One of the most striking features of the current maps is not just where fires are burning, but where the smoke is going. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued smoke forecasts showing plumes from Quebec and Ontario drifting across the Great Lakes and into the American Midwest and Northeast.
“A fire can double in size in six hours,” Tremblay said. “Residents should check provincial maps daily, not just once, and follow local emergency alerts.” One of the most striking features of the
“The maps don’t tell the full story of the smoke,” said emergency coordinator Lisa Huang. “Even when a fire is far north, the wind pattern can bring hazardous particulate matter into heavily populated regions for days.” “A fire can double in size in six hours,” Tremblay said
The most concentrated wildfire activity continues to burn in central and northern Quebec, where massive complexes of fires—some burning since early June—remain out of control. Maps from the Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU) indicate that dozens of active fires are generating heavy smoke plumes drifting southward toward major population centers, including Montreal and Quebec City. Maps from the Société de protection des forêts
“We are seeing a repeat of last summer’s pattern,” said air quality specialist Dr. Elena Marchetti. “Even if you’re hundreds of miles from the fire boundary on a map, you can still be exposed to dangerous air.”