Forest fire smoke can affect your health. Persons with respiratory or heart conditions, such as asthma, can experience worsened symptoms during minor and severe smoke events. During severe smoke events even healthy individuals can be affected and may experience irritation of the eyes, throat and possibly shortness of breath.
Everyone – and in particular those with pre‐existing respiratory or heart conditions – should monitor their symptoms and seek medical care if symptoms worsen.
Don't rely on dust masks, bandanas or cloths (even if wet), since they are designed to trap large particles and not designed to protect lungs from smoke. Well-fitted respirators (e.g. N95) offer the most effective protection from fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
For more information, see the Forest Fire Smoke and Your Health Fact Sheet and NITHA Face Masks for Wildfire Smoke Fact Sheet.
View Current Air Quality Conditions
Provincial Summary of Current Air Quality Health Index Values