There are tens of thousands of evacuees and 150 active fires in Quebec alone. Meanwhile, in the United States, more than 111 million people are suffering from the impact of air pollution caused by fires across the northeast.
Hundreds of fires active simultaneously, tens of thousands of evacuees and a situation that could last for months. Canada is facing massive and historic wildfires. Since January, the flames consumed 3.8 million hectares of forest.
In the province of Quebec alone, there are more than 150 active fires, 90 of which are out of control. 800,000 hectares are concerned. And the fire season has only just begun.
Reinforcements arrive from different countries to fight the flames. The United States has already sent more than 600 firefighters. Portugal, Spain and France will send 280.
And while Canada is burning, the United States is choking with smoke
More than 111 million people are affected by air pollution from the Canadian fires across much of the northeastern United States, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
New York and the capital, Washington, are on alert for poor air quality. The phenomenon is forcing flights to be delayed due to low visibility, sporting events and outdoor events to be canceled, and many schools closed, forcing children to resume distance learning.
The concern extends to the most vulnerable people, suffering from heart or respiratory problems, as well as the elderly.
US President Joe Biden called the fires a “stark reminder of the impacts of climate change”.
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