Orange Air Quality Warning issued for Elgin and Oxford Counties

On July 15, 2026, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) have issued an Orange Air Quality Warning, due to wildfire smoke affecting parts of southwestern Ontario, including Elgin County and Oxford County. Wildfire smoke is expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility across much of southern Ontario today and may continue through the week.

An Orange Air Quality Warning means wildfire smoke may increase health risks, especially for people who are more likely to be affected. Smoke can cause sore or itchy eyes, a runny nose, a sore throat, headaches, or coughing. More serious symptoms, such as wheezing, chest pain, or a severe cough, are less common but can happen. The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) measures the health risk of air pollution and is designed to communicate the impact of air pollution on human health to guide decisions pertaining to outdoor activities.

If you have symptoms, reduce the time you spend outdoors. Check local air quality conditions and check in on family, friends, and neighbours, especially older adults, young children, pregnant people, and those with heart or lung conditions.

To reduce the potential for respiratory issues caused by reduced air quality:

• Reduce outdoor activities if you have lung disease, such as asthma or heart disease; or if you are an older adult, young child, or are pregnant.
• Head indoors if you or someone in your care experiences shortness of breath, wheezing (including asthma attacks), severe cough, dizziness or chest pain.
• Take a break from activities if you do not have access to a space with proper ventilation, or moving to a public space such as a library, shopping mall or community centre.
• Check in on people who may be more susceptible to bad air quality.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Listen to your body and reduce or stop activities if you experience breathing difficulties or other symptoms.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you have symptoms and they do not improve.

For air quality information and an explanation of the colour-coded weather alerts, visit the Environment Canada website. and Air Quality Health Index (AQHI).