THUNDER BAY — Environment Canada has issued special air quality statements for parts of Northwestern Ontario as a result of smoke drifting east from forest fires in Alberta.
So far in the Thunder Bay area, the smoke has not dropped to ground level, but smoke in the upper atmosphere has caused a gray and hazy sky.
"Of course the big concern is if the smoke is reaching the ground," meteorologist Gerald Cheng said. "There are already air quality statements for places like Sandy Lake and Deer Lake."
Other communities where residents are at risk of being affected by smoke at ground level include Red Lake, Pikangikum, Sachigo Lake and Bearskin Lake.
Smoke can impact human health in various degrees, from mild to more severe.
Cheng said Environment Canada will continue to monitor the situation, and will issue additional advisories if necessary.
"The overall air flow is pushing south, so this band of smoke will be pushing State-side tomorrow. Later in the day [Tuesday] we should see the sky clear up. However, because the source of the smoke is still there, this may only be a temporary relief."
The website firesmoke.ca is tracking the movement of smoke from the Alberta fires.
