Wildfire smoke from Northern Ontario pushed Kingston’s Air Quality Health Index above 10 on July 16, prompting health warnings and widespread cancellations of outdoor activities.
In response, Southeast Public Health advised residents across eastern Ontario, including Kingston, to limit strenuous outdoor activity and watch for symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation and shortness of breath. Environment Canada continued to issue special air quality statements as smoke from ongoing wildfires spread across the province.
In a joint press release, Ted Hsu, MPP for Kingston and the Islands, gave a statement on the status of the wildfires in Ontario.
“As of July 15, there are 185 active wildland fires across Northern Ontario, with 74 not under control and 36 new fires reported in the past day,” said Hsu in the joint statement.
Hsu urged residents to take wildfire smoke seriously.
“Wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs and worsen asthma, heart conditions and other breathing problems, particularly for vulnerable people, so please check in on your neighbours, friends and family,” said Hsu.
Poor air quality in Kingston affected multiple outdoor activities between July 15 and 16.
As public health officials issued warnings, the City of Kingston and the Kingston Police urged against outdoor recreation, and local youth sports organizations ultimately cancelled games and practices.
Technical Director of Athletico Kingston Christian Hoefler described in an interview with YGK News what the organization was doing in light of poor air quality.
“It’s a little bit tricky to maneuver, but the majority of our groups have been cancelled,” said Hoefler. “We follow what the government issues, and it looks like their forecast is dropping to low risk by this evening,” he continued.
Hoefler remained hopeful that the air quality would improve by the evening of July 16, but emphasized that children’s safety comes first and they will continue to follow public health updates.
“The health and safety of our participants is always at the forefront,” said Hoefler.
Between July 15 and 16, many other Kingston sports organizations, including soccer, baseball and volleyball, cancelled scheduled games due to poor air quality.
As of Thursday evening, the air quality risk in Kingston improved from high risk to low, although wildfires remain active in Northern Ontario.
