<h5>What are wildfires?</h5><p>Wildfires are sudden fires that occur in a natural region, such as a forest, grassland, etc. Wildfires are mostly caused by human actions like unattended campfires, burning of debris, etc., or natural occurrences such as lightning. In 50% of all reported wildfires, it is not known how they started.</p><p>Wildfires are more likely to occur in severely dry conditions like drought. It also increases due to high winds. Wildfires cause disruptions in transportation, communications, water supply, etc. They also cause the loss of property, crops, resources, animals, and people.</p><p>Wildfires impact the weather and climate by releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide into the atmosphere. This causes air pollution, leading to health problems, including respiratory and cardiovascular disorders.</p><p>Recently, terrible wildfires have been affecting Canada.</p><h5>Oh no! What is happening in Canada?</h5><p>Massive wildfires are occurring across Canada over the last six weeks. This has resulted in mass evacuations. The wildfires have consumed large areas of land in the country. Generally, the Canadian wildfire season lasts from May to October. However, such devastation so early in the season is unusual.</p><p>The country is on course to have its most destructive wildfire season in history.</p><h5>Why are wildfires happening in Canada?</h5><p>Warm and dry conditions are ideal for wildfires. Much of Canada has faced record heat and drought as climate change continues to warm the earth. This causes the wildfire season to come earlier, giving more time for grasslands and forests to burn. Drought has been severe in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, where wildfires are currently occurring.</p><p>Lightning starts half of Canada's wildfires. More lightning is also produced by dry and hot weather. The other half is caused by humans. These rapidly growing fires are being fueled by harsh weather conditions, making them incredibly tough to put out. The wind also helps spread the fire.</p><p>The Canadian Wildland Fire Information System says that the destruction caused by wildfires has been 13 times greater than the 10-year average. Smoke from Canadian wildfires has also affected the United States of America (USA).</p><h5>How has the smoke from Canadian wildfires affected the USA?</h5><figure class="image"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/newsahoot.appspot.com/o/canadian-wildfire-smoke-causes-bad-air-quality-in-the-us%2FOrange%20new%20york.jfif?alt=media&amp;token=dd1752ab-bc51-493d-a465-3980ad9cb8cc&amp;_gl=1*1r7h6jq*_ga*MTIzNjQ0ODg2NS4xNjgzNzk5MjMy*_ga_CW55HF8NVT*MTY4NjU0NjAzMS4zMC4xLjE2ODY1NDY3MzkuMC4wLjA."><figcaption>Orange smoke over New York due to the Canadian wildfires. Photo by WIRED.</figcaption></figure><p>Smoke from Canadian wildfires is spreading across the USA. Last week, New York was covered in an orange haze for 2-3 days. Pollution is at an unhealthy level in New York, Washington, DC, and Philadelphia. Wildfire smoke is expected to reach southern states like Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas, etc.</p><p>Schools in New York conducted remote classes. Sports were cancelled, and some eateries were closed as smoke filled the air due to Canada's wildfires. Last Wednesday, New York ranked as the city with the worst air quality in the world, but the air quality has slightly improved over the weekend.</p><p>Authorities have also issued air quality warnings in around 13 states. People are being asked to take precautions and limit outdoor activities. Flights were stopped on 8th June 2023 as the visibility became poor due to the smoke.</p><h5>What is Canada doing to stop these wildfires?</h5><div class="raw-html-embed"><figure> <video width="100%" controls=""> <source src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/newsahoot.appspot.com/o/canadian-wildfire-smoke-causes-bad-air-quality-in-the-us%2FSouth%20African%20Firefighters.mp4?alt=media&amp;token=fa3e57dd-cdb1-4450-8543-07581d013a14&amp;_gl=1*c3vwf2*_ga*MTIzNjQ0ODg2NS4xNjgzNzk5MjMy*_ga_CW55HF8NVT*MTY4NjU0NjAzMS4zMC4xLjE2ODY1NDY4MjQuMC4wLjA." type="video/mp4"> </video> <figcaption>South African firefighters who have arrived to help out Canada, singing to lift spirits. Video by Brian Solis.</figcaption> </figure></div><p>Canada has committed all of its national resources to fighting the fires. The USA, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa have also sent firefighters to help control the wildfires. Allies from across the world have offered help to Canada to help them manage and put an end to the wildfires.</p><p>Let’s hope the wildfires are stopped before it does more harm to Canada, its citizens, and its neighbouring country.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Wildfire smoke from Canada caused air pollution to worsen in the Northeast USA last week.

Canadian Wildfire Smoke Causes Bad Air Quality in the US

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Canadian Wildfire Smoke Causes Bad Air Quality in the US

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