Heavy smoke is impacting daily life for Sarnia-Lambton residents.
Smoke from wildfires burning in northwestern Ontario has created hazy skies and reduced air quality again on Thursday.
"Fires are burning in northwest Ontario where it's been very dry in May, June and so far this month in July," said Environment Canada Meteorologist Peter Kimbell. "There's a line of wildfires burning across northwestern Ontario that's creating a massive amount of smoke as we know, and it's travelling all the way down to southern Ontario. Winds from the northwest blowing it straight towards us."
An orange air quality warning for the region is expected to remain posted into Friday.
"The air quality is pretty bad right now and should stay that way for another 24, maybe 48 hours," said Kimbell. "We see maybe a possible improvement expected for Saturday morning, but I don't think there's going to be any improvement Thursday nor Friday."
Kimbell advises residents may experience common symptoms from the wildfire smoke, such as eye, nose and throat irritation.
More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough.
"Masking is a good idea, N95 mask is a very good idea," said Kimbell. "Staying inside is also a very good idea especially for those who are vulnerable, the older people, young people, people with health conditions."
Kimbell said while we will likely see some improvement come the weekend, it's too early to tell if or when winds will carry smoke from burning wildfires back into the region.
Due to the poor air quality, the Sarnia Legion has cancelled its weekly draw for the Catch the Ace Lottery Fundraiser. The City of Sarnia said Tecumseh Pool is closed and so is the compost site on St. Andrew Street.
In Petrolia, all outdoor recreational facilities are closed and the North Lambton Community Health Centre has cancelled its Bike and Road Safety event at Canatara Park.
A full list of cancellations is posted on our closures page.
