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Wildfires and Air Quality

Forest fires are common in Quebec and are often caused by lightning or human activity. It is important to take steps to prevent forest fires by staying informed about fire hazards and respecting current restrictions.

When a fire burns through forests and grasslands, it produces dense smoke. The smoke produced can travel hundreds of kilometers and affect the air quality of more distant cities. The smoke is composed primarily of fine particles and can affect the health of people of all ages.

What are the health effects?

Symptoms

Mild symptoms may occur when exposed to fine particles in smoke. These symptoms are usually temporary and resolve on their own:

itchy eyes;
runny nose;
congestion;
cough;
sore throat;
headache.

More severe symptoms (usually occurring in people with asthma) include:

cough;
shortness of breath (shortness of breath);
wheezing;
dizziness;
palpitations;
chest (thoracic) pain.

Who are the people most at risk?

People most vulnerable to poor air quality are:

Those with respiratory or heart problems;
Those aged 65 and over;
Pregnant women;
Babies and children under 5 years old;

People who work outdoors or exercise vigorously outdoors are at greater risk of exposure to smoke during wildfires.

Actions to take if you have symptoms:

Go inside and stay there;
Keep your asthma medications handy if you have them;
Call Info-Santé at 811, option 1, or dial 911 depending on the severity of the symptoms (e.g., chest pain);
Notify your loved ones if necessary (e.g., parents, caregivers).

What can you do to protect yourself from outdoor smoke?

Check the air quality

Air quality may have deteriorated even if smoke is not seen.

To find out if the current air quality in your area is good, fair, or poor, see the Air Quality Index . For more accurate air quality information and forecasts, visit:

In real time: AQMAP interactive map ;
72-hour forecast: MSC AniMet Tool - Total Concentrations Associated with Wildland and Vegetation Fire Plumes
You can also download the MétéoCan app to receive free weather and air quality notifications: MétéoCAN .

Adapt your activities

Adapt your activities according to the concentration of fine particles in the air and according to your state of health.

Every individual is different, and some more sensitive individuals may experience symptoms and need to adapt their activities to lower concentrations than suggested. So pay attention to any symptoms you may experience.

Air quality is considered good if the PM _{2.5 concentration}is below 30 µg/m ³. In this case, enjoy your usual activities, both outdoors and indoors.

Table taken from: Advice for poor air quality

Recommendations for workers

People who work outdoors are at greater risk of exposure to smoke during wildfires.

Here are links to various websites with information about recommendations.

Public health network in occupational health: CMPSATQ notice on smoke from vegetation fires (including forest fires)
Forest fires and smoke plumes | Commission on Standards for Equity in Health and Safety at Work - CNESST

Using an air purifier

Portable filtration devices (air purifiers) can help improve indoor air quality if they have HEPA filters and are properly selected, used, and maintained.

These devices are not considered necessary for the entire population of Quebec. If you wish to use one, consult Health Canada's advice: Forest Fire Smoke 101: Using an Air Purifier to Filter Forest Fire Smoke .

Psychosocial support

If you are experiencing anxiety, stress, or sadness related to the wildfire situation, psychosocial support is available.

A crisis situation like the wildfires affects everyone, directly or indirectly, and disrupts our daily lives. Every stressful situation triggers physical and emotional reactions, and each person experiences them differently. For example, you may experience:

stress and anxiety;
anger;
worry;
headaches;
sadness;
tensions in family and social relationships;
sleep difficulties.

All of these reactions are normal when faced with a stressful situation. However, if the reactions persist, or if it becomes difficult to function normally in your daily activities and relationships with others, it is important to consult a professional.

Contact your local CLSC or call 811, option 2 (Info-Social - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) for support.