Two hundred forest fires are burning in Canada

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Smoke from hundreds of Canadian wildfires will create hazardous air quality conditions from Nebraska to Michigan, including Chicago, Milwaukee, Omaha and Green Bay. Chicago's air quality is currently the second worst of any major city in the world.

Most residents will not be affected by the poor air quality, but sensitive groups with asthma, pregnant women and the elderly may be at risk. Despite all the efforts of firefighters, large forest fires will not be extinguished in the foreseeable future. They will be helped most by heavier rainfall, which is currently more localized in the area.

Haze will be visible over the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic on Thursday and Friday. Milky skies are expected in these areas by the end of the week. The province of British Columbia is currently the most affected by the fires. Firefighters have recorded 67 fires there, followed by Alberta, where 50 fires are burning.

The provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan are no better off, with a state of emergency declared last week and around 17,000 residents having to be evacuated due to the fires. Most of the vegetation is dry and in some places it has not rained for weeks, making it ideal conditions for more fires to start.

The intensity and frequency of wildfires in Canada has been unprecedented in recent years. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe acknowledged the speed and ferocity of the wildfires. The flames are reaching populated communities and on Tuesday burned several buildings in the city of La Ronge.

Aircraft and dozens of additional personnel are being sent from other provinces and the United States, including Arizona, Oregon and Alaska, to help with the wildfires.

Source:ABCNews