Air quality concerns remain from forest fires - despite some improvement.
Special air quality statements remain in effect for much of Northern Ontario - including locally - warning smoke from fires in Quebec and Northern Ontario has caused "very high levels of air pollution", effecting air quality and visibility - Environment Canada emphasizes smoke can be harmful to everyone's health, even at low concentrations, but people with lung or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and those who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects - it recommends everyone take action to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke, and to stop or reduce activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable, contacting your health care provider or local health authority if you develop severe symptoms.
Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says no new fires were confirmed in the Northeast on Monday, leaving 26 "active" in the region, including the 3916 hectare "Chapleau 3" located two kilometres south of October Lake and 2.5 kilometres west of Vichaw Lake - there are travel and access restrictions in the area around that blaze - while the "Chapleau 6" fire remains 1229 hectares in size, located 2.5 kilometres west of Morin Lake and one kilometre east of Bolkow Lake - both fires are considered "not under control" despite not growing in size for two weeks.
The Northwest was a bit more active, with one new fire, leaving it with 41 active.
The fire hazard is low for much of this area, with some pockets of moderate and even high hazard - though the Restricted Fire Zone suspending fire permits and banning open air burning remains in place for the entire fire region of Ontario.