The Big Smoke: Photos, videos capture Toronto’s dismal air quality

Toronto's air quality became the worst in the world for several hours Wednesday, as smoke from wildfires cloaked the city. As Tina Yazdani reports, Environment Canada is warning air quality will remain a concern throughout the summer.

By Lucas Casaletto

Posted June 28, 2023 5:32 pm.

Last Updated June 29, 2023 12:20 pm.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires blanketed the City of Toronto for much of Wednesday, deteriorating air quality and making it difficult for many to breathe.

The special air quality statement remains in place for Toronto, which at one point was ranked number one on the World Air Quality Index due to what it considers unhealthy atmospheric conditions.

Environment Canada said “high risk” conditions were not expected to improve in some areas until Thursday, when air quality was still forecasted to pose “moderate risk” in much of Ontario.

As of Wednesday evening, Toronto was fifth on the global air quality and pollution ranking, behind Detroit, Dubai, Delhi and Chicago.

Many Toronto residents captured the aftermath of wildfire smoke billowing in the air throughout the day.

Well, there have been clearer days to fly ???? pic.twitter.com/DMNHS9Idxy

— Kyle Hocking (@HockCityNews) June 28, 2023

Big smoke in the big smoke. We’re live on @breakfasttv this morning looking at the wildfire haze wafting into Toronto. pic.twitter.com/Cb2ZQHifOV

— Richard Southern (@RichardCityNews) June 28, 2023

Toronto is living up to its nickname: the Big Smoke.

Check your air quality forecasts here: https://t.co/c5S8OBCxQb

Image courtesy of @navcanada at the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport#smoke #Toronto #AQHI pic.twitter.com/1FGjt9DWcL

— ECCC Weather Ontario (@ECCCWeatherON) June 28, 2023

With the worst air quality in the world, Toronto harbour Saturday Morning vs. Toronto harbour Wednesday afternoon. pic.twitter.com/a1B0RTWtj3

— Simon Ostler (@SimonOstler) June 28, 2023

Somewhere in the second pic is the CN Tower. The air quality from the wildfires is insane in Toronto. #wildfires pic.twitter.com/MACN1oDG8m

— Nicole Mortillaro (@NebulousNikki) June 28, 2023

Entering Toronto…. #wildfires pic.twitter.com/TaHENjuBbC

— KevinJGilbert (@kevjgilly) June 28, 2023

Somewhere out there is the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario.#wildfires pic.twitter.com/kRJ2KFd8gm

— Josh McConnell (@joshmcconnell) June 28, 2023

#AirQualityAlert #WildfireSmoke #TheWeatherNetwork
Smoke over Toronto this afternoon. Normally have a clear view of the Lake and downtown skyline. Visibility today is 1-2km at most. pic.twitter.com/TE7CI2SDdG

— daveinthebeaches (@daveinthebeach1) June 28, 2023

How did we get here?
As the air quality in Toronto worsens, I can't help but think of a friend whose asthma was triggered by the last wildfires, to the point of almost needing the ICU. Now, I'm wondering about the unhoused. I can't imagine the cruelty of not ending homelessness. pic.twitter.com/eed2JK6wuf

— Birgit Umaigba-Omoruyi ???????????????? (@birgitomo) June 28, 2023