Residents in the Capital region woke up Saturday to relatively fresh air conditions.
Don’t get used to it, Environment Canada said in an early update.
“There may be a brief improvement in air quality (Saturday) morning,” the forecast says.
But “high levels of air pollution due to smoke from forest fires are expected to continue into Sunday morning.”
Early measurements showed local wildfire smoke levels were 4, or moderate.
But smoke levels are expected to climb to level 7, or high risk by Saturday afternoon and through the night.
By early Sunday, Environment Canada says the levels should be at about 4, “moderate,” and reach “low risk” levels of 3 Sunday evening.
Residents were still advised to reduce or reschedule outdoor sports, activities and events.
Residents may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious, but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough.
People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution include people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors.
Residents were asked to try to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible.
“Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke.
“Actions can include using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles.”
If outdoor travel is unavoidable, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator-type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce exposure to the fine particles in the smoke.
Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be health risks, officials say.
