Residents from Sturgeon Falls to North Bay and Mattawa received a hint Thursday of what it was like for those living closer to the forest fires in Temagami and Cochrane.
Forest fires near Highway 69 south of Sudbury and north of Warren sent thick plumes of smoke into the air in the afternoon and winds carried them east to the Nipissing District beginning close to 5 p.m. There's also a new fire closer to Parry Sound.
North Bay Mayor Al McDonald posted a message from Fire Chief Jason Whitely on Facebook later in the evening.
"The haze of smoke that has enveloped the city is from forest fires west of the city or from a new fire in the Parry Sound area. There is not a fire in the North Bay area, either structural or forest," Whitely said, adding it's a health hazard, especially for the young, old and those with breathing issues.
"Prolonged exposure to the smoke may cause individuals to experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, head aches or short of breath. Children, seniors and those with cardiovascular and lung disease, such as asthma could be at risk."
Staying indoors is recommended.
Link to original article in North Bay Nugget.ca: Smoke drifting North Bay way from distant fires