Wildfire battles continue under heat, air quality alerts over most of Canada

The battle against hundreds of wildfires continues, as almost every jurisdiction in Canada remains under either heat or air quality warnings from the federal government. The day after what was supposed to be national Clean Air Day, dozens of alerts remain in place for unseasonable heat or smoky air quality.

The battle against hundreds of wildfires continues, as almost every jurisdiction in Canada remains under either heat or air quality warnings from the federal government.

The day after what was supposed to be national Clean Air Day, dozens of alerts remain in place for unseasonable heat or smoky air quality that kept millions of Canadians coughing and squinting. And forecasts suggest that air quality risks for the GTA, the Niagara region and southwestern Ontario will only increase through the end of the week.

Wednesday saw one of Canada's worst days in history for air quality.

Environment Canada's air quality health index listed Ottawa and Gatineau, Que., as the worst in Canada, with a very high risk warning. The agency dropped special air quality statements for those areas early Thursday morning.

Residents in those cities were encouraged to limit outdoor activities, and those most vulnerable to the smoke were told to avoid them altogether.

School boards in Ottawa and the Toronto area held recess indoors and some sports leagues cancelled outdoor games and practices.

Individuals were also changing their plans to enjoy the great outdoors and donning face masks when they were outside.