Summary

As wildfires rage across Western Canada, states in the U.S. are experiencing unexpected air quality alerts due to smoke and debris. Over 146 active wildfires are reported, with some described as "out of control," including the Parker Lake Wildfire in British Columbia, which doubled in size within 24 hours. Evacuation orders have been issued for over 3,000 residents in northeastern British Columbia, with restrictions expected to continue until conditions improve. Smoke from the fires has reached multiple U.S. states, prompting air quality warnings in Minnesota, Montana, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas, with conditions ranging from "moderate" to "unhealthy." Officials advise sensitive groups, such as those with asthma or heart conditions, to limit outdoor activities. Last summer, wildfire smoke from Quebec affected over 11 states, causing hazardous conditions and significant damages exceeding $31 million.

For those who read...

As out-of-control wildfires threaten parts of Western Canada, states across the U.S are beginning to feel the impacts of unexpected air quality alerts and warnings.

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Currently, there are over 146 active wildfires across Canada, including dozens throughout Alberta and British Columbia that have been described as “out of control” by the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. One of the biggest fires, the Parker Lake Wildfire, began in Fort Nelson, British Columbia Friday afternoon and has been spreading quickly with the help of a cold front and harsh winds in the region. The fire nearly doubled in the first 24 hours, reaching a size of over 4,200 acres by the following day.

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As of Monday afternoon, over 3,000 residents of communities in northeastern British Columbia have been ordered to evacuate as forest fires continue, in addition to thousands of other residents placed under similar orders throughout the region. Officials say these orders and other fire restrictions will remain in place until conditions improve.

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In the U.S, as smoke and debris from the fires move south, multiple U.S states, including Minnesota, Montana, Wisconsin, and North and South Dakota, have issued various air quality warnings and alerts to residents. As of Monday, air quality indexes from multiple states have shown “moderate” to “unhealthy” conditions for the general public as the fires rage on.

In impacted areas, officials recommend that residents, specifically those who may be more sensitive to unhealthy air quality such as those with asthma or heart conditions, avoid spending prolonged periods of time outside if possible and limit intense physical activity. Specifically in Minnesota and Wisconsin, the air quality is considered unhealthy of all residents, not just those belonging to sensitive groups.

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This may seem familiar, as just last summer, wildfire smoke from Quebec made its way into the U.S, impacting air quality in over 11 states and causing hazy skies and hazardous conditions. Large portions of the East Coast and the Midwest were reached by the smoke, leading to over $31 million in insured damages across the U.S and Canada.

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An explosive wildfire threatens to overrun a Canadian town as US gets season’s first dose of smoke | CNN

Canadian wildfires trigger air quality alerts across 4 U.S. states

Minnesota and Wisconsin See Air Quality Warnings as Canadian Wildfire Smoke Drifts South - The New York Times

Wildfire in Canada forces thousands to evacuate as smoke causes dangerous air quality - CBS News