Air quality warning in effect for Ottawa as wildfire smoke lingers

Quebec forest fires continue through the weekend, with smoke expected to impact Ottawa air quality all day. At 5:25 a.m. on Sunday, Environment Canada issued a yellow-level air quality warning, recommending people spend more time indoors and reschedule outdoor events to protect from the smoke. The warning also said people may experience mild and common [...]

Air quality warning in effect for Ottawa as wildfire smoke lingers Posted Jul 12, 2026 09:54:53 AM. Last Updated Jul 12, 2026 09:58:42 AM. Quebec forest fires continue through the weekend, with smoke expected to impact Ottawa air quality all day.

At 5:25 a.m. on Sunday, Environment Canada issued a yellow-level air quality warning, recommending people spend more time indoors and reschedule outdoor events to protect from the smoke. The warning also said people may experience mild and common symptoms like eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. There is also risk of serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough.

People 65 and over as well as young children, pregnant people and those with previous health conditions are more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke. As of 8 a.m., the air quality index indicates a level five or “moderate risk” air quality. This is expected to go down to a level three “low risk” by the evening, continuing into Monday.

Should you need to spend time outdoors, Environment Canada recommends wearing a NIOSH-certified N95 mask.