'Very high risk' air quality warning issued for Hamilton, Brantford and Niagara as wildfire smoke moves in

'Very high risk' air quality warning issued for Hamilton, Brantford and Niagara as wildfire smoke moves in

The air quality air index is expected to reach a 10+ on Wednesday in Hamilton

An air quality warning has been issued for Hamilton, Brantford and Niagara areas as wildfire smokes moves in from northwestern Ontario wildfires, Environment Canada says.

The Air Quality Index for parts of the region, including Hamilton, Brantford and St. Catharines, is forecast to reach a 10+, or very high risk, on Wednesday.

The wildfire smoke, combined with heat, was already causing "very poor air quality and reduced visibility" by Wednesday morning in Hamilton, according to Environment Canada.

The weather agency says air quality conditions may improve Friday morning.

It also warned that heavy smoke conditions means "everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status."

In northern Ontario, several communities are facing evacuations due to dozens of wildfires raging across the region.

There were 128 confirmed wildfires in the northwest as of Monday night, with smoke from active fires in Canada and the United States visible in many parts of the region, according to Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services.

Accommodations filling up as wildfires spur more evacuations in northwestern Ontario

Evacuees from Armstrong, Whitesand and Collins First Nations in Thunder Bay following wildfire evacuations

Environment Canada recommends people limit time outdoors and to keep windows and doors closed when indoors.

People most at risk of impacts are "aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, " the agency said.

It recommends if you must be outside, to wear a "well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask."

People may experience symptoms such as headaches, eye, nose and throat irritation, and a mild cough.

"More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance," said Environment Canada.

Hamilton, Brantford, Niagara and Burlington under heat warning, offer 'cool places' to escape the heat

Extended heat warning issued for Hamilton

The City of Hamilton also issued an extended heat warning on Wednesday morning after two days of high humidex. It's expected to hit a high of 30 C and humidex of 39 alongside the smoky conditions.

"When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool," Environment Canada says.

In a release, the city said cooling locations can be identified by a “Cool Down Here” sign at the entrance and a list of designated spaces can be found on the city's website.

The city will also offer all regularly scheduled open swims at the city's indoor and outdoor pools free of charge throughout the heat event, the release said.

Aura Carreño Rosas is a reporter at CBC Hamilton. She's originally from Venezuela. She has extensive experience in covering stories about immigrants and migrant workers as well as interesting people with diverse journeys. You can contact her at aura.carreno.rosas@cbc.ca