Smoke from more than 180 active wildfires in northern Ontario, Canada, along with fires burning in Minnesota, has spread across the United States, causing air quality alerts in over 20 states as of Thursday morning, July 16th, 2026. Millions of Americans from Minnesota to New York are expected to experience unhealthy air conditions this week, with officials urging residents to stay indoors and reduce outdoor activities.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) reported that winds carried smoke from the Ontario fires primarily southeast over southern Ontario, parts of Quebec, and the US Midwest and Northeast, tinting skies gray and yellow and the sun orange in many areas. By Wednesday night, the smoke blanketed several US states, worsening air quality.

The US Environmental Protection Agency indicated "unhealthy" air quality levels in parts of Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Michigan. Some areas in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio experienced "very unhealthy" air, while parts of Michigan, including Detroit, as well as areas in Wisconsin and Minnesota, reached "hazardous" levels, prompting officials to advise residents to stay indoors.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the distribution of more than 100,000 N95-style masks to counties in need, with additional masks available for commuters at Penn Station and Grand Central. New York officials warned this event could become the city's most significant smoke event since 2023, when Canadian wildfire smoke caused hazardous air quality and an orange haze. However, authorities stated that current conditions do not indicate a repeat of 2023's peak levels but are monitoring closely for any changes.

Affected States

Air quality alerts have been issued for parts of North Carolina, Minnesota, Vermont, Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Delaware, West Virginia, Colorado, Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

Health Advisories

Officials urge residents in affected areas to take precautions by limiting outdoor activities and using protective masks when necessary.

Sources: Guardian US, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, US Environmental Protection Agency