Smoke from Red Lake Fire 12, near Sandy Lake First Nation, drifts over forest on June 7, 2025. Image: Ontario Forest Fires Facebook page
Smoke from forest fires in the Prairies is impacting air quality in northwestern Ontario.
Environment Canada issued air quality warnings across the western portion of the region on Tuesday morning.
This includes: Fort Frances, Kenora, Dryden, Red Lake, Rainy River.
Northern First Nations like Pikangikum, Muskrat Dam, and Mishkeegogamang are also under the warning.
The smoke moved into the area on Tuesday morning and is expected to last potentially into Thursday.
As smoke levels increase, health risks increase as well.
Environment Canada is advising that you limit your time outdoors.
You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough.
Air quality and visibility due to forest fire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.
