Smoke Advisory in Effect – Poor Air Quality from Prairie Wildfires
A Special Air Quality Statement remains in place for Fort Frances and surrounding communities, including Couchiching, Mitaanjigamiing, Naicatchewenin, and Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nations, due to persistent smoke from Prairie wildfires. The smoke has significantly reduced air quality across the region and may linger through Wednesday, especially during calm early morning and overnight periods.
Air Quality Health Advisory
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Health Symptoms to Watch For:
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Common: Sore eyes, throat irritation, dry cough, headaches
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Less Common but Serious: Wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath
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If symptoms worsen: Seek immediate medical help
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Who is Most at Risk:
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Seniors and infants
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Pregnant people
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Individuals with heart or lung conditions
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Outdoor workers
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Health Protection Tips:
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Limit outdoor activity, especially strenuous ones
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Close windows and doors to protect indoor air
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Use HEPA filters or certified air purifiers
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Wear an N95 mask if working or walking outside
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Check on elders, neighbours, or anyone who may be isolated
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➡️ Learn more: canada.ca/wildfire-smoke | airhealth.ca
Current Conditions (as of 5:00 AM CDT – Fort Frances)
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Temperature: 10.3°C
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Dew Point: 10.3°C
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Humidity: 99%
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Wind: West-northwest at 4 km/h
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Pressure: 102.3 kPa (rising)
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Condition: Calm, damp morning with limited observation due to haze/smoke
Short-Term Forecast
Today – Tuesday, July 29
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Sky: Sunny to partly cloudy, improving through the day
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Smoke: Local smoke continues
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High: 23°C
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UV Index: 8 – Very High
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Wind: Light, from the northwest
Tonight
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Conditions: Clear skies, but smoke will linger in the evening hours
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Low: 12°C
Extended Forecast
Wednesday, July 30:
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Conditions: Sunny with lingering local smoke
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High: 23°C
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Night: Clear, low of 12°C
Thursday, July 31:
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Day: Sunny and warming
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High: 25°C
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Night: Clear, low of 13°C
Friday, August 1:
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Conditions: Sunny, turning hot
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High: 27°C
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Night: Clear, low of 14°C
Wardrobe & Health Recommendations
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Today & Tomorrow:
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Dress in layers — cool mornings but warming afternoons
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Apply sunscreen due to high UV levels
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Reduce outdoor time if air quality deteriorates again
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Keep indoor air clean and cool
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Later in the Week:
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Light clothing for sunny, warmer days
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Continue to monitor smoke conditions
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Weather Trivia
Did You Know?
Fort Frances sits within the Rainy River basin, which can trap airborne smoke in valleys and low elevations during overnight hours, often causing morning haze that only lifts as temperatures rise. This can lead to air quality fluctuations even within a single day.
