In 2023, Burlington first experienced long range wildfire smoke which brought about poor air quality and eerie looking skies. Unfortunately, we might experience similar situations in Burlington this year starting with the first Special Air Quality Statement issued for the season on June 5, 2025.
What can you do to protect your health?
Wildfire smoke has negative impacts to your health, especially the very small particles known as fine particulate matter or PM2.5 which is smaller in diameter than a strand of human hair.
Many of us check the weather forecast before we plan our day. As part of your routine, be sure to check out local conditions, forecasts, wildfire smoke, health risks, and more. This will help you prepare and protect your family from potential health risks while outdoors. You can also limit outdoor activities and strenuous physical activities and stay indoors if possible.
When there are impacts to outdoor pools, sport fields and/or City facilities due to air quality, the City of Burlington will provide an update on its Facility, Sports Field and Pool Closures page.
Wildfires 101
Wildfires need three things: ignition, fuel and dry weather.
While the total number of fires have been decreasing since the 1980s, due in part to a decline in human caused fires thanks to better education as well as better fire suppression, wildfires now tend to cover a larger area burning more hectares. The number of what are classified as disastrous wildfires has also increased.
Currently, lightning causes at least 45 percent of wildfires which will increase due to climate change. For every degree Celsius of warming, lightning strikes are predicted to increase about 12 percent. In addition, the fire season is expanding by starting earlier and ending later.
Connection to Burlington’s Climate Plans
Did you know that the City of Burlington has three climate plans currently being implemented which address:
- Reducing emissions from our operations with a goal to be net carbon neutral by 2040 (Corporate Energy and Emissions Management Plan: 2024-2029)
- Reducing emissions from the community with a goal to be net carbon neutral by 2050 (Climate Action Plan)
- Adapting for our warmer, wetter and wilder weather (Climate Resilient Burlington)
For more information about Burlington’s climate plans, please visit burlington.ca/climatechange.
Take Action Burlington. Stay informed and take steps to protect your health.
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