Risk of wildfire smoke in Nunavut communities
Press Release
June 3, 2025
Communities across Canada regularly experience wildfire smoke events. This is expected to continue as Canada’s changing climate provides ideal conditions for more frequent wildfires and longer wildfire seasons. Wildfire smoke may be carried thousands of kilometers from the fire zone. This means smoke can impact air quality in areas close to, and far from, wildfire including in Nunavut. The location of the fires, and other factors such as wind direction and speed can influence which communities may experience wildfire smoke. Conditions can also change quickly.
The Department of Health is monitoring the wildfire situation in neighbouring jurisdictions and the Air Quality Health Index in the Nunavut communities where this information is available. We will continue to monitor information from other sources and will provide specific health messaging to the public as air quality conditions change.
Smoke exposure can irritate your eyes, make breathing more difficult, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. People at risk of more health impacts include elders, pregnant women, children and people with pre-existing respiratory and heart conditions.
You can reduce your exposure to smoke by avoiding strenuous outdoor activities and staying indoors with windows and doors closed.
You can protect your indoor air quality by doing the following:
- Stay inside and keep your windows and doors closed. If available or needed, fans can help with staying cool.
- Use a freestanding indoor air filter if available.
- Do not add to indoor pollution by burning candles or other products.
- Limit use of exhaust fans when not cooking.
Anyone experiencing more serious symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath should go to their local health centre immediately.
For more information, visit the Government of Canada’s Air Quality Health Index webpage.
Contact
Charmaine Deogracias
Manager of Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5712
cdeogracias@gov.nu.ca
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