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Wildfires continue to ravage large parts of Canada's expansive forests, as intensifying summer fires send recurring plumes of hazardous smoke deep into the United States. The situation has grown dire, with fire danger reaching very high levels across many parts of Canada. Forecasts predict that the current spate of fire activity will persist, resulting in prolonged periods of poor air quality across North America.

Experts are warning of an elevated fire risk this summer, with predictions indicating an above-average threat for forested regions in western Canada and the Western U.S. The stark fire forecast marks a concerning prospect, especially as North America braces for the potential health impacts from wildfire smoke.

The current wildfires are affecting not just the western provinces of Canada but also central provinces like Saskatchewan and Manitoba. These areas have become hotspots for significant wildfire activity, contrasting with previous seasons where the fires were mainly in Alberta and Quebec.

The worsening fire situation has been attributed to climate change. As the atmosphere warms, it can hold more moisture, leading to increased evaporation from plants. This desiccation of vegetation creates favorable conditions for large and intense fires, which produce substantial smoke.

The U.S. began experiencing significant smoke influx from Canadian wildfires on May 30, 2025. States like North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and several others recorded levels of fine particulate pollution (PM 2.5) exceeding the EPA’s 24-hour standard of 35 micrograms per cubic meter. This level of pollution corresponds to an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 100, categorized as "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups."

Some areas faced even worse air quality, with five states recording PM 2.5 levels within the "Unhealthy" (red) range, and certain regions experiencing "Very Unhealthy" (purple) conditions on an hourly basis. According to the EPA, air quality at the red level is hazardous for all individuals, with sensitive groups facing even more severe health risks.

As of June 2025, Canada reported 202 active wildfires, with 109 classified as "out of control." These fires have burned 6.4 million acres, led to the deaths of two individuals, forced over 26,900 evacuations, and destroyed at least 191 structures. The burned area ranks as the second-largest on record for this time of year, trailing only the record fire season of 2023.

Saskatchewan was notably hit hard, with a severe dry and windy spell exacerbating wildfire conditions. Entire communities, like Denare Beach, suffered extensive damage. The Wolf Fire, in particular, decimated over half of the town, leading to significant infrastructure loss and widespread evacuations.

The U.S. National Interagency Fire Center forecasts above-average fire risk for much of western Canada and parts of the Northwest U.S. through the summer, expanding to include areas from Texas into Oklahoma by July. The latest predictions suggest that residents of both the U.S. and Canada should prepare for an extended summer of wildfire smoke. The current trends point to a challenging season similar to the high wildfire activity witnessed in 2023.

With the fire season just beginning, North America faces a long and potentially dangerous summer ahead, characterized by continuous wildfire threats and pervasive smoke pollution.