High levels of air pollution have developed due to smoke from forest fires in Northwestern Ontario
BRAMPTON, Ont. – July 15, 2026. Peel Public Health has issued an Orange Air Quality Alert for Peel region on July 15 due to wildfire smoke from forest fires in Northwestern Ontario.
Peel’s Medical Officer of Health issues Orange Air Quality warnings when Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts that the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is expected to reach or has reached 10 or higher due to wildfire smoke.
“Poor air quality poses risks to everyone’s health, but particularly for at-risk individuals,” said Dr. Alex Caturay, Medical Officer of Health for Peel Region. “We are urging residents to take precautions and check on those who may be more vulnerable to health impacts from wildfire smoke. Check the Air Quality Index often and monitor any symptoms.”
Health risks of poor air quality
Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health, even at low concentrations. Symptoms may include:
- Eye, nose and throat irritation
- Headaches
- Wheezing (including asthma attacks)
- Dizziness
- Runny nose
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing
- Chest pain
People with respiratory or heart disease, older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, Indigenous Peoples and people who work outdoors are among those at higher risk of experiencing health effects from wildfire smoke. People at high risk should reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities whenever possible.
Staying safe during poor air quality events
Remember to check the AQHI often and reduce exposure to wildfire smoke by considering the following:
- Avoiding or rescheduling outdoor activities.
- Keeping windows and doors closed if indoor temperatures are comfortable and are not higher than 26 degrees Celsius. When there is a heat event happening at the same time as a poor air quality event, residents should prioritize keeping cool.
- Visiting locations in your community, such as libraries or community centres, where there is clean, cool air.
- If indoors, reduce any sources of air pollution by avoiding smoking or vaping, burning incense or candles, frying foods, using wood stoves and vacuuming.
- If possible, ensure that filters on your heating, ventilation and air quality systems are clean. Use the highest filter appropriate for your ventilation system.
Residents can get up-to-date information on AQHI readings by downloading the WeatherCAN app, For more information on poor air quality events and potential health impacts, visit the Government of Canada’s website.
There is also a yellow heat warning in effect for Peel region. Please visit Peel Region’s website for information on staying safe during heat events.
