Environment Canada has issued an air quality statement for the New Liskeard and Temagami area due to the smoke caused by area forest fires.
“Smoke is causing poor air quality and reducing visibility,” stated Environment Canada in a release.
“High levels of air pollution have developed due to smoke from forest fires. The air quality is likely to improve this afternoon but may deteriorate again tonight.
“Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.
“In general, wearing a mask is not the best way to protect your health during a smoke event. In fact, masks may lead to a false sense of security, which may encourage increased physical activity and time spent outdoors, meaning increased exposure to smoke. They can also make breathing more difficult,” the release continued.
By the evening of July 18, the MNRF is reporting there are 66 active forest fires across the Northeast, of these, 28 are not yet under control, 38 are either being held, under control or being observed.
On Wednesday, there were 17 new starts in the region, none of which have been declared out at the time of this update.
