A special air quality statement is in effect as wildfire smoke moves into the London region, and experts are advising people to remain indoors when possible.

The Air Quality Health Index spiked to a 10 in the early morning on Friday. Index readings of 7 through 10 indicate a high risk.

The numbers were expected to decrease across the day but there are still potential health risk, particularly for the elderly, children and those with chronic health conditions, according to Kelly Hobelman from Environment Canada.

"There definitely are risks, especially to those who are outside for longer durations," she said.

The smoke is the result of raging wildfires continuing to burn across the prairies and northern Ontario, where many remain under evacuation orders.

Sask. fire evacuee describes

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