Severe wildfires in US and Canada heighten air quality concerns

Wildfire smoke spreads over Pacific Northwest and western Canada


Wildfires across several US states and Canada are causing severe air quality issues and evacuation orders.

As per US News, California, Oregon, Arizona, and Washington are among the affected areas, with 79 large active fires burning over 1.4 million acres as of Wednesday, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

In the Northwest, 15 fires have led to evacuation orders. Canada is also facing severe wildfires, with British Columbia battling around 430 active fires and Alberta dealing with 177.

These fires have forced up to 25,000 people to evacuate from the Canadian Rockies' largest national park.

However, air quality alerts have been issued in various regions to address the pollution caused by the wildfires, including Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Calgary, Alberta.

Residents are advised to monitor air quality conditions, stay indoors, and use high-efficiency filters and portable air purifiers.

Those needing to be outside should wear respirator masks like N-95s. 

While, extra precautions are recommended for children and those with heart or lung issues.