Smoke from more than 100 active wildfires in Canada has made its way into the United States, prompting Minnesota officials to issue the state’s first air quality alert of 2024.
The wildfires, with at least 37 classified as “out of control,” have rapidly spread across British Columbia and Alberta provinces, leading to evacuations in areas such as Fort Nelson. Canada’s National Preparedness Level has been raised to level 2 out of 5, suggesting a growing concern for wildfire activity.
The smoke has spread across several states in the U.S., including Montana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, where the levels of smoke are particularly high. Residents in northern Minnesota are being urged to stay indoors as the Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached “unhealthy” levels.
Cities like Bemidji experienced extremely high AQI levels, ranking them among the most polluted areas in the world in terms of air quality. Residents are advised by officials to keep their windows closed, particularly if they have allergies.
Although smoke levels are anticipated to decrease by Monday morning, areas such as Omaha, Nebraska, may still encounter hazier skies. This increase in wildfires further amplifies the concerns raised by a study conducted in February. The study predicts that millions of Americans will face escalating health risks from wildfire smoke by the middle of the century.
Canadian wildfires have had a history of impacting air quality in the United States. In June 2023, certain regions of the Northeast and Midwest were engulfed in smoke, leading to air quality alerts being issued in 18 states.
The importance of remaining vigilant and prepared cannot be overstated when it comes to the health risks posed by wildfire smoke. These risks encompass a range of respiratory and cardiovascular issues that should not be taken lightly.