Smoky conditions in Peterborough area cancel Lakers tailgate party, soccer games

May 09, 2023

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Widespread smoke from distant forest fires cancelled some outdoor activities for another day in Peterborough on Wednesday, with the smoke expected to continue at least through Thursday and likely into the weekend, Environment Canada advises.

The smoke forced the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers to cancel a tailgate party that had been planned for Thursday night at the Memorial Centre prior to the team's season home opener and Mann Cup banner raising ceremony.

Some Peterborough residents even reported awakening to a coating of ash on their vehicles on Wednesday morning.

For a second day in a row, Eastern Ontario, including Peterborough, had the worst air quality Wednesday morning in North America, according to the World Air Quality Index.

By Wednesday afternoon, there had been a shift with the air quality improving in Peterborough and Eastern Ontario as windy weather moved in, while higher readings were being recorded in the Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville and Mississauga area and parts of upstate New York.

Peterborough's air quality index climbed to 7, in the high risk range, on Wednesday morning, but had dropped to 3, in the low risk range, by late Wednesday afternoon.

Peterborough's air quality index is forecast to reach 9 on Thursday, according to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

Under the high risk range, people are advised to reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation, while children and the elderly should especially take it easy.

The Peterborough Youth Soccer Club cancelled all soccer activity for Tuesday and Wednesday due to the poor air quality and is judging it on a day-by-day basis.

The Maple Leaf Soccer Club and Cavan FC also cancelled all its house league games for Wednesday due to the air quality.

The Peterborough Baseball Association proceeded with its Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday games as scheduled, advising parents and guardians that "we support and respect the personal decisions you and your family may make regarding your family's health."

A total burn ban was in effect Wednesday in the City of Peterborough, including at Beavermead Campground where no open-air fires are allowed.

North Kawartha Township, Douro-Dummer Township, Otonabee-South Monaghan Township, Trent Lakes along with Curve Lake First Nation had also enacted burn bans earlier.

Cavan Monaghan Township is restricting open-air burning between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., except for campfires.

"Poor air quality will persist into the weekend," Environment Canada stated in an air quality advisory on Wednesday. "Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour."

The smoke began to drift over the area Sunday.

The smoke is coming from forest fires in Ontario and Quebec. Dry conditions persist across the provinces

The weather agency's online forecast page now includes an icon for smoke along with the ones used to indicate sun, cloud and rain.

The poor air quality can affect people with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children and pregnant people, Peterborough Public Health reiterated on Wednesday, advising people to limit time outdoors and reschedule strenuous outdoor activities, including sports and recreation.

People who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke, the health unit advised. A well-fitting N95 mask can help alleviate the effects of the smoke by blocking fine particles, the health unit advised.

More than 400 fires were burning across the country Wednesday, and more than half of them were still out of control. Ontario had 54 wildfires with 29 out of control.

Premier Doug Ford urged everyone Wednesday to refrain from lighting campfires.

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