Smoke from over 100 active wildfires in Northern Quebec is drifting into the Cochrane, Ontario area, prompting health officials to advise residents to monitor air quality and limit outdoor activities. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says 39 active fires are burning in the province’s Northeast Region as of July 6, 2026, including one near Harty that crews are working to control.
Fire #Cochrane32 was confirmed on July 5 about two kilometres northwest of Harty. It covers half a hectare, and two FireRanger crews are on the scene. Smoke from that fire is visible to people in Val Rita, Harty, and those traveling along Highway 11. A total of 314 wildfires have been recorded in Ontario so far this year, more than the 295 reported at the same point in 2025 and above the 10-year average of 259 fires.
Much of the haze affecting Cochrane is coming from farther east. Quebec’s wildfire agency, SOPFEU, reports 19 fires in the province’s intensive zone and 88 in the northern zone. Environment Canada has issued an orange air quality warning for parts of northern Quebec, and the smoke is drifting into Ontario, reducing visibility and air quality in communities like Cochrane.
Health officials recommend that residents check the FireSmoke.ca smoke forecast for real-time tracking of air quality. The current BlueSky Canada model shows ground-level concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from wildfires. Health officials say people should limit outdoor activities and strenuous physical exertion when smoke is heavy, keep windows closed, and use air purifiers if possible. Seniors, children, and those with respiratory conditions are at highest risk. As of 6:00 p.m. on July 6, Air Quality Ontario reported low-risk Air Quality Health Index readings of 2 in North Bay, Sudbury, and Sault Ste. Marie, but conditions can vary locally and change quickly.
Cochrane, a town of about 5,390 people in northeastern Ontario, is expected to see smoky conditions through early July. Officials encourage residents to stay informed as the situation develops, especially if they plan to spend time outdoors or have pets or livestock.
