Wildfires in Ontario trap train crew as smoke spreads to Toronto and US cities
More than 800 wildfires across Canada have forced the rescue of a freight-train crew in Ontario, blanketed Toronto with hazardous air, and are expected to drift southward toward several US metropolitan areas.
A freight train near Armstrong, Ontario, was surrounded by flames as a wildfire forced crew members to call for emergency rescue. The workers were later reported safe after Canadian National Rail suspended operations in the area.
Ontario is battling over 100 active fires, while the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre says a total of 838 wildfires are burning nationwide. Smoke from the blazes has created a hazy sky over Toronto, prompting the city to issue health warnings and rank the air quality as the worst in the world according to monitoring firm IQAir.
The poor air quality led to the cancellation of outdoor World Cup fan events and the closure of public wading pools. Health officials advised residents to stay indoors, limit strenuous activity, and watch for symptoms such as eye irritation, cough or wheezing.
Environment Canada warned that the smoke is expected to move into parts of the United States, including New Jersey, where a World Cup final is scheduled, and into the Midwest. While the smoke is not projected to be as severe as the 2023 Quebec fires, officials said it could still affect millions, especially vulnerable groups.
Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige said the Namaygoosisagagun First Nation in northern Ontario was "devastated by an unexpected and fast-moving wildfire" that damaged homes and community buildings. In neighboring Minnesota, more than a dozen fires are burning under extreme heat, dry conditions and strong winds.