Over 850 wildfires across Canada, smoke disrupts public life

According to a report by Anadolu Agency, the biggest impact of the wildfires has been on Canada's largest city, Toronto. The city, home to about 2.8 million people, has recorded the most polluted air in the world currently. Due to the situation, Environment Canada has issued health warnings for Toronto and vast areas of southern Ontario. Residents have been advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities.

Experts say that harmful gases and fine particles in wildfire smoke can enter the lungs and bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, asthma, and respiratory complications.

Thousands of people have already been evacuated to safe locations due to the wildfires. Preparations are underway for rapid evacuations in several other areas if necessary. Authorities have stated that in addition to fires caused by lightning in dry forests, many wildfires have also been triggered by human activities.

The most critical situation is in northern Ontario, where 136 wildfires are currently active. Across the entire province of Ontario, 483 wildfires have been recorded so far this year, significantly higher than the 351 recorded during the same period in 2025.

The Ontario provincial government has requested the Canadian federal government to keep aircraft ready to assist in rescue and evacuation operations if the situation worsens further.

Authorities fear that the impact of the wildfire smoke will not be limited to Canada; it may cross the border and severely degrade air quality in neighboring regions as well.