The impacts forest fires have had on Canadians have been felt by communities across the country. The Government of Canada continues to work with provinces, territories and other partners to assist those who have been forced from their homes or have been impacted by smoke, heat and other challenges.

The risk from wildfire smoke is immense for young children, people who are pregnant, people who smoke, seniors, people involved in outdoor work or sports, and people with existing illnesses or chronic health conditions, such as lung or heart conditions and diabetes.

To help protect ourselves and our loved ones, there are certain actions we can take to limit our exposure to the harmful wildfire smoke, including:

• Pay attention to the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) or other indicators of smoke levels in your area to help identify your level of risk and actions you can take to protect your health. Take note of any special air quality statements issued as part of your weather forecast.
• Limit outdoor activity and strenuous physical activities as much as possible when the air quality is affected by smoke.
• If you can, protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke by keeping windows and doors closed, and using a clean good quality air filter in your ventilation system. If possible, consider using a portable air purifier to remove smoke from your home and/or turning on your air conditioning.
• If it's difficult to find clean, cool air, contact your local jurisdiction for information on local cooling and clean air spaces. This is also something you can do during extreme heat events.
• If you must spend time outdoors, consider wearing a well-fitted respirator type mask such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator.
• Take care of your mental health during a wildfire smoke event. Anyone who is having trouble coping with symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression should seek help from a health professional.

Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada are working with other federal departments, such as Indigenous Services Canada, Public Safety and Environment and Climate Change Canada, as well as provincial and territorial partners, to reduce the risks to people in Canada from air pollution created by wildfire smoke. This includes providing transparent advice and information to the public, as well as helping health jurisdictions create and manage cleaner air spaces by providing technical expertise, public health guidance, and air quality monitoring equipment when requested.

To boost air quality monitoring capacity, Health Canada has sent 6 air quality monitors to Nova Scotia and 24 to Quebec. Two monitors have been provided in the Yukon, with additional sensors to follow later this month. These will be used by long-term care facilities and hospitals to test both indoor and outdoor air. In response to a request from British Columbia First Nations Health Authority, Health Canada is procuring an additional 25 indoor air quality monitors.

We urge you to learn more about the health precautions you should take to keep yourself safe.

For mental health resources and support, please click here.

This update was released on June 19, 2023.