Air quality alerts issued in Canada and US as wildfires continue to burn

Air quality alerts are in place across Canada and the northern United States due to smoke from wildfires, with officials warning residents to "limit time outdoors".

Environment Canada issued alerts for much of Ontario, warning that wildfire smoke had significantly degraded air quality. On Monday, Toronto's air quality ranked among the worst in the world.

In the US, officials issued similar alerts for Chicago through Tuesday evening, with additional precautions advised for babies and the elderly.

Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet emergency responders to assess the situation in Ottawa, as fires burning in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and northern Ontario have forced thousands out of their homes.

"When air pollution levels are high, everyone should limit time outdoors," Environment Canada said in its special alert for Toronto. "Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events."

It added that the elderly, pregnant women, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition were more at risk due to the smoke.

Alerts have also been issued across the border in Chicago.