Wildfires in Manitoba, Canada, have forced the evacuation of 17,000 people and are significantly impacting air quality across northern U.S. states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota. Manitoba Prime Minister Wab Kinew declared a statewide emergency, which may be extended, due to the escalating crisis. Heavy smoke from the fires poses health risks, prompting air quality alerts in the affected states. An analysis in Epidemiology linked wildfire smoke exposure to increased hospitalizations for cardiopulmonary issues. This season marks one of the worst years for wildfires in Canadian history, exacerbated by climate change, with smoke crossing into the U.S. and adding to ongoing challenges there, including severe fires earlier in the year that resulted in casualties and property damage.
