Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestylePeople walk in downtown Toronto, as smoke from forest fires in Northern Ontario causes poor air quality over the city, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, July 15, 2026 (AFP via Getty Images)Heavy, pungent smoke from Canadian wildfires has significantly darkened skies across the Great Lakes and parts of the East Coast in the US, leading to reduced visibility and dangerous air quality warnings.Detroit experienced some of the worst air quality globally for major cities, as a lingering high-pressure system trapped smoke from Canadian and northern Minnesota fires, with north-westerly winds blowing it into Michigan.The New York City area was affected by a thick, gloomy orange-and-yellow haze, which dramatically reduced visibility and partly obscured Manhattan's prominent skyline.New York City officials responded by opening cooling centres, urging residents to limit outdoor activities, and distributing tens of thousands of face masks at major transit hubs.A statewide air quality health advisory was issued by New York's Department of Environmental Conservation, warning of potential "very unhealthy" air quality spikes from Buffalo to Rochester, Syracuse, and the greater New York City area.In fullCanadian wildfire smoke turns air hazardous in the US Midwest. Officials say stay insideMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Over 800 wildfires are burning through forests in Canada, prompting heavy smoke warnings for millions of Americans.

Wildfires in Canada are pouring thick clouds of smoke into the US and will usher in unhealthy air quality for millions of people in Northeast and Midwest.

A massive plume of smoke from wildfires burning across Canada has swept into the United States, degrading air quality across the Midwest, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Environment Canada has issued health warnings after sky over city turns yellow