Hazy conditions covered parts of four U.S. states on Monday as smoke from wildfires in western Canada triggered air quality alerts and warnings.
Canada is battling 146 active wildfires, with dozens in British Columbia and Alberta categorized as “out of control,” according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.
Air Quality Alerts in the U.S.
In the United States, air quality alerts were issued in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota due to the smoke drifting from Canada. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued an alert on Sunday for a “band of very heavy smoke from wildfires in northeast British Columbia.” While northern Minnesota has cleared up, smoke continues to linger over southern Minnesota.
Impact on Air Quality
The air quality index on Monday indicated conditions ranging from “moderate” to “unhealthy” across the four states. This index, established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, measures daily air pollution levels and the associated risks.
Wildfire smoke contains small particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5), which can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and weakening the immune system.
This particulate pollution can increase the risk of asthma, lung cancer, and other chronic lung diseases, particularly affecting older adults, infants, children, and pregnant individuals.
Wildfire Impact in Canada
Fires have engulfed over 24,000 acres in western Canada, marking the first major wildfires of the season. On Sunday, authorities issued evacuation orders for thousands of residents in Northern Rockies Regional Municipality and Fort Nelson First Nations in British Columbia due to fast-moving blazes.
Historical Context and Future Risks
Last summer, wildfires in Quebec affected air quality across vast portions of the U.S., from the Midwest to the Eastern Seaboard. Canada experienced its most devastating wildfire season in recorded history last year, with over 45 million acres burned. The Canadian government warns that drought conditions are expected to persist in high-risk regions, increasing the risk and intensity of wildfires.
Climate Change and Wildfires
Studies show that climate change is creating warmer conditions that dry out vegetation, a key factor in wildfire ignition and spread. As a result, wildfires are expected to become more frequent and intense in a warming world.