Wildfires in Western Canada Send Unhealthy Smoke into the US
A recent outbreak of wildfires in western Canada is once again causing a wave of unhealthy smoke to spread into the United States. As a result, air quality alerts have been issued for at least eight states across the northern Plains and upper Midwest.
Chicago, one of the affected cities, is currently under an air quality alert until midnight due to the smoke. Residents have reported a visible haze and smoky smell throughout the area, and the air quality is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Mayor Brandon Johnson has encouraged Chicagoans to carpool or use public transit to reduce additional pollution and recommended wearing masks outdoors for personal protection.
The smoke from the wildfires is expected to be heaviest across parts of Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Iowa on Saturday before shifting southeastward later in the weekend. Cities such as Minneapolis, Des Moines, Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, and Cincinnati will all begin to experience the effects of the smoke.
Unfortunately, the Midwest can expect to see poor air quality and decreased visibility for the next few days as the smoke lingers. This situation is reminiscent of late June when Chicago experienced some of the worst air quality globally due to heavy smoke.
Unlike the previous incident, this smoke plume is coming from the western parts of Canada, rather than the province of Quebec, so it is not expected to reach the Northeast. However, smoke will continue to pose a risk to several parts of the US depending on weather patterns and fire flareups, as Canada is currently experiencing its worst fire season on record. More than 24 million acres have already burned this year, equivalent to an area roughly the size of Indiana.
The fires in Canada’s province of British Columbia have been particularly devastating, with nearly 400 fires sparked in the past week alone. These fires, fueled by 51,000 lightning strikes from thunderstorms, have burned through almost three times the land compared to an average year in the last decade. The situation is exacerbated by the province’s severe drought conditions, leading to an increased risk of dry thunderstorms.
Tragically, one firefighter lost their life while responding to the blazes near Revelstoke, British Columbia. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his condolences, mourning the loss of the brave firefighter.
As the wildfires continue to burn and smoke plumes persist, it is essential for individuals, especially children, seniors, and those with underlying health conditions, to take precautions. Avoiding strenuous activities and limiting time spent outdoors can help minimize exposure to the harmful pollutants present in wildfire smoke.
Source: ABC7 Chicago
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