Wildfire smoke

Wildfire smoke can affect air quality in Peel region, even when fires are far away. As climate change contributes to more frequent wildfires and longer wildfire seasons across Canada, people in Peel may experience periods of poor air quality, typically from spring through fall.

Wildfire smoke is not the same as smoke from a campfire. Wildfires can burn trees and vegetation, as well as homes, vehicles, plastics, and other materials. This releases a harmful mix of pollutants directly into the air.

Wildfire smoke can cause a variety of symptoms that range in severity. Everyone is at risk when exposed to wildfire smoke, but some people are at increased risk of experiencing health effects. This includes:

• People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease
• Older adults
• Children
• Pregnant people
• People who work outdoors

Air quality information and alerts

The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) shows you the health risk from air pollution on a scale of 1 to 10+, with higher numbers indicating greater risk.

Peel Region's Medical Officer of Health issues air quality alerts for Peel region based on forecasts from Environment and Climate Change Canada when the following thresholds are met:

• Yellow warning: Air quality is expected to reach the high-risk range (AQHI 7–10).
• Orange warning: Air quality is expected to reach, or has reached, the very high-risk range (AQHI 10+).

Stay informed

• Check up-to-date AQHI readings from Air Quality Ontario
• View smoke and fire weather forecasts on FireSmoke Canada
• Download the WeatherCAN app for warnings and local AQHI notifications
• Follow Peel Region air quality alerts on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

Reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke

Wildfire smoke can affect everyone’s health, even at low levels. Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) often and refer to the AQHI Health Messages Table for recommended actions based on your AQHI category.

During wildfire smoke events, you can also take these steps to reduce your exposure:

• Limit time outdoors and avoid strenuous physical activity.
• Stop or reduce your activity level if you feel unwell or have trouble breathing.
• Check on those around you who may be more at risk to wildfire smoke.
• Wear a well-fitted mask (N95 or equivalent respirator) outdoors.
• Keep windows and doors closed when indoor temperatures are comfortable and are not higher than 26 degrees Celsius.
• If both a heat event and poor air quality occur at the same time, prioritize keeping cool first.
• Use the highest-rated filter recommended for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, set it to recirculate indoor air if available, and replace filters more often during wildfire smoke events.
• Avoid smoking or vaping indoors, burning incense and candles, frying foods, using wood stoves and vacuuming.
• Take a break from the smoke at a location in your community with clean, cool air.
• Do not use an air purifier that generates ozone.
• Clean dust on indoor surfaces by wiping and wet mopping during smoke events.
• Drink lots of water to help your body cope with the smoke.