At least 100 million people across Canada and the US are facing serious health risks due to the wildfires in Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said Canada is living through its “worst wildfire season” in recorded history.
Here are the top 5 updates on this story:
- Over 3.8 million hectares – about double the size of New Jersey – have been scorched so far, according to the Canadian National Fire Database.
- More than 20,000 people have been displaced in Canada due to the wildfires. Quebec, which is facing 150 active wildfires, is responsible for the pollution over New York. As of Wednesday afternoon, New York City had some of the worst air pollution of any city in the world.
- The thick haze of pollution cast an eerie, yellowish glow over Manhattan’s famous skyscrapers, delayed flights and forced the postponement of sporting events.
- Major League Baseball postponed Wednesday’s game between the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox as well as the Phillies home match against Detroit Tigers due to poor air quality. The Women’s NBA and National Women’s Soccer League also announced postponements. In music, organizers canceled the opening night of a concert series in Brooklyn set to feature Corinne Bailey Rae.
- US President Joe Biden on Wednesday spoke to Trudeau and offered “additional support to respond to the devasting and historic wildfires.” Trudeau on Twitter said he had thanked Biden, adding: “These fires are affecting everyday routines, lives and livelihoods, and our air quality.”