Toronto is choking on wildfire smoke with some of the worst air quality in world

Much of Ontario remains under a special air quality statement on Friday morning as a haze of wildfire smoke chokes out the province. 

Smoke from massive wildfires in Northern Ontario, Manitoba and further west has affected air quality in Southern Ontario this week, and — in case you haven't been outside in a while — conditions worsened on Thursday evening.

A thick layer of smoke has now engulfed portions of the province, including Toronto, which ranks as the third-worst city in the world in terms of air quality as of Friday.

By Friday morning at 9 a.m., Toronto ranked third-worst on IQAir's Air Quality Index for major cities, behind Tashkent, Uzbekistan and Montreal — the latter affected by the same wildfires filling Ontario skies with soot particles.

T.O. had held the #2 position just a few hours earlier.

Due to smoke from wildfires thousands of kilometers away, according to @IQAir Toronto and Montreal are experiencing some of the worst air quality in the world. Widespread special air quality statement in place for ON and QC. Some improvement expected Saturday and Sunday. pic.twitter.com/04reeM1rIj

— Ross Hull (@Ross_Hull) June 6, 2025

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a special air quality statement for wide swaths of the province, warning on Friday morning that "wildfire smoke will continue to affect the area this morning into early this afternoon."

The government agency warns that "as smoke levels increase, health risks increase," telling people to "limit time outdoors" and "consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events."

"You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance," the alert continues.

Wildfire smoke is heavy in Toronto, like someone smoking a cigarette at arm's length. pic.twitter.com/hIPDSr9sEL

— Constantin (@canary_earth) June 5, 2025

ECCC goes on to caution that "people more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms."

Toronto Public Health echoed these concerns with a social media post on Thursday evening, warning that wWildfire smoke isn't just a haze — it's a toxic mix of fine particles (PM2.5), carbon monoxide and harmful chemicals that can seriously affect your health."