Which US states will see smoke from Canadian wildfires? EPA issues air quality warnings
Fallout from the over 100 wildfires currently blazing across Canada is again being felt by U.S. states.
There were 181 active fires in Canada as of Monday, with 90 being classified as "out of control" and 62 as "under control," according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC). Most of those fires, 69, were in British Columbia, followed by 49 in Alberta, 14 to 15 in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario, and a handful more spread across other territories.
The situation was categorized as a five, the highest rank on the National Preparedness Level, early Monday afternoon, meaning, "Wildland fire activity is significant within one or more jurisdictions," and "Firefighters and equipment in every jurisdiction in Canada is put to use and international help has been requested."
In the U.S., smoke from the fires has already been detected drifting through Montana, North Dakota and northern Minnesota. More states, ranging as far south as Florida and as far east and north as New York, may soon experience hazy or compromised air as well.
Here is what to know as of Monday, June 2.
Parts of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois had swaths of air quality warnings ranging from "moderate" and "unhealthy for sensitive groups" to "unhealthy" for all as of Monday afternoon, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) AirNow tracker. Nebraska, Montana and Kansas also have small areas of "moderate" air quality warnings near borders with other impacted states.
The red zone classified as the most "unhealthy" covers an area near Fargo, Minnesota that stretches northward from Ashby past Dugdale and into the Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge and eastward from Barnesville to Davies.
Smoke and compromised air quality may drift eastward later Monday and into Tuesday, according to the EPA's forecast tracker, with "unhealthy for sensitive groups" warnings expected to extend into Wisconsin and "unhealthy" quality focusing on the coast from Manitowoc and south past Kenosha into Zion. This stretch of smoky air will impact cities including Burlington, Sheboygan, and Milwaukee.
Air quality warnings of "moderate" and "unhealthy for sensitive groups" status will extend from Minnesota all the way down into Texas and Florida and east towards Virginia, Pennsylvania and the Carolinas on Monday. Tuesday, they could reach as far as New York and even a small fraction of Connecticut. Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota will take the brunt of more serious air quality warnings that day, according to the forecast.
Forecasts from FireSmoke Canada predicted the smoke fallout with extend even further, all the way up into Maine, hitting major population centers on the East Coast along the way.
The air quality index, or AQI, measures the air quality and level of health concern it presents as measured by the Environmental Protection Agency. The AQI is measured on a scale of 0 to 500, with higher numbers indicating more hazardous air pollution and increased health concerns.
Contributing: Olivia Munson and Karina Zaiets, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: US states to see smoke, air quality issues from Canada wildfires
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
25 minutes ago
- CBS News
Holocaust survivors gather in Cooper City to share stories, warn of rising antisemitism
On Holocaust Survivor Day, more than 125 Holocaust survivors gathered in Cooper City, brought together by the Goodman Jewish Family Services organization. They got together to reflect on their harrowing pasts and express growing concern over the resurgence of antisemitism. Memories of a traumatized childhood Izabella Markovskaya and Willy Lipschutz, both infants during World War II, shared memories of lives uprooted by the Nazis. "We were running. We were trying to hide. That was my life. Many years again and again and again," said Markovskaya. "By the time I was six months old my father was taken away. Most my family was taken away. Somehow by miracle my mother was able to escape with me to Switzerland," Lipschutz recalled. After the war, he and his mother were the only family members to return to Belgium. "The [city] was just in a state of panics. Very very depressed. You know and I was put into a Jewish orphanage," he said. A warning for the future Despite the music and dancing with children at the commemorative event, both survivors say today's growing antisemitism is deeply disturbing. "Oh my God, I feel that I am about to die, and I am experiencing the same horrible situation I experienced as a baby. The antisemitism is growing. It's growing. It's growing. It's unbelievable," said Lipschutz. "I am thinking all the time about God. God give us freedom. Give us that freedom in the world," said Markovskaya. According to the Goodman Jewish Family Services, this event represents only a small portion of Broward County's approximately 1,500 Holocaust survivors.
Vogue
26 minutes ago
- Vogue
15 Retinol-Rich Foods To Stimulate Collagen
It's a well-known fact that topically applying retinol can make a major difference when it comes to reversing damage to your skin. An active form of vitamin A, retinol is considered the gold-star anti-aging ingredient when it comes to smoothing lines, clearing acne, and reversing sun damage. But you don't have to simply incorporate it into your nighttime routine: Vitamin A is available in your diet, too. 'Diet plays a significant role in our skin's health and appearance,' says Manhattan-based board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, FAAD. 'There are studies to support that increased vitamin intake helps skin in both the aging space and acne.' Here's how you can take advantage of vitamin A in your diet to improve your skin. Benefits of vitamin A Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin (more on that later) that is key for a healthy body. 'The human body does not produce vitamin A, so it must be obtained externally through our diet and skincare,' Dr. Engelman says. 'Retinol, like other retinoids, is a derivative of vitamin A. When applied topically to the skin, it is converted to retinoic acid, the active form of vitamin A in the body.' When it comes to the edible form, vitamin A comes in two forms: retinol, which is found in foods that originate from animals, and carotenoids, which are derived from plant-based foods and converted into vitamin A when digested. 'Appropriate vitamin A intake helps support healthy skin, hair, and nails,' Dr. Engelman adds. 'Vitamin A plays a role in regulating sebum production and cell turnover, which are important for maintaining a healthy skin barrier (including the scalp) and supporting the hair growth cycle. Vitamin A is also necessary for the synthesis of keratin, which is a vital structural protein for both hair and nails.' Daily requirement of vitamin A Daily vitamin A requirements vary depending on age, sex, and health conditions (if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, that changes it, too). According to the Mayo Clinic, adult males should take 900 micrograms (mcg) and adult women should take 700 mcg. It is important to note that the body does not need large amounts of vitamin A every day, but regular, balanced intake is essential to maintain the right balance and prevent deficiencies. A warning about vitamin A-rich foods 'It's important to note that consuming too much vitamin A can actually be very toxic for the human body, leading to a condition known as 'hypervitaminosis A,'' adds Dr. Engelman. 'This can result in a number of unwanted and potentially dangerous side effects—including, ironically, a disrupted and unhealthy skin barrier, and hair loss. Therefore, it is very important to avoid excessive consumption of vitamin A (or any compound!) and speak with your doctor to determine the diet that's best for you.' 15 vitamin A-rich foods
Washington Post
an hour ago
- Washington Post
Data capturing hot spots and burned acres show Canada wildfire season off to wild start
While images of wildfires capture their ferocity, data can provide insight into how bad a fire season is. Such is the case with two graphics, powered by satellite data, that showcase a Canadian wildfire season off to a wild — and scary — start. Twice a day a NASA satellite sends images to the ground, giving a real-time view of where fires are burning. This is especially useful for remote areas where no sensors are stationed.
