Toronto air quality warning issued as wildfire smoke blankets city

Environment Canada has issued an orange air quality warning for Toronto because of heavy wildfire smoke drifting in from northwestern Ontario. Officials say the poor air quality began Tuesday night and could last until Friday morning, with reduced visibility and health risks for people spending time outdoors. The warning came during a stretch of hot weather, with Toronto also under a yellow heat warning. On Wednesday morning, the city briefly ranked among the most polluted major cities in the world, according to IQAir, before later dropping to second place. City and public health officials urged residents to limit outdoor activity, reschedule events if possible and watch for symptoms linked to smoke exposure and heat illness. Toronto also cancelled several outdoor activities, including World Cup watch parties at Nathan Phillips Square, and closed all cityrun outdoor pools. The city opened cleanerair and cooling spaces to give residents and vulnerable people places to stay safe during the smoke and heat.