Wildfires in Canada Cause Deterioration of Air Quality on US East Coast: Latest Updates

2023-06-07 19:25:51

Thick smoke covers New York

Wildfires in Canada caused a deterioration in air quality on the east coast of the United States, where it reached Wednesday, and the effects of smoke spread widely.

Published in: Jun 07, 2023: 10:24 PM GST
Last updated: Jun 07, 2023: 11:25 PM GST

Pictures taken Wednesday in New York City showed thick clouds of smoke covering the city’s landmarks. The source of this smoke is the forest fires that have been raging for days in neighboring Canada.

And the forest fires in Canada caused a deterioration in air quality on the east coast of the United States, where it reached Wednesday, and the effects of smoke spread widely.

And 13 states issued alerts against the background of the smoke and fumes causing obstruction of vision, and obligated citizens to stay indoors, since this morning.

Thick smoke covers New York

A report from the US National Weather Service said air quality had “decreased” in Washington, DC, to “dangerous levels”.

The report stated that “extremely poor air quality was recorded for people with heart and lung diseases, as well as for the elderly, children and adolescents.”

The report predicted a decrease in visibility over a number of hours of the day, and the authorities asked citizens to wear masks.

New Yorkers wear masks to protect themselves from smoke

In the same context, public schools in the provinces affected by the smoke of wildfires in Canada canceled outdoor activities, including sports.

As such, New York City Mayor Eric Adams issued a statement on Tuesday evening, emphasizing that air quality was “deteriorating across the city due to smoke from wildfires in Canada.” He said the air was “unhealthy and raises health concerns”.

Smoke from the Canadian wildfires is expected to reach as far south in the US as South Carolina, according to estimates.
Canadian officials said firefighters are working to put out fires in the province of Quebec, where more than 160 forest fires are currently active.
In turn, Canadian Minister of Public Safety Bill Blair said, in press statements, that Canada witnessed 2,214 massive fires in 2023, noting that nearly 3.3 million hectares (8.1 million acres) were burned.