saturday and lifted the air quality warning for the GTHA on Sunday.

On Monday, the Air Quality Health Index for these regions dropped to a low risk, with readings between one and two.

While most outdoor pools and recreation programs have returned to regular hours across the GTHA, some wading pools and specialized programs may remain closed. Residents are advised to check for specific updates from their local municipality.

READ MORE: ‘Very high risk’ air warnings grip Golden Horseshoe in day three

Despite air quality improving and local services resuming in the south, the wildfire situation up north continues to escalate, with another First Nation suffering extensive damage over the weekend.

Calling it one of the most severe fire seasons Canada has ever seen, Prime Minister Mark Carney noted that about 1,000 fires are currently raging across the country.

Whitewater Lake First Nation reported major losses, while residents of Neskantaga First Nation were flown to safety as conditions deteriorated.

In response to reports from First Nations leaders regarding delayed updates as fires threatened their communities, Ontario officials have broadened access to emergency alerts to help in upcoming evacuations.

WATCH MORE: Locals take refuge indoors as Hamilton continues to see hazardous air quality