Smoke from wildfires burning in Ontario, Canada, has drifted over large parts of the United States, subjecting an estimated 109 million people across the midwest, mid-Atlantic and north-east to poor air quality for another day.
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Key facts
- Around 109 million people across the US are affected by the smoke.
- The affected regions include the midwest, mid-Atlantic and north-east.
- Cities including Chicago and Detroit were blanketed by the smoke.
- The air quality index reached a 'hazardous' 361 in some areas, according to AirNow.
- Residents were warned to stay indoors and reduce activity levels.
Tens of millions of Americans faced another day of smoky skies, irritated eyes and poor air quality as smoke from Canadian wildfires spread again over large swathes of the United States, according to the Guardian. The smoke affected roughly 109 million people across the midwest, mid-Atlantic and north-east.
The smoke originated from blazes burning in Ontario, Canada, and drifted south to blanket major US cities. Chicago and Detroit were among the areas covered by the pungent haze.
In some locations, air quality reached dangerous levels. The air quality index climbed to a ‘hazardous’ 361 according to the government website AirNow, prompting warnings to residents.
Officials on Friday advised people in affected cities to stay indoors and reduce their activity levels while conditions remained poor, the Guardian reported.
The episode marks a continuation of smoky conditions across a broad region of the country, with the haze stretching from the midwest through to the north-east coast.
Why it matters
Wildfire smoke can pose serious health risks, particularly for children, older adults and people with respiratory or heart conditions, and an air quality index of 361 is classed as hazardous. With around 109 million people affected across multiple regions, the event highlights how cross-border smoke can disrupt daily life and public health over vast areas.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the wildfire smoke coming from?
According to the Guardian, the smoke is drifting over the US from wildfires burning in Ontario, Canada.
How many people are affected?
Around 109 million people across the US midwest, mid-Atlantic and north-east face poor air quality.
What were residents advised to do?
Residents in affected cities such as Chicago and Detroit were warned to stay indoors and reduce activity levels after the air quality index reached a hazardous 361, according to AirNow.
Timeline
- More Canadian wildfire smoke shrouds US midwest, mid-Atlantic and north-east
The Guardian World: 109 million people face another day of poor air quality as smoke from blazes in Ontario drifts over the US Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Tens of millions of Americans face another day of smoky skies, irritated eyes and bad air quality, as Canadian wildfire smo