Archive · 20 Jul 2026
Ontario Wildfires Expand, Smoke Affects US
There are big fires in Ontario, Canada, that have burned a lot of land.
The smoke from these fires has made the air unhealthy in some parts of the US.
The fires have made it hard for people to live in some areas, and many have had to leave their homes.
The leaders of Canada and the US have been talking about how to handle the situation.
Some people in the US are not happy with how Canada is dealing with the fires, but Canada says it is doing its best.
The fires are happening because the weather is getting hotter and drier, which makes it easier for fires to start and spread.
Wildfires in Ontario have grown to 735,000 hectares, up from 650,000 hectares over the weekend.
Around 1,800 residents have been evacuated from sparsely populated communities in northwestern Ontario.
Smoke from the fires has caused unhealthy air quality in parts of the US Midwest, including Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan.
US President Donald Trump criticized Canada's response to the wildfires and threatened tariffs, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Canada is doing its best and has helped the US in the past.
Climate experts say rising temperatures and drier conditions are increasing the risk of major forest fires in Canada.
- Who
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford, US President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney
- What
- Wildfires in Ontario expanding, smoke affecting US air quality
- When
- July 20, 2024
- Where
- Ontario, Canada and parts of the US Midwest
- Why
- Climate change and dry conditions increasing fire risk
- Total Area Burned
- 735,000 hectares (1.8 million acres)
- Active Blazes
- 190
- Evacuated Residents
- 1,800
- Affected US States
- Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan
- Air Quality Rating
- Unhealthy or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups