UPDATE: Environment Canada lifted its air quality warnings for Ottawa-Gatineau and the surrounding area on Sunday afternoon.
Environment Canada has issued an air quality warning for Ottawa-Gatineau and parts of the surrounding area due to smoke from Quebec forest fires.
Wildfire smoke is expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility in and around the national capital, the weather agency said in a yellow-level alert Saturday afternoon.
People should limit time outside and consider rescheduling outdoor activities, Environment Canada said.
Smoke can cause minor symptoms like headaches, a mild cough and ear, nose and throat irritation.
More serious symptoms include wheezing, chest pains and severe coughing, Environment Canada said.
The agency initially said the air quality in Ottawa was expected to improve by Sunday morning, but the alert has now been extended.
As of 1:15 p.m. Sunday, yellow-level warnings are in place for a wide swath of eastern Ontario, mostly to the south and west of the nation’s capital.
They cover Kingston, Gananoque, Belleville, Quinte West, Perth, Renfrew and numerous other communities.
The alert is also in place for western Quebec communities to the north of Gatineau, including Chelsea, Val-des-Monts, and Maniwaki.