### Canada Battles Unprecedented Wildfires Impacting US Air Quality

As of Monday, 181 wildfires are actively burning across Canada, with 92 of them labeled as "out of control," according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. The smoke from these wildfires is affecting air quality in parts of the northern United States, particularly in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Over the weekend, the smoke traveled through the Upper Midwest, with additional rounds expected on Monday and Tuesday. Forecasts indicate that air quality levels could reach the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" tier, posing risks for a large portion of Minnesota and Wisconsin. In some areas of Wisconsin, particularly from Waukegan to Sheboygan including Milwaukee, conditions could become "unhealthy."

In northwestern Minnesota, heavy smoke started to roll in on Monday morning, moving through the northern and central regions of the state. Air quality alerts have been issued for these areas, indicating potentially hazardous conditions, especially for sensitive groups. By Tuesday, the smoke is expected to move into eastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin, and could extend as far as Minneapolis and Omaha, Nebraska.

In Canada, the provinces with the highest number of active fires are British Columbia with 69 and Alberta with 49. The situation has been particularly dire in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, where states of emergency have been declared due to the fires. Around 17,000 residents have already been evacuated from these areas.

Dry conditions and a lack of precipitation continue to exacerbate the situation, according to Saskatchewan Public Safety. Premier Scott Moe stated that northern parts of the province have seen "over 200 wildfires" this spring due to a "significant lack of moisture." Aircraft and personnel from other parts of Canada and the United States, including states like Arizona, Oregon, and Alaska, are being deployed to assist in combating the blazes.

The unfolding crisis emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated efforts to manage and suppress these unprecedented wildfires, as well as the growing impact on air quality beyond Canadian borders.