Wildfires in northern Ontario have made Toronto's air quality the worst in the world, according to IQAir, a Swiss technology company that tracks global air quality. Environment Canada issued health warnings on Wednesday after the sky over Canada's largest city turned a sickly yellow.
Wildfires and heatwave worsen conditions
More than 100 active wildfires are burning across northwestern Ontario, prompting mandatory evacuations from several First Nations communities. The city is also in the grip of a heatwave that shattered a three-decade record, reaching 37.3°C in the downtown core. Runways at Toronto's main international airport hit 55°C.
Striking video footage of a train near the community of Armstrong, Ontario, highlighted the speed and ferocity of the fires. “This could potentially overtake us here … This has gotten a little scary,” said a crew member as a wall of flames whipped across the windows. “We're encased in flames now.” The railway company Canadian National confirmed the crew had been “safely evacuated” from the area.
First Nations communities devastated
Residents of Namaygoosisagagun First Nation said they had only minutes' warning before fleeing across Collins Lake in the northwest part of the province. “What we are witnessing right now is devastating,” said Sol Mamakwa, a member of the province's New Democratic party. “An entire First Nation community has been erased because of this disaster. With wildfires closing highways and threatening communities across the north, we urge everyone to follow the guidance of emergency officials and remain prepared in case evacuations are necessary.”
Nadya Kwandibens, a photographer, posted on social media: “My family hometown, Collins Ontario, is GONE.” Lise Vaugeois, the provincial representative for the region, said: “Collins has burned to the ground. This is a tragedy and we are grateful that everyone got out safely.”
Climate change and wider impacts
Vaugeois added: “Fires are part of a natural cycle, but the extreme temperatures we are experiencing across the county and the growing severity of weather events are indicators of climate change.”
CNN reported that air quality alerts due to smoke have been issued across large parts of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, and that thicker smoke is forecast to move over New York, Washington and other cities across the eastern seaboard later in the week.
