Widespread alerts are announced as smoke from raging wildfires severely impacts air quality in urban areas.
Wildfire Smoke Triggers Air Quality Alerts Across North America
Wildfire Smoke Triggers Air Quality Alerts Across North America
Air quality deteriorates in Canada and the US, prompting health warnings for residents.
Air quality alerts have been issued throughout Canada and the northern regions of the United States due to pervasive smoke from ongoing wildfires, prompting officials to advise residents to limit outdoor activities. Environment Canada has warned that the smoke has considerably reduced air quality in various provinces, with Toronto's air quality ranking among the worst globally on Monday.
In the US, alerts have been shared for Chicago, urging caution particularly for vulnerable groups like infants and the elderly. Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to meet with emergency responders in Ottawa to evaluate the unfolding situation as flames consume land across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and northern Ontario, resulting in thousands being evacuated from their homes.
"When pollution levels are elevated, it is vital for everyone to minimize outdoor exposure," Environment Canada cautioned in an alert specifically for Toronto. This extends to postponing or adapting outdoor sports and activities. Moreover, people with chronic health conditions, pregnant individuals, the elderly, and young children are at heightened risk due to increased smoke levels.
Similar alerts have reached Chicago, where the National Weather Service indicated that poor air quality from unhealthy ozone levels and residual Canadian wildfire smoke would affect the metro area through Tuesday evening. This inter-country concern has stirred political responses as American lawmakers addressed the Canadian ambassador to express their discomfort regarding the wildfires affecting their summer season. In retaliation, Manitoba’s premier accused them of downplaying a grave issue.
The wildfires are raging across extensive areas, with May and June being particularly catastrophic months in western Canada, leading to the evacuation of roughly 30,000 individuals in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, where states of emergency have been declared. In eastern Canada, a fire that ignited on the Bonavista peninsula in Newfoundland has rapidly expanded, destroying several cabins.
Experts emphasize that climate change has a major role in intensifying wildfire seasons, with Canada warming at a rate approximately double the global average and its Arctic regions increasing nearly threefold compared to the global pace.
