Canada is smoking out US as wildfires rage on in 3 provinces, New York on alert

Canada has been witnessing massive wildfires leading to diminished air quality in parts of the country and the US. More than 25,000 residents in three provinces - Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan - have been evacuated so far as the country battles against the intense blaze.

In the wake of the wildfires, New York City and the surrounding regions are under an air quality alert Wednesday after smoke from flames spread south into the US hitting air quality in many states. The alert will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The alert will impact the city, along with Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties, New York officials said, as reported by CBS News.


Smoke from several active wildfires in Canada has been affecting air quality in many states, including Minnesota. According to the BBC, at least 3.4 million acres (1.4m hectares) have burned nationwide causing unusually hot, dry conditions.

New York City often witnesses deterioration in air quality in the summer, most often seen during heat waves as the result of soaring temperatures and rising humidity levels.

Air quality index

The Air Quality Index measures air pollution and all the health risks associated with it. The system has six ratings: Good (green): 0 to 50, Moderate (yellow): 51 to 100, Unhealthy for sensitive groups (orange): 101 to 150, Unhealthy (red): 151 to 200 , Very unhealthy (purple): 201 to 300, Hazardous (marron): 301 and higher

When do authorities issue air quality alerts?

An air quality alert is issued when the AQI exceeds 100. It is expected to be around 105 today, according to CBS News.

The wildfires in Canada have forced over 27,000 residents across Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan to evacuate and move to safer places. Manitoba has declared a state of emergency. The city of Flin Flon alone evacuated more than 5,000 people.