'Send help rather than complain,' Canada's Ford tells US as wildfire smoke blankets parts of North America

Key Points:

• Wildfire smoke from Canadian fires is severely impacting air quality across parts of the US and Canada, with cities like Detroit, Chicago, Washington DC, and New York experiencing some of the worst air pollution globally, prompting health warnings and activity cancellations.
• Washington DC has declared a rare "Code Purple" alert, advising residents to stay indoors, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and wear N95 masks when outside; local government activities and outdoor public amenities have been closed.
• Canadian officials report over 800 active wildfires, with severe damage including the destruction of the Namaygoosisagagun First Nation community, forcing evacuations; the fires are linked to prolonged hot, dry weather and climate change effects.
• US Republican lawmakers have criticized Canada’s wildfire management, prompting responses from Canadian officials emphasizing shared responsibility for climate change and highlighting extensive firefighting efforts underway in Ontario.
• Health experts warn that wildfire smoke contains harmful fine particles that exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, urging vulnerable populations to take precautions; the smoke plume is expected to clear from affected US regions by the weekend as weather systems shift.