FLASH
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More than 800 wildfires continue to burn across Canada, as thick smoke spreads southward, significantly worsening air quality in several US states and raising concerns about Sunday's World Cup final in New Jersey.
According to the Canadian Interagency Wildfire Centre, there are currently 857 active fires in the country, including 23 new ones that broke out on Thursday alone.
Data from the Canadian Forest Fire Information System shows that the vast majority of them continue to spread out of control.
Meanwhile, US authorities have expanded air quality warnings in several states. In large areas of Michigan and Minnesota, air quality has been classified as "hazardous" according to the US Air Quality Index, while residents have been advised to stay indoors.
Toronto right now
— Wall St Engine (@wallstengine) July 15, 2026
Wildfire smoke across Canada has turned the sky orange.
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According to the US National Weather Service (NOAA), the warnings extend to the Upper Midwest region, the Great Lakes area and as far as the northeast of the country.
In western New York state, air quality has been rated as "very unhealthy," the second highest level of risk after "hazardous," while in the New York metropolitan area the air is considered "unhealthy."
On Wednesday, New York authorities expanded their heat wave emergency plan and activated air pollution protocols, making hundreds of air-conditioned centers and protective masks available to citizens.
Storms are expected in the Canadian province of Ontario in the coming days, but meteorologists warn that the rainfall may not be enough to help firefighters fight the flames.
Forecasts show that northwesterly winds will continue to carry the smoke towards the northern US states through the weekend, raising concerns that it could reach New Jersey, where the World Cup final is scheduled to take place on Sunday.
However, a change in wind direction from Monday is expected to shift the smoke towards Quebec, bringing a gradual improvement in air quality in the southern areas of the United States.
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