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VIDEO: Air quality advisory issued due to forest fire smoke

Smoke may persist until a change in wind direction Tuesday
Forest Fire
(file photo/MNRF)

THUNDER BAY — Smoke from forest fires burning in the Kenora and Red Lake districts has drifted into Thunder Bay.

Much of Northwestern Ontario is covered by an air quality advisory issued by Environment Canada and the Ontario government.

The predicted drift pattern is shown on the FireSmoke Canada website.

Kenora district fire 51 has consumed over 22,000 hectares.

It's burning in the Eagle-Snowshoe Conservation Reserve and Woodland Caribou Provincial Park.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says the fire continued to expand its boundaries on Sunday.

A provincial Incident Management Team is en route.

Red Lake fire 16 has consumed nearly 14,000 hectares.

It remains under observation.

There are currently 62 active fires in Northwestern Ontario, including six new outbreaks discovered on Sunday.

Among other fires of note, Fort Frances 47 remains not under control at 400 hectares, approximately 3 km northwest of Naicatchewenin (Northwest Bay) First Nation.

Fort Frances fire 55 is located near Sark Lake in Quetico Provincial Park, and has covered five hectares.

This fire is being observed as well. 

High levels of air pollution due to smoke from forest fires are expected.

Environment Canada said smoke plumes from several forest fires will affect the area as the wind direction remains out of the northwest through Monday afternoon. Air quality is likely to deteriorate if the smoke descends to ground level.

As winds become northeasterly by Tuesday, smoke will be directed toward Manitoba. Air quality in the Northwest is expected to improve as a result.

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.
 



Gary Rinne

About the Author: Gary Rinne

Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Gary started part-time at Tbnewswatch in 2016 after retiring from the CBC
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