Wildfires in northwestern Ontario, Canada, have led to severe smog and a significant decline in air quality in areas including Ottawa and Toronto. Toronto’s air quality index was recently ranked the worst among major global cities, with the Air Quality Health Index classified as “very high risk.” Ottawa also issued air quality alerts due to a mix of wildfire smoke and humid weather, causing smoke particles to be trapped in the air, turning the sky yellow.
A video circulating on social media depicted a Canadian National (CN) train surrounded by wildfires near Armstrong, Ontario. The footage, captured by a train crew member, showed massive flames engulfing the surrounding woods, casting a red glow in the locomotive cab. CN confirmed the video’s authenticity on Wednesday and assured that the train crew had been safely evacuated.
Over 100 active fires are currently burning in northwestern Ontario, leading to the emergency evacuation of residents from multiple communities. CN has temporarily halted train operations in the affected area. Weather authorities cautioned that due to prevailing airflow and wind patterns, the heavy smog is likely to persist for several more days.
Canada has experienced a rise in severe weather events over the past five years, with temperatures increasing at a rate more than double the global average. The Canadian Arctic, in particular, has seen temperatures nearly three times higher than the global rate. The country is facing rampant wildfires, fatal droughts, and devastating floods, signaling a transformation in its climate. Experts warn that these events are expected to intensify in the future.
