Warnings of poor air quality have been issued in a wide area of North America. Smoke caused by wildfires obscures views in entire cities.
At least 160 forest and wildfires are raging in Quebec, located in the eastern part of Canada. According to the provincial authorities, more than a hundred of them burned uncontrollably on Tuesday.
In Quebec, residents have been evacuated from several locations due to the fires. 7,500 people were evacuated from Chibougamau, located in the remote part of Quebec. Over the weekend, 2,100 people were evacuated from the town of Lebe-sur-Quévillon.
According to Quebec fire officials, there are at least 160 forest fires burning in the province. More than a hundred of them burned uncontrollably on Tuesday.
Large areas in eastern Canada and the northeastern United States are covered in yellowish smoke.
Risk groups have been advised to stay indoors.
Health authorities warn about air quality
The smoke has reached, for example, New York, where it is said to cause, among other things, irritation in throats.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency EPA has classified the air quality in much of the northeastern United States as “unhealthy,” especially for those who already have respiratory symptoms.
Outdoor exercise in particular is advised to be avoided.
There are more wildfires than usual in Canada at this time, and officials are warning that in the near future we may see the largest wildfires ever in Canada due to the heat.
Sources: AP, Reuters