More than 800 wildfires are actively burning across Canada, with 857 fires reported including 23 new outbreaks as of Thursday, July 16th, 2026, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. The majority of these fires remain out of control, as noted by the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System.

Smoke from these wildfires has severely impacted air quality, extending south into multiple US states. The US Air Quality Index has classified air quality in large parts of Michigan and Minnesota as "hazardous," prompting authorities to recommend that residents stay indoors. Alerts also cover the Upper Midwest, the Great Lakes region, and extend into the northeastern United States, as confirmed by the US National Weather Service (NOAA).

New York City has experienced poor air quality with hazy skies caused by wildfire smoke.

The wildfires have caused extensive damage to homes and buildings in affected areas, according to Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige.

Canadian National Rail reported that workers trapped outside Armstrong were safely rescued, though rail operations in the region have been temporarily suspended.

US officials emphasized the longstanding cooperation with Canada in managing wildfire emergencies, stating, "This challenge knows no borders. The United States will continue to coordinate closely with Canada, just as we have for more than four decades of shared wildfire emergencies."

A year into the wildfire season, frustrations remain high as conditions persist without significant improvement.

Sources