Smoke from more than 800 fires burning in Canada has spread across major North American cities, prompting air quality alerts in parts of the United States, according to the BBC.
Live updates
Loading updates…
Key facts
- Smoke is coming from more than 800 blazes, according to the BBC.
- Affected cities include Toronto and New York, the BBC reported.
- Parts of the US Midwest and Great Lakes are also under smoke cover, according to the BBC.
- US air quality alerts have been prompted as a result, according to the BBC.
Smoke from more than 800 fires burning in Canada has spread across major cities in North America, prompting air quality alerts in the United States, according to the BBC.
The smoke has filled major cities including Toronto and New York, the BBC reported.
Parts of the US Midwest and Great Lakes have also been affected, according to the BBC.
The BBC reported that the scale of the fires, numbering more than 800 blazes, has contributed to the widespread smoke cover now reaching cities in both Canada and the United States.
Why it matters
Air quality alerts in affected US cities signal a potential health concern for residents as smoke from the Canadian fires spreads across the border, according to the BBC.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the wildfire smoke coming from?
According to the BBC, the smoke is coming from more than 800 fires burning in Canada.
Which areas are affected by the smoke?
The BBC reports the smoke has filled cities including Toronto and New York, as well as parts of the US Midwest and Great Lakes.
Why have air quality alerts been issued?
Air quality alerts have been triggered in the US as smoke from the Canadian fires settles over major cities and populated regions, according to the BBC.
Timeline
- Canada fires prompt US air quality alerts as smoke blankets major cities
BBC World: Smoke from more than 800 blazes has filled major cities from Toronto and New York, to parts of the US Midwest and Great Lakes.