Air quality reaches high-risk levels in Hamilton as wildfire smoke blankets Ontario

Environment Canada has issued air quality warnings for much of Ontario as wildfires tear across other parts of the country.

Smoke is expected to linger across the province, affecting air quality and visibility.

Friday morning, the air quality index in Hamilton climbed up to 7 – which is considered high risk. Experts say it will remain within the high risk range all day.

Environment Canada says as the smoke levels increase, so do health risks. People may experience eye or throat irritation, headaches or coughing.

People over the age of 65, children and people with chronic illnesses are advised to reduce or reschedule outdoor activities.

Provincial data shows that there are at least 27 active fires burning in Manitoba and 24 in Saskatchewan. Both provinces are under a state of emergency.

Manitoba officials say weather and firefighters are helping keep the wildfires from overrunning communities for now, but some evacuations have already taken place.

More than 18,000 people from Manitoba have been displaced since the fires began, with some being evacuated to Niagara Falls. About 2,000 evacuees have been staying in hotels in Niagara, and another 1,000 are expected to arrive in the coming days.

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