GALLERY: Smoke and ash blanket the Sault

Wildfire smoke dramatically worsened air quality as it descended on the city overnight

Wildfire smoke has shrouded the community in grey after an abrupt arrival last night, spurring air quality advisories and closures around the city. Air Quality Ontario has reported that air quality in Sault Ste. Marie is high risk as of 3:30 p.m., after spending most of the day in the "very high risk" category – the highest level of risk the service reports.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued an Orange Warning for air quality in the region, recommending that residents reschedule or cancel outdoor events. Golf courses and city-run outdoor activities have cancelled activities for the day, among other cancellations, after the drop in air quality. Sault Area Hospital has encouraged patient visitors to limit visitations after declaring a Code Grey Button Down event, meaning they are working to limit external air exposure within the hospital.