More than 800 wildfires have erupted across Canada, with smoke drifting southward, prompting the United States to issue air quality warnings in several states.
Foreign news agencies reported on 16 Jul 2026, citing data from the Canadian Wildfire Information System, that there are currently 858 active wildfires across Canada, including 30 new outbreaks reported on Thursday. Most remain uncontrolled.
A large wildfire complex in northwestern Ontario is the source of dense smoke and air pollution covering Thunder Bay and Toronto. Lighter smoke has also risen into the atmosphere, drifting across the Great Lakes and over New York State, darkening the skies.
The US Air Quality Index indicates that air quality in much of northern states such as Michigan and Minnesota is classified as “Hazardous,” advising residents to remain indoors.
Meanwhile, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced on Thursday that warnings cover the upper Midwest, Great Lakes region, extending to the Northeast.
In New York State, air quality in the western areas on Thursday was rated “Very Unhealthy,” while the New York City metropolitan area experienced “Unhealthy” air quality levels.
Earlier on Wednesday, New York expanded its heat emergency response plan and activated emergency air quality measures, establishing hundreds of cooling centers and distributing KN95 masks citywide.
Although widespread thunderstorms are forecast in Ontario over the next two to three days, the rainfall is expected to be insufficient to significantly ease the severity of the wildfires.
Swiss air quality monitoring company IQAir reported that Detroit currently has the worst air quality worldwide, followed by Minneapolis, Chicago in the US, and Toronto in Canada.
Republican legislators in Michigan jointly signed an open letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, calling for better management of the country’s wildfires and expressing frustration over the recurring crisis for the third consecutive year.
On Thursday, Mark Carney responded to US legislators’ criticism, stating that both countries share responsibility in combating climate change, adding that his government is “in close coordination” with local jurisdictions and communities and is always ready to provide assistance.
At the same time, Ontario Premier Doug Ford rejected criticism of his government's wildfire management approach, noting that over 150 firefighting teams are actively working at fire sites.
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Source:bbc