More than 830 wildfires are burning across Canada, with more than 100 of them believed to be out of control as smoke from fires in northwestern Ontario and nearby areas spreads into parts of the Midwest and Northeast.
Millions of Americans are under air pollution alerts through the end of this week, with authorities warning that smoke could reach unhealthy levels in several major cities.
Although the 2026 wildfire season will be less active overall than the record fires of 2023 and 2025, Canadian officials say they expect the fire danger to increase as the summer continues.
Where are the Canadian wildfires? Are they in Ontario?
Many of the wildfires impacting air quality concerns in the Northeast are burning in Ontario, Canada, as well as Minnesota and nearby areas, according to AccuWeather and the Canadian Wildfire Map. Smoke from these fires is expected to spread across the Great Lakes and toward New Jersey and the Northeast.
When will air quality improve?
Air conditions are expected to gradually improve across parts of the United States as wildfire smoke moves and disperses. Symptoms may ease in some parts of the Midwest and Great Lakes by Friday, but smoke may continue to affect some parts of the Northeast into Friday and Saturday. Areas near the Canadian wildfires could remain affected through the weekend as long as the fires continue to burn and winds continue to carry the smoke south.
Canadian wildfire smoke map
air quality map
air quality index level
- 0–50 – good: Air quality is considered satisfactory, with little or no risk from air pollution.
- 51–100 – moderate: Air quality is acceptable. However, it may be a concern for some people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
- 101–150 – unhealthy for sensitive groups: Members of sensitive groups (such as children, the elderly, and people with asthma or heart/lung disease) may experience health effects. The general public is unlikely to be affected.
- 151–200 – unhealthy: Anyone can begin to experience health effects. Sensitive groups may experience more severe effects.
- 201–300 – very unhealthy: Health alert for emergencies. The entire population is likely to be affected.
- 301–500 – Danger: HEALTH WARNING: Anyone may experience more serious health effects. Avoid all outdoor activities.
Check the air quality in your area
To track air quality in your area, see the live map below. Green indicates good air quality, yellow indicates moderate, and orange indicates unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Why are there so many wildfires in Canada?
Canada’s wildfire problem is driven by a combination of geography and climate. The country’s vast boreal forests provide abundant fuel, but high temperatures and drought are accelerating forest drying.
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Brandi D. Addison covers weather across the country as the USA TODAY Network’s Weather Connect reporter and contributes to Texas Connect coverage across the state. Contact her at baddison@usatodayco.com.. Follow her on Facebook here
