Canadian Wildfire Smoke Causes Unhealthy Air Quality in Northern US States
Smoke from wildfires in Canada has spread across the northern tier of the United States, triggering air quality alerts for more than a dozen states. Forecasters predict that around 70 million people will experience decreased visibility and poor air quality, including residents of major cities such as Chicago, Detroit, New York, St. Louis, and Cleveland.
The plume of smoke, which is currently at Level 4 of 6 on the Air Quality Index, stretched across the US on Monday, with some areas in northern Alabama also experiencing unhealthy air. Photos taken at the NWS Central Illinois facility in Lincoln, Illinois, show a clear sky on Saturday and the presence of wildfire smoke on Sunday.
While the smoke is expected to linger into Tuesday across parts of the East Coast, it is not forecast to reach the same hazardous levels as it did in early June. The Weather Prediction Center suggests that the smoke will become less potent as the week progresses.
The entire state of New York is currently under an air quality health advisory due to the smoke from wildfires in western Canada. Governor Kathy Hochul stated that the smoke is expected to cause the Air Quality Index to reach unhealthy levels in Upstate communities. The state is taking measures to address the situation, including activating emergency notifications on roads and distributing masks.
Winds will continue to push the smoke eastward, resulting in a smoky haze in the Northeast early in the week.
The plume of smoke originates from nearly 400 fires in Canada’s province of British Columbia, with almost half of them ignited by 51,000 lightning strikes from thunderstorms. Some of these thunderstorms were dry, providing little rain to help extinguish the fires, which is particularly concerning given the province’s severe drought conditions.
The province is expected to receive federal assistance to combat the ongoing wildfires. Currently, there are over 880 fires burning throughout Canada, with at least 580 of them classified as ”out of control” according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.
Tragically, a second firefighter lost their life battling the wildfires in Canada. The firefighter from Fort Liard sustained fatal injuries while fighting a wildfire in the Fort Liard District. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his condolences and support for the fallen firefighter’s family and colleagues.
Wildfire smoke contains tiny pollutants known as particle matter, or PM 2.5, which can enter the lungs and bloodstream when inhaled. These pollutants commonly cause difficulty breathing, eye and throat irritation, and have been linked to more serious long-term health issues such as lung cancer, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Parts of the US will remain at risk of smoke in the foreseeable future, depending on weather patterns and fire flare-ups, as Canada is currently experiencing its worst fire season on record. Over 24 million acres have already burned this year, an area roughly the size of Indiana. British Columbia alone has seen over 1,000 fires since April, burning nearly three times the amount of land compared to an average year over the past decade, according to the province’s wildfire service.
CNN’s Eric Zerkel and Susannah Cullinane contributed to this report.
What measures are being taken by state and local authorities to mitigate the impact of the smoke on air quality in affected areas?
By lightning strikes. The wildfires have been fueled by dry conditions and strong winds, causing them to spread rapidly. As a result, the smoke has been carried across the border into the northern US states.
The smoke has had a significant impact on air quality, with the Air Quality Index reaching unhealthy levels in many areas. This poses a health risk, particularly for individuals with respiratory issues or other underlying conditions. Public health officials have advised people to stay indoors and limit outdoor activities, especially in areas where the air quality is particularly poor.
Major cities in the affected region, such as Chicago, Detroit, New York, St. Louis, and Cleveland, have also been impacted by the smoke. Residents have reported decreased visibility and a hazy atmosphere, as well as the distinct smell of smoke in the air.
Efforts are underway to mitigate the effects of the smoke and protect public health. State and local authorities have issued air quality alerts and advisories, urging residents to take precautions. Emergency notifications are being activated on roads to alert drivers to the hazardous conditions, and masks are being distributed to help filter out the harmful particles in the air.
While the smoke is expected to dissipate over the course of the week, the situation remains fluid. Weather forecasters are monitoring the conditions closely to provide timely updates and guidance to affected communities. In the meantime, residents are advised to stay informed, follow health recommendations, and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the unhealthy air quality caused by the Canadian wildfires.
