Wildfire Smoke Chokes Toronto: Air Quality Hits Hazardous Levels
Toronto air quality has dropped to dangerous levels as wildfire smoke grips Ontario, prompting health warnings in major cities like Ottawa and Montreal.
The air quality index (AQI) in Toronto reached 280 today, putting it in the “extremely unhealthy” category, while Ottawa’s AQI reached 265, sparking concern among residents and health officials. Dense plumes of smoke from ongoing wildfires in northern Ontario and Quebec are moving south, profoundly impacting visibility and air quality.
Health Alerts Issued as Ontario Faces Worst Air Pollution of 2025
Environment Canada has issued a special air quality advisory urging sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory problems, to stay indoors. The latest smoke map shows heavy concentrations in parts of Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal, and forecasts call for poor air conditions to remain for the next 48 hours.
This air quality crisis has also affected outdoor events, with the Ironman Toronto Triathlon likely to be canceled due to health risks. Schools in many districts have postponed outdoor activities as a precaution.
Wildfires have intensified across Canada this week, with more than 150 active blazes in Ontario alone. Experts are calling it one of the most catastrophic air pollution events of 2025 and urging urgent measures to tackle the effects of wildfires.
As smoke continues to spread, residents are advised to keep an eye on local AQI updates, wear N95 masks when out and about, and keep windows closed. The general public can monitor real-time air quality via Environment Canada’s smoke map.
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