Canada has rolled out its highest protocols in controlling hundreds of wildfires across its territories, as well as evacuating thousands of its citizens amid its most devastating wildfires in decades, so much so that one of its major cities is quickly topping the list of cities with the worst air quality in the world.
Over 850 cases of wildfires, millions at risk
The situation has become a race against time for Canada’s fire authorities as hundreds of wildfires have spread in major urban areas, with the latest figures provided by the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System indicating over 850 active wildfires have been observed nationwide.
As many as 483 cases were reported in Ontario alone, with its provincial government preparing to seek help from neighboring Ottawa for possible aircraft aid to conduct evacuations if the situation further escalates.
Toronto was not spared from the infernos that have engulfed much of Canada, with its skies turning into gloomy orange due to the heavy smoke emitted by the wildfires.
The situation has earned the city, with a population of 2.5 million residents, among the cities having the worst polluted air globally, according to IQair.
The fires were believed to have started from lightning strikes hitting dried trees and human activities, with experts saying that the unusually high temperatures have worsened the situation, with temperatures in Toronto’s downtown core reaching 37.3 degrees Celsius while in its main international airport hitting 55 degrees Celsius.
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Locals fleeing for their lives
Provincial officials said properties and infrastructure have been burned down and affected by the wildfires, and evacuations have been ordered, especially in areas where the fire is expected to head.
A provincial representative of the Namaygoosisagagun First Nation said that while most of its residents have been evacuated, most of their localities have been “burned to the ground.”
Some have recalled that they only had minutes to escape the roaring fires spreading in their community.
US states call out lack of effective actions from Canada
The wildfires in Canada have also affected neighboring states in the United States, with their air quality dropping as the wind from the north drags the smoke emitted by the fire.
The situation has prompted four state House representatives to send an open letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney calling for effective steps to prevent wildfires starting in his nation that have risked American lives for the third year in a row.
Other US cities have also been blanketed by the heavy smoke, with local officials ordering the public to take shelter and temporarily avoid outdoor events and activities as the situation remains dangerous, especially for individuals with existing respiratory ailments.
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Anna Ferraz 
Carmela Calling 
Maybelene Marcelino