Wildfires burning across Canada have released thick smoke, drifting into parts of the U.S. from the Midwest to the Northeast on Thursday. Officials warn residents to stay indoors when possible and steer clear of the toxic air. Detroit hit the highest air quality risk worldwide, with a pollutant index of 600—twice the level deemed “hazardous” by the U.S. EPA.
Dangerous smoke levels have been detected across Minnesota, Michigan, northern Illinois, northern Ohio, and Ontario, affecting major cities like Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Toronto. At least 10 states are experiencing at least some areas with unhealthy air quality, stretching from Minnesota to Maryland.
Chicago resident Stephanie Villanova, 33, described the scene: “It looks like fog outside, but it’s smoke. It completely covers the city, and it burns when you go outside,” she said during a morning walk with her 68-year-old father, both wearing masks.
Minnesota has canceled outdoor activities, including shows, fairs, and concerts such as a Creed performance at Mystic Lake Amphitheater. Parks, golf courses, outdoor programs, and public pools in Minneapolis are also closed due to the poor air.
In the northeastern Iron Range region along Lake Superior, cities like Duluth and Hibbing recorded particulate levels as high as 900 micrograms per cubic meter, triple the hazardous threshold.
Atmospheric scientist Emily Fischer of Colorado State University explained, “It’s essentially a river of smoke pouring into the Midwest right now—directly linked to climate change. This is the air people are breathing.”
The situation is expected to worsen throughout the day. In New York, the sky has taken on an orange hue, and the air smells strongly acrid. Officials urge residents to limit outdoor activities, especially vulnerable groups like the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health issues.
This unhealthy air risk coincides with the upcoming FIFA World Cup final in nearby New Jersey, scheduled for Sunday with over 80,000 spectators. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani warned, “Today could be the worst day of this event. At unhealthy levels, everyone—regardless of health status—may experience health effects. Everyone should take precautions.”
The city is distributing free KN95 masks at libraries, police stations, and firehouses. As of Thursday morning, Canada reports 858 active wildfires, with 111 out of control, mostly in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. The wildfire season has burned approximately 5.9 million acres, with scientists attributing the increase to rising global temperatures, which intensify and extend wildfire activity worldwide.
Wildfire smoke, capable of lingering in the atmosphere for weeks and traveling thousands of miles, is more hazardous than typical pollution. Studies link exposure to higher rates of heart attacks, strokes, cancers, pregnancy complications, and immune system weakening.
