(JULY 14, 2025) — The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health (now legally merged) is informing the City and County of Peterborough, City of Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland County that a Special Air Quality Statement has been issued by Environment Canada as the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) will reach a level of 10, and the County of Haliburton will reach a level of 8, indicating high pollution levels due to wildfire smoke travelling through the area.

Wildfire smoke can travel thousands of kilometres from the fire zone, affecting communities far from the source. That’s why it’s important to monitor the air quality in your area so you can take the right steps to protect your health as conditions change. Even at low levels, and sometimes without a noticeable smell, wildfire smoke can impact your health. Common symptoms of smoke exposure include:

• Sore and watery eyes
• Runny nose and sinus irritation
• Scratchy throat and mild coughing
• Headaches

Understanding the Air Quality Health Index

The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a tool that helps you understand how air pollution can affect your health. It uses a scale from 1 to 10+, with higher numbers indicating a greater risk. Here's what the numbers mean:

• Low Risk (1–3): Ideal conditions for outdoor activities for everyone.
• Moderate Risk (4–6): Most people can continue outdoor activities, but those with heart or breathing problems should monitor for symptoms.
• High Risk (7–10): Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities, especially if you experience symptoms like coughing or throat irritation.
• Very High Risk (10+): Everyone should avoid strenuous outdoor activity. Those at higher risk should stay indoors and limit exposure.

Currently, our region is within high risk to very high risk but may vary depending on time of day and weather conditions. The Health Unit will continue to monitor air quality and provide further updates and guidance, as necessary. Residents are encouraged to be aware of how the smoke may be impacting them and take precautions when needed.

Some at-risk populations face greater health risks when exposed to poor air quality. This includes but not limited to seniors, pregnant individuals, infants and young children, people who work outdoors, people with pre-existing medical conditions, and those engaging in strenuous outdoor activity. For these individuals, it is especially important to take precautions to protect your health and well-being by reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors. 

What You Can Do

• Check the AQHI forecast daily, especially during smog season (April to September).
• Sign up to receive smog and air quality alerts directly to your email.
• When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. Note that the region is also currently experiencing extreme heat. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, you should prioritize keeping cool.
• If you are included in the at-risk population, consult your primary health care provider about additional ways to protect your health when air quality is poor.

By taking these precautions, you can help protect your health and minimize the risks associated with poor air quality conditions.

Wildfire smoke can be deadly, especially for those with heart and lung conditions. Air quality impacts of wildfire smoke have been increasing in the context of climate change, as described in the Climate Change and Vulnerability Health Assessments from the HKPR District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health.

Find more information, tips and resources at hkpr.on.ca/AirQuality or peterboroughpublichealth.ca/air