Smoke from wildfires burning across three Canadian provinces is drifting into the US Upper Midwest, bringing dangerous levels of air pollution to states like Minnesota and its neighbors. The harmful particles pose health risks to millions across the region and are expected to reach New York and parts of the East Coast later this week, though at lower concentrations.
Canada’s western province of Manitoba is facing its worst wildfire season in recent memory, prompting the evacuation of over 26,000 residents. According to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, as of June 3 there are 209 active wildfires across Canada, with roughly half considered out of control.
The climate crisis has been cited as a key factor in the rising frequency and intensity of wildfires across the country. In 2023, Canada experienced its most destructive fire season on record—a trend experts warn is becoming the new norm.
Click through the following gallery to learn more about the most devastating wildfires in recent history.