Canadian wildfires smoke takes over 13 U.S. States

WASHINGTON – Canada’s wildfires are impacting the air on the East Coast of the United States.

At least 13 U.S. states have issued warnings as thick smoke clouds the skies, forcing people to stay indoors.

According to the National Weather Service, air quality has dropped to dangerous levels even in the nation’s capital, Washington DC.

It has urged people to stay indoors, especially those suffering from heart and lung disease.

The district’s public schools canceled all outdoor activities, including sporting events, because of the poor air quality.

In a statement, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said the air quality in the five boroughs is deteriorating due to smoke from the wildfires in Canada.

“We recommend all New Yorkers limit outdoor activity to the greatest extent possible,” the mayor said.

The city’s public schools also canceled outdoor activities Wednesday and urged students to stay indoors.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), wildfire smoke is a mix of gases and fine particles that can make anyone sick.

In an advisory, American Red Cross has asked people to keep windows and doors closed and avoid using candles, gas, propane, wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, or aerosol sprays.

“If you have a central air conditioning system, use high efficiency filters to capture fine particles from the smoke. If your system has a fresh air intake, set the system to recirculate mode or close the outdoor intake damper,” the Red Cross said. 

Smoke from the Canadian wildfires is expected to reach as far south as South Carolina.

In 2023, there were 2,214 wildfires in Canada, and about 3.3 million acres burned.