The skies over Toronto have turned a sickly yellow, as more than 100 active wildfires in northern Ontario blanket the city in smoke. This has resulted in the worst air quality in the world, according to IQAir a Swiss technology company that tracks global air quality. The situation is exacerbated by a heatwave that shattered a three-decade record, with temperatures reaching 37.3°C in downtown Toronto.
The wildfires have prompted mandatory evacuations from several First Nations communities including Armstrong, Lac La Croix, Collins, Whitesand, Gull Bay, and Lac des Mille Lacs. The Canadian National Railway Company has also suspended operations near Armstrong as a precaution, with crew members safely evacuated. The fires have been described as “a little scary” by a crew member, highlighting the speed and ferocity of the flames.
The impact of wildfires on air quality and public health
The hazy Toronto skyline has prompted Environment Canada to issue health warnings, encouraging people to limit their time outdoors and watch for symptoms of throat irritation, headache, and cough. The yellow-orange haze of particles in the air can have serious health impacts, particularly for infants and the elderly who are more susceptible to smoke particles.
The smoke from the wildfires has also spread across large parts of the northeastern US, with air quality alerts issued in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Thicker smoke is forecast to move over New York, Washington, and other cities across the eastern seaboard later in the week. The situation is expected to continue until at least Friday, when winds are expected to change direction and blow smoke north.
Evacuations and the human toll of the wildfires
The wildfires have had a devastating impact on local communities, with residents forced to flee their homes by boat against the backdrop of massive plumes of smoke. Nadya Kwandibens, a photographer, posted on social media that her family hometown, Collins, Ontario, is “GONE.” The residents of Namaygoosisagagun First Nation had only minutes’ warning before fleeing across Collins Lake in the northwest part of the province.
Sol Mamakwa, a member of the province’s New Democratic party, described the situation as “devastating,” stating that an entire First Nation community has been erased because of the disaster. Lise Vaugeois, the provincial representative for the region, confirmed that Collins has burned to the ground, expressing gratitude that everyone got out safely. The fires are part of a natural cycle, but the extreme temperatures and growing severity of weather events are indicators of climate change.
The role of climate change in wildfires
The Government of Canada has warned that wildfire season began more slowly in 2026 than in 2026 or 2026, but that fires were likely due to warmer than usual temperatures across the country. As of Wednesday, there were 835 active fires burning in the country, with 112 considered out of control. So far, 4.7 million acres have burned, with most of the fires in the central provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario.
The extreme heat and poor air quality have put millions under alert across Canada. Environment Canada advises people to prioritize keeping cool and to watch for symptoms of heat-related illness. A low-pressure system expected to bring rain across many regions on Friday could bring relief to firefighting efforts in northwestern Ontario and improve air quality by cleaning out particles in the air.
