Western wildfires bring special air quality statement to Waterloo Region
Posted Jun 6, 2025 07:09:28 AM.
Last Updated Jun 6, 2025 11:17:46 AM.
Wildfires continue to rage in northern Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and out west, bringing a swathe of smoke across Canada and affecting the quality of air in Waterloo Region.
As of 6 a.m. on Friday morning, the air quality risk in Waterloo Region is four, a moderate risk to health, according to Environment Canada.
The weather service has implemented a special air quality statement, meaning the air quality could pose a risk to seniors, children, and people with pre-existing health conditions.
Anyone spending a prolonged period of time outdoors should consider using a ventilated mask or rescheduling outdoor activities like sporting events.
As a result of the deteriorating conditions, Waterloo Regional District School Board says it will make decisions on whether students can be outside for recess. On Friday, the board said outdoor activities can continue as normal, but schools should monitor the conditions and will make calls individually.
Students are likely to avoid strenuous activities. Schools are expected to accommodate anyone who is higher risk.
The air quality is believed to get worse over the day on Friday, the forecast shows.
“This is something that we may not avoid all summer, it may be the story on and off throughout the summer with this wildfire smoke, unfortunately,” Jill Taylor, 570’s Meteorologist, said.
The most significant wildfires in Canada are burning in Saskatchewan, where roughly 30,000 people have been evacuated from their homes like the one burning near La Ronge.
“No matter what ailments you may have, you may feel it in your eyes, you may smell the smoke as well, and just a reminder that everybody has to do their part,” said Taylor.
Air pollution can also affect indoor spaces if doors and windows in your home are kept open for prolonged periods of time, so consider closing them and checking the condition of your air filtration system.
The air quality is set to continue to improve throughout the day on Friday and into the weekend, but Taylor expects more wildfire smoke to cover Waterloo Region on Tuesday.
