CANADA - A relentless and historic wildfire season is gripping Canada, with hundreds of blazes burning across the country and creating a public health crisis that is reaching far into the United States. With over 6.6 million hectares already scorched—more than double the 10-year average—the fires are not only devastating forests but are also blanketing vast regions with thick, dangerous smoke.
The smoke plumes, carried by northerly winds, have triggered severe air quality alerts for tens of millions of people. In Canada, provinces from Alberta to Ontario are under watch, while in the U.S., cities in the Midwest and Northeast are experiencing some of the worst air quality on record. Health officials are sounding the alarm about the high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, posing significant risks to individuals with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
"We're seeing an unprecedented scale of fire activity and a public health impact that is affecting a huge portion of the North American population," said a spokesperson for Environment Canada. "The smoke is a serious threat, and we urge everyone to take precautions, especially vulnerable groups."
While some fires are being battled by crews on the ground, many are burning in remote areas and are expected to continue for weeks. Authorities warn that the threat of additional smoke plumes remains as long as the fires persist, making it a critical time for residents in affected areas to stay informed and follow local health advisories.
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