Wildfires in Western Canada Send Unhealthy Smoke into the United States
A recent outbreak of wildfires in western Canada is once again causing a plume of unhealthy smoke to drift into the United States. Air quality alerts were issued on Saturday for at least eight states across the northern Plains and upper Midwest as the smoke from the wildfires returns.
Chicago, in particular, is experiencing the effects of the smoke, with an air quality alert in effect until midnight. By Sunday morning, a visible haze and smoky smell were present throughout the area, and the air quality is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Children, seniors, teens, people with heart or lung disease, and pregnant individuals are advised to avoid strenuous activities and limit their time outside.
Mayor Brandon Johnson has released a statement urging Chicagoans to carpool or use public transit to reduce the amount of additional pollution added to the air during the air quality alert. He also recommended wearing masks when outside for personal protection.
The smoke is expected to be heaviest across parts of Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Iowa on Saturday before shifting southeastward later in the weekend. Minneapolis and Des Moines will experience the worst of the smoke on Saturday, while cities like Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, and Cincinnati will begin to see the effects on Sunday.
The Midwest will continue to experience poor air quality and decreased visibility into early next week as the smoke lingers. This is not the first time Chicago has faced such severe air quality issues, as the city experienced some of the worst air quality in the world due to heavy smoke in late June.
Unlike the previous smoke plume that originated from the Canadian province of Quebec, this time the smoke is coming from much further away in the West. Therefore, it is not expected to reach the Northeast like it did in early June when New York City’s skies turned an apocalyptic shade of orange.
The encroaching smoke has already caused air quality to drop to unhealthy levels in parts of Montana and North Dakota, and to unhealthy levels for sensitive groups in Minnesota. 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 like lung cancer.
The smoke plume is a result of nearly 400 fires that have ignited in Canada’s province of British Columbia in the past week. Almost half of these fires were started by 51,000 lightning strikes from thunderstorms. Unfortunately, some of these thunderstorms were “dry” and did not produce enough rain to help extinguish the fires, posing a dangerous threat in a province experiencing severe drought.
The United States will continue to be at risk of smoke for 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.
Since April, British Columbia has seen over 1,000 fires start, burning nearly three times the amount of land compared to an average year in the past decade. Tragically, one firefighter lost their life while responding to one of the blazes near Revelstoke, British Columbia. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his condolences to the firefighter’s family, friends, and fellow firefighters.
The situation in Western Canada remains dire, and efforts to combat the wildfires and protect affected communities continue.
How is the smoke from the wildfires impacting air quality in neighboring regions and even across international borders, such as in the United States
E is coming from fires in western Canada, primarily in British Columbia and Alberta. The wildfires, which have been fueled by dry conditions and strong winds, have been burning for several weeks and have already scorched millions of acres of land.
The smoke from these fires contains dangerous particles and pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and fine particulate matter, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause respiratory issues. It can also worsen existing conditions, such as asthma or heart disease.
The impact of the smoke is not limited to the immediate areas surrounding the fires. Due to prevailing winds, the smoke can travel hundreds of miles and affect air quality in neighboring regions and even across international borders. In this case, the smoke is making its way into the United States, causing poor air quality and health concerns for residents in states such as North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois.
Local authorities and health officials are urging residents to take precautions to protect themselves from the smoke. This includes staying indoors as much as possible, closing windows and doors, and using air purifiers to filter out the harmful particles. It is also recommended to avoid outdoor activities, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, seniors, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
In addition to the immediate health risks, the smoke can also have economic implications. It can disrupt transportation, lead to flight cancellations, and impact tourism and outdoor events. It can also have long-term effects on crop production and livestock.
Efforts are underway to contain the wildfires and mitigate the smoke, but it remains a challenging task due to the size and intensity of the fires. Firefighters from both Canada and the United States are working together to battle the blazes, but it will likely take time before the situation is fully under control.
In the meantime, residents in affected areas are advised to stay informed about air quality conditions and follow the guidance of local authorities. It is important to prioritize health and safety during this period of heightened smoke exposure, and take necessary measures to minimize the risks associated with poor air quality.
It’s disheartening to see the alarming consequences of wildfires in Western Canada, with the unhealthy smoke adversely affecting the US as well. Urgent actions and collaborative efforts are needed to combat this ongoing threat and safeguard our ecosystems and communities.
It’s truly alarming to see the devastating impact of wildfires in Western Canada reach far beyond its borders. The continued blanket of unhealthy smoke over the US serves as a reminder of the urgent need for collective action in tackling climate change. Our thoughts are with all those affected, and we must support efforts to address this crisis before it further escalates.