- 8 Jun 2023 - 18:50(18:50 GMT)
Climate change increasing wildfire frequency and intensity, studies find
Wildfires blazing across Canada have underscored the reality that such fires will become an increasingly common fact of life as the planet warms, the White House says.
“These latest events are another stark reminder of how the climate crisis is disrupting communities across the country,” the White House said in a fact sheet on the blazes.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, numerous studies have found that climate change has resulted in longer wildfire seasons and more land impacted by burns due to a variety of factors, including hotter weather and prolonged drought.
That impact has been especially pronounced in the western US. In the state of California, for example, the five largest fires in state history all occurred within the past five years.
- 8 Jun 2023 - 18:07(18:07 GMT)
US monitoring impact of smoke on air travel: Biden
President Biden has said US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is keeping him apprised of how poor air quality could potentially affect air travel.
Buttigieg said earlier this week that the smoke from Canada’s wildfires was impacting visibility and leading to delays.
“As necessary, the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] will take steps to manage the flow of air traffic safely into New York City, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Charlotte, and other airports due to reduced visibility from wildfire smoke,” the White House said in a fact sheet.
“Conditions are rapidly evolving, so please monitor www.fly.faa.gov frequently for the latest and the FAA’s official Twitter account.”
Smoke from Canada's wildfires is affecting visibility in our airspace and leading to delays. The FAA is fully prepared to modify operations as needed. Check real-time flight information at https://t.co/htXzk0f9zb.
— Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) June 7, 2023
- 8 Jun 2023 - 17:57(17:57 GMT)
Biden says US will offer Canada more help to fight fires
US President Joe Biden says he directed federal agencies to respond to Canadian requests for more firefighters and other assistance to fight massive blazes.
Biden said in a statement that more than 600 US firefighters, personnel and other assets have been deployed since May.
“Yesterday I spoke with Prime Minister Trudeau and offered any additional help Canada needs to rapidly accelerate the effort to put out these fires, particularly those in Quebec, where the fires are having the most direct impacts on American communities,” the US president said.
In a press conference, Biden also said the fires were a firm reminder of the impacts of climate change, which has heightened the scope and frequency of wildfires throughout North America.
Wildland firefighters from around Canada and the U.S. are here and ready to help with the Deep Creek Complex fires. We’re grateful for the support! pic.twitter.com/9iRkhc6PTB
— Alberta Wildfire (@AlbertaWildfire) June 6, 2023
- 8 Jun 2023 - 17:54(17:54 GMT)
No deaths or serious injuries: Quebec premier
The Quebec premier says no deaths or serious injuries have been linked to the wildfires in the Canadian province.
“It’s still exceptional given the intensity of the fires [that] to date, no loss of life, no serious injuries. That’s what’s most important, so continue to be careful,” Legault told reporters during a news conference in Quebec City.
- 8 Jun 2023 - 17:45(17:45 GMT)
Situation ‘stable’ in Quebec, premier says
Quebec Premier Francois Legault has said the wildfire situation in the province is “stable”, but that it may take several days for people forced to flee their homes to be able to return.
Legault told reporters that approximately 13,500 Quebecers had been evacuated from their communities due to the blazes.
- 8 Jun 2023 - 17:21(17:21 GMT)
Blazes halt Canadian mining operations
Several mining companies operating in Canada, including Hecla Mining, Osisko Mining and Wallbridge Mining, say they have paused their activities at mines in Quebec due to the wildfires.
Wallbridge said it would resume operations “as soon as practicable”.
Thousands of wildfires are burning across Canada and have blackened more than 3.8 million hectares (9.4 million acres) of land. In Quebec, where many of the fires are concentrated, the government has closed several roads.
- 8 Jun 2023 - 17:19(17:19 GMT)
100 firefighters leave France to help battle blazes
France’s civil protection agency says 100 firefighters have been sent to Canada to help battle its wildfires. “They will be deployed in Quebec,” the agency said on Twitter.
Nearly 150 wildfires are burning across the French-speaking province in eastern Canada, according to the provincial fire agency.
🇫🇷🇨🇦Le détachement des 100 sapeurs-pompiers et sapeurs-sauveteurs, mobilisé dans le cadre du Mécanisme de protection civile de l'Union #EuCivPro🇪🇺 est parti cet après-midi au #Canada.
🌳🔥Ils seront engagés au #Québec, où l'on dénombre actuellement près de 150 #FeuxDeForêt. pic.twitter.com/9nHRBoa6E8— Sécurité Civile (@SecCivileFrance) June 8, 2023
- 8 Jun 2023 - 17:12(17:12 GMT)
Hundreds fighting fires in Canada’s Quebec: Minister
At least 800 personnel are combatting wildfires in the Canadian province of Quebec, the minister of public security says, as the provincial fire agency reports that nearly 150 blazes are burning.
Additional personnel from Portugal, Spain and Mexico were expected to arrive to help, Minister Francois Bonnardel said during a news conference, according to local media.
He said at least 12,600 people have been evacuated from their homes due to the fires. “We won’t leave anyone behind,” Bonnardel said.
- 8 Jun 2023 - 17:06(17:06 GMT)
Schools across eastern US keep children inside
Schools across the eastern United States say they will keep children inside and suspend outdoor activities in cities such as Baltimore, Washington, DC, and New York as wildfire smoke creates hazardous conditions.
“Based on guidance from the Maryland State Health Department, we are keeping all students inside today,” Baltimore City Public Schools said in a Twitter post.
“Windows will remain closed. Every school – regardless of air conditioning status – has air ventilation systems or air purifiers that are working around the clock.”
Schools are open today and will not be released early.
Based on guidance from the Maryland State Health Department, we are keeping all students inside today. Windows will remain closed. Every school – regardless of air conditioning status – has air ventilation systems or air… pic.twitter.com/sKIZ4GxcfI
— Baltimore City Public Schools (@BaltCitySchools) June 8, 2023
- 8 Jun 2023 - 16:36(16:36 GMT)
White House postpones Pride event due to poor air quality
The White House says it will postpone a Pride Month celebration that was scheduled for Thursday evening due to smoke from Canada’s wildfires.
Thousands had been expected to attend what was described as the largest LGBTQ Pride Month celebration in White House history. The event was rescheduled to take place on Saturday.
Government authorities have urged people in the US and Canada to stay indoors to avoid possible health impacts from harmful particulate matter.
- 8 Jun 2023 - 16:26(16:26 GMT)
Nationals-Diamondbacks baseball game postponed
The Washington Nationals have postponed their baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks due to poor air quality, the latest in a wave of sports fixtures disrupted by wildfire smoke.
In a statement citing “poor air quality in the Washington DC area”, the Nationals said the game would now take place on June 22.
The postponement is the latest sporting event to fall foul of the thick smog caused by wildfires in Canada after other matches in Major League Baseball, as well as in the Women’s National Basketball Association and National Women’s Soccer League, were disrupted.
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) June 8, 2023
- 8 Jun 2023 - 16:22(16:22 GMT)
Smoke from wildfires could reach as far as Norway
Norwegian scientific researchers have said that smoke from Canada’s wildfires is expected to reach the northern European nation by Thursday, underscoring the fact that smoke generated by wildfires has impacts far beyond the borders of the countries in which fires take place.
Smoke has been present over Greenland and Iceland since June 1, and Norwegian researchers say that the smoke is not expected to have a severe impact on air quality.
“We may be able to see some haze or smell smoke,” Nikolaos Evangeliou, a senior scientist at the Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), said in a statement. “However, we do not believe that the number of particles in the air here in Norway will be large enough to be harmful to our health.”
- 8 Jun 2023 - 16:11(16:11 GMT)
Watch: Smoky haze covers New York City skyline
- 8 Jun 2023 - 16:08(16:08 GMT)
Experts say smoky conditions could last for several more days
Experts have said that acrid clouds of smoke and ash could continue to impact daily life for people in the United States and Canada for the next several days.
US National Weather Service meteorologist Bryan Ramsey told the Associated Press that the weather system driving current conditions could remain in place “at least for the next few days”.
“Conditions are likely to remain unhealthy, at least until the wind direction changes or the fires get put out,” Ramsey said. “Since the fires are raging — they’re really large — they’re probably going to continue for weeks. But it’s really just going be all about the wind shift.”
- 8 Jun 2023 - 15:59(15:59 GMT)
New York governor says too early to know ‘full health impact’
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has said authorities have yet to see a spike in reported respiratory issues, though a number of New York City hospitals have experienced an uptick in cases amid some of the worst air quality “since at least the 1960s”.
The governor stressed that exposure to smoke and harmful particulates can have a “cumulative effect” and that it is still early to determine the long-term impact of the wildfires.
“People who insist on being outside, day after day, at some point it’s going to have an effect on them,” Hochul told reporters. “So it’s perhaps a little bit early for us to have a full assessment of the health impact.”
Air quality continues to be unhealthy in many areas of the state.
Take steps to reduce negative health effects:
• Stay indoors
• Keep windows closed
• Avoid strenuous activitiesIf you must travel outdoors, high-quality masks help reduce exposure.
Stay safe, New York.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) June 8, 2023
- 8 Jun 2023 - 15:58(15:58 GMT)
Canada’s ‘fire season will be long’, Green Party leader warns
Elizabeth May, the head of Canada’s Green Party, has warned that warm temperatures are expected to continue in Canada throughout the summer as the country grapples with a record early start to its fire season.
She told reporters that “it’s clear we smashed all records” for the month of May alone.
“The risk forecast for the rest of this summer is not good,” May said. “We are going to continue to expect dry, hot conditions. The likelihood is that this fire season will be long.”
- 8 Jun 2023 - 15:44(15:44 GMT)
Authorities advise Washington, DC residents to stay indoors
The Department of Energy and Environment in Washington, DC has urged residents to remain indoors to avoid potential health effects from “extremely unhealthy” air quality. Those who cannot do so are advised to wear N-95 masks.
The department said vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, the elderly and those with breathing conditions are especially at risk and should take extra precautions.
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Today's air quality is extremely unhealthy. Members of the general public may experience health effects & sensitive groups may experience more serious health issues. Some potential effects are heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma, & decreased lung function.— Department of Energy & Environment (@DOEE_DC) June 8, 2023
- 8 Jun 2023 - 15:33(15:33 GMT)
See how smoke transforms view of New York City
Photos taken over the past several hours underscore how severely the cloud of smoke has transformed the view of New York City.
Hours later, the city’s skyline was more visible.
- 8 Jun 2023 - 15:21(15:21 GMT)
US capital issues ‘Code Purple’ air-quality alert
Authorities in Washington, DC have issued a “Code Purple” air-quality alert, warning of “very unhealthy air conditions for the entire public, not just those with respiratory illnesses”.
“Smoke from Canadian wildfires is causing unhealthy air quality in the Washington, DC area and the northeast US. This problem is likely to continue or worsen through Friday,” Mayor Muriel Bowser tweeted.
Under a “Code Purple” alert, people should stay indoors as much as possible. If they must go outside, authorities advise wearing an N95 mask.
- 8 Jun 2023 - 15:18(15:18 GMT)
New York City distributes masks as smoke smothers city
New York City’s emergency notification system has stated that the Fire Department will distribute N-95 masks to residents at several sites throughout the city, as air quality levels remain dangerously low due to smoke and ash.
.@FDNY Free N-95 Masks: All those in need of a mask can pick one up at the following FDNY locations. Limit is 2 masks per person. For air quality tips & how to stay safe, go to https://t.co/CyQmvPtgj5 pic.twitter.com/EuWFp4kdhR
— NYCEM – Notify NYC (@NotifyNYC) June 8, 2023
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said on Thursday that large parts of the state continue to experience unhealthy air quality, with a health advisory remaining in place throughout the day in New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, the eastern Lake Ontario region, and central and western New York.
- 8 Jun 2023 - 15:16(15:16 GMT)
‘Milky’ haze covers Washington, DC
Al Jazeera’s Alan Fisher, reporting from Washington, DC, has said a “milky” horizon had descended on the United States capital.
“What New York got yesterday we are getting here today. It’s moving down the East Coast, so the likes of Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington are going to be impacted. It’s going to stretch as far down as North Carolina,” Fisher said.
“So you can see just how big an area this is covering.”
- 8 Jun 2023 - 15:04(15:04 GMT)
Wildfires prompt calls to tackle climate crisis
As Canada grapples with what officials have described as the worst start to its fire season on record, climate activists are calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government to do more to tackle climate change.
“This needs to be a wake-up call,” Salome Sane, a climate campaigner at Greenpeace Canada, told Al Jazeera. She stressed that the blazes should push Canada, which was the fourth largest oil producer in the world in 2020, to hasten a divestment from fossil fuels.
55 million+ people across the US under air quality alerts.
9 million acres charred by wildfires in Canada this year — 15x normal.
400+ fires still burning across Canada.This is what the climate crisis looks like. No time to wait. #ActOnClimate #climate #energy #gorenewable pic.twitter.com/WzwGJJI5Oi
— Mike Hudema (@MikeHudema) June 8, 2023
- 8 Jun 2023 - 15:01(15:01 GMT)
US flights delayed due to smoke, low visibility
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has delayed flights to New York City-area airports, saying smoke from the wildfires is reducing visibility.
The agency said it was delaying flights into New York City’s LaGuardia Airport with delays averaging 54 minutes after it had earlier halted some flights into the airport. Visibility issues are also delaying flights at nearby Newark Liberty Airport.
The FAA warned it might also need to take steps to delay air traffic into Washington and Charlotte, North Carolina.
- 8 Jun 2023 - 14:58(14:58 GMT)
US senator calls for more personnel to fight blazes
Chuck Schumer, the head of the majority Democrats in the US Senate, has called on President Joe Biden’s administration to double the number of Forest Service personnel sent to fight fires burning in Canada.
“These wildfires are a crisis for both our countries,” Schumer wrote on Twitter. “The best way to ensure the U.S. doesn’t suffer another wave of wildfire air pollution is to contain the fires ASAP.”
I’m calling on @SecVilsack to double the Forest Service personnel deployed to fight these fires in Canada.
These wildfires are a crisis for both our countries.
The best way to ensure the U.S. doesn’t suffer another wave of wildfire air pollution is to contain the fires ASAP.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) June 8, 2023
- 8 Jun 2023 - 14:53(14:53 GMT)
How to stay safe if you are affected by Canadian wildfires
Smoke from Canadian wildfires has shrouded New York and other US cities in a record-breaking smog.
For more about what we know about the wildfires, the spreading smoke and how to stay safe if you’re in the affected areas, read more here.
Latest Canada wildfire updates: US extends air quality alerts
Millions of people are affected as massive blazes in Canada blanket cities across North America in smoke.
The live blog is now closed. Thank you for joining us. Here are the updates for June 8:
- Hundreds of wildfires are burning across Canada, affecting millions of people in North America and causing a smoky haze in cities across parts of the United States.
- The US National Weather Service has extended air quality alerts for places along the East Coast as well as parts of the Midwest, including Ohio, Indiana and Michigan.
- US President Joe Biden has ordered the deployment of “all available federal firefighting assets” that can quickly help Canada respond to the blazes.
- The haze and low visibility have led officials to halt flights into New York’s LaGuardia Airport from the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic region and Ohio.
Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies