Ottawa weather: ‘High risk’ smoke blankets the capital

View of Parliament Hill in Ottawa from Bates Island on June 6, 2025. Photo by TONY CALDWELL /POSTMEDIAArticle content

Environment Canada says wildfire smoke conditions in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec are expected to continue into Saturday.

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office.Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account.Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Accountor

Article content

“Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility,” said an advisory posted online at 5:12 p.m. “High risk air quality due to wildfire smoke is expected over the area overnight.”

Article content

Residents were still advised to reduce or to reschedule outdoor sports, activities and events.

Article content

Environment Canada issued a number of cautions for residents in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec on Friday as wildfire smoke continued to cause health risks and reduced visibility on roadways.

Article content

View of Alexandra Bridge and the National Gallery from the Canadian Museum of History on June 6, 2025. Photo by JEAN LEVAC /POSTMEDIAArticle content

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

Article content

As of 8 p.m. on Friday, the federal Air Quality Health Index showed Ottawa air quality at “10-High Risk.”

Article content

View of Parliament Hill in Ottawa from Bates Island on June 6, 2025. Photo by JEAN LEVAC /POSTMEDIAArticle content

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.

Article content

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.

Article content

View of Parliament Hill in Ottawa from Bates Island on June 6, 2025. Photo by JEAN LEVAC /POSTMEDIAArticle content

Local smoke remained in the forecast for most of the weekend.

Article content

Residents were asked to try to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible.

Article content

“Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke.

Article content

“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.”

Article content

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.

Article content

Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be health risks, officials say.

Article content

Our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark our homepage and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed.

Article content

Suzannah is photographed in front of Parliament Hill by her friend Chan, both visiting from Vancouver. Suzannah was wearing a mask due to the forest fire smog that laid over Ottawa, June 6, 2025. Photo by JEAN LEVAC /POSTMEDIAArticle content

Our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark our homepage and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed.

Article content