Canada wildfires map: How to track and what is the air quality?

WILDFIRES are blazing across Canada, with the smoke drifting as far as the Carolinas.

But how can you track the fires and their impact on air quality? Here's everything you need to know.

Where are the wildfires in Canada?

The largest of the fires have been seen in the western provinces of , with Yukon, Alberta and Saskatchewan worst affected.

However, there have been infernos across the country, with even the eastern regions of Quebec and Ontario singed.

A number of fires are currently ongoing, while large natural areas burnt away.

They have created a thick blanket of smoke, that has made its way across the county and into the US, with a drastic effect on air quality.

How can I track the wildfires?

The wildfires can be tracked on Natural Resources Canada's Wildland Fire Information System.

This provides up-to-date information on hotspots, the behaviour of the fire and the latest forecasts and what it will do next.

Local and provincial governments will also keep residents updated on the risks in their area and evacuate if need be.

More than 24,000 people have been evacuated in Alberta alone, while that number has reached around 12,000 in Quebec.

What is the air quality in the US?

Air quality has been badly affected in the US, with the worst smoke seen on the Eastern Seaboard.

Millions of Americans have been advised to wear face masks due to the density of air pollution.

Hundreds of flights were delayed or cancelled in Newark, New York City and Toronto.

Photos show major cities like New York and Washington DC blanketed in thick smoke, while maps reveal that the smog has drifted out into the mid-West and as far south as the Carolinas.

Matthew Adams, a professor at the University of Toronto, told the : "On these elevated air pollution days, we'll see an increased number of visits to hospital."

The low air quality can cause shortness of breath, irritation of the throat and extra strain on the heart and lungs, which can be potentially dangerous for those with pre-existing conditions.

What caused the wildfires?

Canada usually experiences a fire season during the summer as long spells of hot weather and large expanses of wildlands provide ideal conditions for fires to start.

Lightning is one of the most common causes and has been identified as the root of the fires in Quebec.

However, the causes of many of the other fires is not yet known, while some have been human-made.

Everything from discarded cigarette butts to sparks from passing trains have been cited as contributing factors.

Canada struggled with drought in late-May 2023 and rain is not forecast in many places for some time.

An update from the Canadian government in early June read: ";Current June projections indicate the potential for continued higher-than-normal fire activity across most of the country throughout the 2023 wildland fire season due to ongoing drought and long-range forecasts for warm temperatures."

How can I protect myself from the smoke?

The best way to protect yourself is to remain indoors with all windows and doors shut.

Air purifiers, which are available online, can help keep the air within your home clean.

If you must go outside then wear a mask and try and use public transport with air filtration, like the subway, rather than walking or cycling.