Canada has been having its worst year of wildfires in history. Of he over 900 wildfires raging in Canada, 599 have been “out of control” as it has already recorded its worst year ever.

British Columbia is the worst-affected province, accounting for a third of active fires, according to CIFFC statistics. The blazes have devastated 10.7 million hectares (26 million acres) nationwide during this fire season, with over 4,200 outbreaks reported this year, according to a report by RT.  The area already burned just this year is the largest since the monitor started compiling statistics in the 1980s. The previous record was set in 1995 when over 7 million hectares (17 million acres) burned out in Canada.

The situation has not been improving either since mid-May when the national preparedness level was raised to its highest possible point for the first time in 2023. Last year, Ottawa avoided any similar mobilization of forces to deal with forest fires/

Earlier this month, smoke from Canada traveled south and blanketed parts of the United States in a thick haze. New York was listed as the city with the worst air pollution in the world, as fumes covered the east coast. Smoke and haze from these fires continue to linger in the U.S. In some places, its coming back with force, according to the American Red Cross. 

Breathing in the smoke can cause almost immediate effects such as coughing, trouble breathing, wheezing, asthma attacks, stinging eyes, scratchy throat, runny nose and irritated sinuses, headaches, tiredness or fatigue, chest pain, and a fast heartbeat.

California firefighters are also battling wildfires that broke out over the weekend, forcing people from their homes. These fires are burning in 100-degree heat. The largest of the three blazes is known as the Rabbit Fire, which CAL FIRE said exploded in size to more than 7,000 acres within 24 hours. As of Monday, the fire stretched to 7,600 acres. Firefighters gained some ground on the blaze, increasing containment to 35% through the night into Monday, according to Fox Weather. 

10 Blackout-Proof Preps You Need To Get Through Extreme Weather Emergencies