Raging Wildfires in Canada Continue to Blanket Midwest to Northeastern US in Smoke
At least 10 states from the Midwest to the Northeast on Friday were once again facing smoky conditions caused by the raging wildfires in Canada, marking the end of a week where millions of people struggled to cope with poor air quality.
The National Weather Service has predicted that the smoky conditions, which have obscured skylines and made it difficult for some to breathe, are expected to persist into the long Fourth of July weekend. However, there is hope that the air quality will gradually improve as thunderstorms help to disperse the smoke, potentially clearing the way for Independence Day firework celebrations.
For residents like Lino Alayo, a 42-year-old landscaper on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the smoky conditions have become a daily concern. Alayo, well aware of the potential health risks, finds himself adjusting his work pace to adapt to the situation. “I just have got to learn how to adapt if this is going to be the new normal,” he said. “It raises a lot of fears.”
Similarly, John Valentin, 53, a building superintendent living and working on the Upper West Side, has been dealing with the irritation caused by the smoke. He has resorted to gargling with Listerine to soothe his throat and has taken measures to seal stairwell windows after receiving complaints from older tenants about the air quality. Valentin spent Friday cleaning a layer of soot from his building’s windowsills, determined to mitigate the effects of the smoky conditions.
However, not all New Yorkers are as alarmed. Consuela Agudelo, 77, waiting for a bus in Queens, admitted that she was not currently wearing a mask despite having some in her purse. “I’m not putting it on because I don’t feel anything,” she said. “Also, it’s so hot with a mask on. When I left my house, I could smell the smoke. But it’s not as bad as the first time” earlier in June, when wildfire smoke turned the air in New York orange.
Throughout the week, the Great Lakes Region, parts of the Midwest, the Northeast, and the Mid-Atlantic were enveloped in smoke, leading residents to stay indoors and avoid the unhealthy air. Those who had no choice but to venture outside for work or errands resorted to wearing masks for their safety.
As of Friday morning, nearly 500 wildfires were engulfing Canada, with almost half of them burning out of control, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. Canada’s wildfire season began earlier than usual this year, meaning that the fires could continue to impact air quality across North America for weeks to come.
The situation remains uncertain as residents in affected states hope for the smoke to dissipate soon. While some have adjusted their daily routines to adapt to the smoky conditions, others continue to face challenges related to their health and the environment. The impact of these wildfires serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires globally.
Sarah Maslin Nir and Christopher Maag contributed reporting to this article.