Air quality risk in Ottawa high as wildfire smoke blankets the city
A special air quality statement remains in effect for the National Capital Region.
Environment Canada says there are high levels of air pollution due to smoke from forest fires. Environment Canada's air quality health index was at its highest level of risk all morning. It dropped to a level of 7/10 at 5 p.m. Tuesday, which still represents a high risk. A thunderstorm had moved across the region that hour.
“Smoke plumes from local forest fires as well as forest fires in Quebec have resulted in deteriorated air quality. Poor air quality may persist through most of this week,” Environment Canada said in a statement. “Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.”
All Ottawa area school boards have cancelled outdoor events due to the smoke, including the OCSB's elementary school track and field meet and the OCDSB's Junior Region 1 track meet. The National Capital Secondary School Athletic Association games scheduled for Tuesday have also been rescheduled. Students will remain indoors during recess and lunch hours.
The Ottawa Redblacks also cancelled their outdoor practice, saying on social media that player safety is their first priority. The team ended up training inside the Aberdeen Pavilion.
“Lucky enough to have a building like this next to the stadium,” said Adrian Sciarra, president of the Ottawa Redblacks. “We just couldn’t practice outside. The air quality is not at a level that we think is safe for our players, so we moved inside.”
Officials warn wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health.
“People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke,” Environment Canada says. Overnight it will be partly cloudy and small chance of showers, clearing near midnight with “widespread smoke.”
Ottawa Public Health says when the air quality is low because of pollution, such as wildfire smoke, people should reduce time outdoors when outdoor air pollution levels are high. Avoid strenuous outdoor work, exercise, and playtime; stay indoors in a cool, well-ventilated place and plan indoor activities for children.
If you must be outside, try to schedule your activities early in the morning when pollution levels are lowest.
If you experience symptoms such as tightness in your chest, wheezing, or shortness of breath, seek medical attention.
Poor air quality may persist through most of this week.
“I've lived in ottawa all my life. I've never seen anything like this,” said Dr. Tom Kovesi, a lungs specialist at CHEO. “These particles can travel deep on the lungs, they can cause inflammation and irritation within the lining of the lungs and can get into the blood stream. These sorts of levels can trigger asthma attacks.”
OTTAWA FORECAST
Ottawa can expect a mainly cloudy sky with widespread smoke Tuesday evening, with a risk of a thunderstorm. Clouds should clear after midnight but smoke will remain. The overnight low is 11 C.
Widespread smoke is in the forecast for Wednesday with a high of 17 C.
Thursday's forecast is cloudy with a 30 per cent chance of showers, but Environment Canada says poor air quality may persist through most of this week.
The smoke forecast from firesmoke.ca shows smoke moving over the region through Thursday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Weather alerts issued for 7 provinces, 1 territory
Warnings of up to 60 millimetres of rain and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces and one territory ahead of the Easter weekend.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
For years she thought her son had died of an overdose. The police video changed all that
Austin Hunter Turner died in 2017, on a night that his mother has rewound and replayed again and again, trying to make sense of what happened.
Feeling older than you are? It could be how you sleep
Not getting enough sleep may cause you to feel five to 10 years older than you really are, according to two new studies.
OPP seize $7.5 million worth of drugs in eastern Ontario
The Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police says one person is facing multiple charges after a traffic complaint on Highway 17 in Head Clara Maria Township.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Why Kim Kardashian is being sued for 'knockoff' furniture
The estate of minimalist contemporary artist Donald Judd filed a lawsuit against Kardashian this week, claiming the fashion and beauty mogul promoted 'cheap knockoffs' of his furniture designs.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.