The Town of Amherstburg has opened a cooling station and issued a burn ban as an extended heat warning and smoky skies from distant wildfires combine to create tough conditions for residents. The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit called the extended heat warning on July 14, 2026, and the town is urging people without air conditioning to use the cooling centre at the Libro Credit Union Centre at 3295 Meloche Road.
The cooling station ran from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on July 14 and 15, offering power and WiFi along with a break from the heat. An extended heat warning means three or more straight days with daytime highs at or above 31 degrees Celsius and nighttime lows at or above 21 degrees, or a humidex over 42.
Adding to the strain, Environment Canada’s orange air quality warning remained in effect for the region as of July 16 because of wildfire smoke drifting from northwestern Ontario. The smoke is forecast to stick around into Friday. A meteorologist with Environment Canada noted that the double threat puts residents in a bind, especially those without air conditioning who might normally open windows to cool down at night. When the air is thick with smoke, that trade-off becomes dangerous.
To keep additional smoke out of the air, Amherstburg put a burn ban in place on July 16, stopping all open-air burning until conditions improve. The ban is meant to protect public health while air quality remains poor.
Residents looking for relief outdoors can visit the splash pad at Toddy Jones Park at 50 North Street, which is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Health officials stress that older adults, pregnant people, young children, and those with chronic illnesses face extra risk during heat and smoke events and should take advantage of the cooling spaces. Neighbours are encouraged to check on those who may be more vulnerable.
