Wildfire smoke from over 800 fires in Ontario and the U.S. Midwest creates hazardous air quality across North America.

Thick blankets of wildfire smoke are currently enveloping cities across Canada, the U.S. Midwest, and the East Coast. More than 800 wildfires in the Canadian province of Ontario and elsewhere have destroyed nearly 5 million acres, sending plumes of smoke south to impact millions of residents. In Detroit, air quality reached the world's worst levels on Thursday, while Toronto, Minneapolis, and Chicago also faced severe warnings. Experts attribute the increasing severity of these fires to human-caused climate change. Higher global temperatures and prolonged regional droughts have created "tinderbox" conditions, making fires more frequent and harder to contain. While weather drives the immediate flames, climate change provides the underlying conditions for larger, more erratic blazes. The smoke acts as a natural filter, scattering blue wavelengths to leave a distinct orange and red hue over the landscape. Health officials warn that the pollution can negatively affect heart, brain, and lung health. Residents are advised to wear protective masks and limit outdoor activities during periods of poor air quality.

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