More than 800 Canadian wildfires burning as air quality alerts extend to US

Fires in the past burned more frequently in western Canada, but recent years have seen that trend migrate eastward, with large fires now burning in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic provinces, Prof Chasmer said, leading to more noticeable smoke in densely populated cities like Toronto and New York.

She added that this has strained firefighting efforts in Canada, whose primary focus is to ensure the flames don’t spread to nearby towns. Putting out the fires completely is “very difficult”, Prof Chasmer noted, due to their scope and intensity.

Responding to the criticism from US lawmakers, Carney said on Thursday that both countries have a responsibility to fight climate change.

He added his government is “in close communication” with provinces and local communities and is prepared to help.

Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford dismissed criticism of his government’s handling of the fires, noting that over 150 fire crews are on the ground battling the blaze.

“We will spend whatever it takes,” Ford said.

In addition to the hazardous smoke, the wildfires in northern Ontario have forced hundreds from local First Nations communities to evacuate, with videos showing some fleeing the remote area by boat.

Homes and buildings in the area have also been damaged extensively by the flames, said Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige in a statement.

A dramatic video on Wednesday showed a freight train in Ontario, Canada surrounded by wildfire flames, as workers requested an emergency rescue.

Canadian National Rail said in a statement that the workers who were trapped outside Armstrong were all safely rescued, and that operations have been temporarily suspended in the region.