Smoke Storm Chokes Toronto: Air Quality Plummets Due to Wildfires in Canada

Smoke Covers Toronto Due to Wildfires

Canada Reports 742 Active Fires

Air Quality Plummets

According to the EFE news agency, the air in Toronto has become unbreathable.

More than 700 active wildfires in Canada have created a cloud of smoke covering much of the country—especially its largest city.

On Monday, Canadian authorities issued alerts due to poor air quality and reduced visibility.

Canada’s Ministry of Environment warned that smoke would continue to affect southern Ontario throughout the day.

Wildfires in Canada Threaten Public Health

Smoke generated by over 700 active wildfires in Canada led authorities to issue warnings on Monday about poor air quality and visibility problems in Toronto, the country’s largest city. pic.twitter.com/nrE35IqVcg

— La Crónica de Hoy (@LaCronicaDeHoy) August 4, 2025

Toronto, a metropolis of nearly three million people, is experiencing atmospheric conditions that threaten public health.

Authorities have recommended that residents stay indoors.

They also advise limiting outdoor physical activity and keeping doors and windows closed as much as possible.

The phenomenon has not only affected Canada.

Smoke Cloud Reaches the U.S.

A catastrophic number of 747 #wildfires are active in #Canada, especially #Manitoba. Massive smoke covers almost 3,000 km, also engulfing the #USA with many #AirQuality alerts. So far, it’s the 3rd most extreme year for #CAMS. #Sentinel3 on Aug. 3rd #ClimateEmergency pic.twitter.com/NaBpLkT2V4

— SatWorld (@or_bit_eye) August 3, 2025

Large parts of the central and northeastern United States have also been affected by the smoke.

States such as Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine have reported alarming pollution levels.

Recommendations in those states are similar: avoid going outside and minimize exposure to outdoor air.

On Monday, Canada reported 742 active wildfires across its territory.

Record Numbers Worsen the Outlook

Air Quality Plummets Due to Wildfires in Canada – PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Of those, at least 196 were out of control, mostly in the western region of the country.

Manitoba is currently the most affected province, with 158 recorded fires.

British Columbia is not far behind, with 138 wildfires still active.

The magnitude of the emergency is unprecedented in many ways.

Wildfires in Canada Break Historical Records

So far in 2025, Canada has experienced 3,992 wildfires.

These fires have destroyed a total of 6.7 million hectares of forest.

That number is equivalent to 67,000 square kilometers of scorched land.

To put it into perspective: that’s a larger area than the entire Republic of Ireland.

Health Risks Increase in Toronto

The effects on human health are immediate: eye and throat irritation, breathing difficulties, and increased risk for people with lung or heart conditions.

Children, the elderly, and people with asthma are among the most vulnerable groups.

In Toronto, several hospitals have reported an increase in visits related to respiratory issues.

The city’s air quality reached dangerous levels according to international standards.