Hamilton residents adapt to fluctuating air quality as northern wildfires burn

The wildfire smoke may not be as visible across Hamilton today, but its impact is still being felt. With air quality levels fluctuating, people are changing how they work, exercise and spend time outdoors.

After wildfire smoke forced organizers to cancel the first day of the Hamilton Fringe Festival on Wednesday, today the show is going on.

“Wednesday was our first day — the 15th,” said Christopher Stanton, a producer with the Hamilton Festival Theatre Company, which runs the Hamilton Fringe. “I got up, cheery eyed thinking, ‘this is our first day, we get to open the boulevard — it’s gonna be amazing.’ Opened the blinds and it looked like pea soup out there.”

The festival is back, but with a visible reminder of the air quality concerns lingering over Hamilton. Volunteers are wearing masks while organizers are urging staff to take precautions.

“We’re recommending to staff to maintain their mask while they’re doing any kind of work, any kind of strenuous labour just to take breaks, to stay hydrated and make sure that they’re taking care of themselves,” Stanton said.

Across the city, others are also changing how they spend time outdoors.

“I usually go running in the mornings but obviously I cannot do that right now,” one resident said. “Just trying to avoid going outside generally.”

Another resident noted the changing conditions. “I didn’t wanna ride the last couple of days because my breathing was a little bit affected, but I think today is quite a lot better.”

“I’m outside less — especially, I’ve got a Doberman — I’ve got a dog, I’m taking her out less, don’t want her breathing it,” a third person added.

WATCH MORE: How is Ontario’s wildfire smoke affecting your health?

Health officials say a well-fitting N95 mask can help reduce exposure to fine particles in wildfire smoke.

“I’ve got some problems with my health — and just in case, I wear a mask,” another individual said.

For businesses with outdoor patios, the choice to sit outside remains with customers. At one downtown Hamilton resto-bar, the patio has stayed open through the smoky conditions.

“We still opened it but there’s been a decrease of patrons coming in,” said Cortnee Cooke, a bartender at Undefined.

Cooke says the restaurant keeps its doors closed, with servers quickly moving in and out to serve customers who choose to dine outside.

But clearer skies don’t necessarily mean clear air. Hamilton’s air quality fluctuated from low-to-moderate risk to high risk this afternoon after the rain. But shifting winds and wildfire smoke could push it back to a high risk tonight and into Sunday.

During wildfire smoke events, officials are encouraging everyone to check AQHI air quality alerts, check local weather forecasts, and check the WeatherCAN app before heading out.

Meanwhile, the fires fueling the smoke continue to burn farther north.

“The total number of active wildland fires in Ontario is now 191 — which is seven more than yesterday,” Premier Doug Ford said. “Seventy-three of those are not under control.”

And with wildfire smoke capable of travelling hundreds of kilometres, the advice is to keep checking the air quality, even when the sky may appear clear.

WATCH MORE: Wildfire smoke affects workers in Niagara region while produce farms endure