US issues air quality alerts as Canadian wildfires smoke blanket major cities

International

CLOSE to 1,000 wildfires burning across Canada have sent thick smoke into parts of the United States, prompting hazardous air quality alerts in several states and urging officials to cancel outdoor activities.

Smoke from wildfires in northern Ontario blanketed cities including Detroit, Chicago, New York, and Toronto, with officials warning residents about the health risks of prolonged exposure.

In a report by BBC, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the state is facing a serious health situation as smoke covered much of the region.

"We're in a very serious health situation right now," Hochul said. "It is very unhealthy to be outdoors in many areas."

New York activated air quality emergency measures, extended heat emergency plans, and distributed KN95 masks and opened cooling centers across the city. Several outdoor events, including summer camps and concerts, were canceled due to unsafe air conditions.

According to the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System, 858 wildfires are currently active in Canada, including 30 new fires reported Thursday. Most of the fires remain uncontrolled.

The fires in northwestern Ontario have produced large smoke plumes affecting communities in the province and drifting across the Great Lakes into the northern US. Officials warned that changing wind patterns could continue bringing smoke into parts of the US through the weekend.

In Canada, wildfires have also forced evacuations in some First Nations communities. Namaygoosisagagun First Nation Chief Helen Paavola said an aerial inspection showed that her community had been severely destroyed.

“All the homes are gone," Paavola said. "There's nothing left."

Experts said increasing wildfire activity is linked to warmer temperatures and drier conditions. Laura Chasmer, a geography and environment professor at the University of Western Ontario, said climate change has contributed to more frequent and intense fires.(Mary Elaine Virtucio, UP Cebu Comm Intern)