Wildfire smoke blankets Northeast and Midwest, prompting evacuations

Heavy smoke from wildfires burning in Canada has created hazardous air conditions across the U.S. Midwest and Northeast, prompting evacuations and health warnings. The smoke plume has extended as far as Toronto and New York, with unhealthy air quality advisories in effect.

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Those two things coinciding with each other is not good from a health perspective.

In northeastern Minnesota, a large-scale evacuation is underway in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a remote region accessible primarily by boat. Approximately 6,000 to 10,000 visitors are being urged to leave as around 17 fires, sparked by lightning over a week ago, spread through the vast wilderness area. Rangers are facing a challenging task, assisting campers in navigating hours-long canoe trips or overland portages to reach safety.

Campers who have already evacuated described skies quickly darkening and feeling the intense heat as fires raged nearby. Some reported being trapped between fires on both sides, navigating lakes while smoke filled the air and campsites ignited. The Canadian Air Force has also been involved, assisting in the rescue of youth campers stranded near the border.

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It's an arduous job.

The situation is compounded by unusually hot summer temperatures expected in the region. Meteorologists warn that the combination of extreme heat and poor air quality poses a significant health risk. Experts advise people to stay indoors to minimize exposure to both the smoke and the heat. While some fires in the Boundary Waters will be monitored and allowed to burn under specific conditions, the reopening date for the area remains uncertain.

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We had fire on both sides of us at that time. So we're just weaving between the lakes. It's a little smoky. Campsites are going up.