It's easy to see from every corner of the city.

Something is definitely in the air above Ottawa, prompting the public health office to issue a smog advisory.

"The air quality in the Ottawa area is in the category that we'd categorize as poor, today. And that's a result of the forest fires in Quebec," says Dr. Carolyn Pim, Ottawa’s Associate Medical Officer of Health.

One of the forest fires near Eastmain, Quebec, forcing an evacuation of more than 250 people over the weekend.

This is the first fire-related smog advisory in Ottawa in three years. The air quality is considered a moderate risk, rated at 59. Air quality is considered poor between the ratings of 50-99.

Pascale Barrette noticed the smog right away while walking along the Rideau Canal.

‘Walking is my main exercise. If I have to walk out in smog I don't think that's good for my health,” he says.

At St. Patrick’s Home in Ottawa, staff are keeping activities indoors and taking other precautions.

“The home is well ventilated, limiting activities, and watching the residents we know are a high risk for breathing difficulties,” says Beryl Belliveau, St. Patrick’s Home VP of Nursing.

Resident Mildred Moneco says staying indoors is probably for her own good.

“Spots are kind of hazy. I think it's better to be inside.”

The following municipalities are under the advisory:

  • Bancroft-Bon Echo
  • Belleville-Quinte-Northumberland
  • Brockville-Leeds and Grenville
  • City of Ottawa
  • Cornwall-Morrisburg
  • Kingston-Prince Edward
  • Peterborough-Kawartha Lakes
  • Prescott and Russell
  • Renfrew-Pembroke-Barry's Bay
  • Smiths Falls-Lanark-Sharbot Lake
  • Stirling-Tweed-South Frontenac

With a report from CTV’s John Hua