Canadian Wildfires Blanket US in Smoke, Air Quality Crisis Looms

Canadian Wildfires Send Smoke Billowing Across US, Air Quality Alerts Issued Millions of Americans are under air quality alerts as smoke from devastating wildfires in central Canada drifts south. The situation is critical, with thousands already evacuated from Manitoba as fire crews struggle to contain the rapidly spreading blazes. "Nine wildfires in central Canada are still out of control," reports CBS News. The smoke has spread across a vast area of the United States, with the thickest concentration in the northern tier, impacting air quality significantly. Meteorologist Rob Marciano explains that "3.5 million acres have burned," an area roughly the size of Connecticut. Air quality alerts are in effect from International Falls, Minnesota, to parts of Wisconsin, with some areas experiencing an air quality index over 150, considered unhealthy. The forecast shows the smoke drifting eastward in the coming days, though some rain is expected to help. However, the smoke is expected to travel much further, potentially reaching as far as Europe by Saturday. Marciano highlights the global impact, stating that "Paris could be starting to see a little bit of smoke." While the smoke poses a serious health risk, the long-range forecast offers some hope for improvement as the smoke disperses and rain arrives.