Hundreds of out-of-control wildfires are raging across Canada, threatening essential infrastructure and forcing authorities to evacuate residents, while rising smoke covers the skies of American cities. Minister of Emergency Preparedness, Bill Blair, stated that "approximately 9.4 million acres have already burned," noting in a press briefing that "the fires are out of control." Blair continued, "We have seen continuing impacts on critical infrastructure in Quebec, such as road closures, rural area evacuations, communication outages, and threats to high-voltage power lines due to the escalating fires."
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed he spoke with U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday to thank him for the "important support" in combating the fires. Hundreds of American firefighters have arrived in Canada, with more on the way. Outside the border, air quality warnings were issued in more than 12 U.S. states on Wednesday as smoke from the Canadian wildfires drifted south.
François Legault, Premier of Quebec, highlighted that "about 520 firefighters are battling the flames." He expressed hope that 500 more would arrive in the coming days from the neighboring province of New Brunswick as well as from France, the United States, Portugal, Spain, and Mexico. He added, "About 11,400 people have been evacuated so far from remote areas in northern Quebec, and 4,000 more will be evacuated soon." The eastern region of Quebec is one of the most affected areas.
