Smoke from Canada’s worst wildfires is spreading to US cities like Washington and Philadelphia. In the metropolis of New York, the smoke caused the worst air quality in decades.
The worst wildfires in Canadian history rage for weeks, forcing more than 20,000 people to flee their homes.
The more than 400 wildfires raging across the country’s west and northeast found drier terrain than usual this year and spread quickly.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accuses the opposition of fighting his plan to tackle climate change.
Portugal, Spain and France together will send 280 firefighters to Canada, announced the European Commission.
The US is also helping its neighbor with more than 600 firefighters and equipment.
The smoke spreads to US cities like Washington and Philadelphia. In the metropolis of New York, the smoke caused the worst air quality in decades. Schools remained closed, sporting events were cancelled.
US President Joe Biden called the fires “a poignant reminder of the effects of climate change”.
Since January, flames have burned 3.8 million hectares of forest in Canada.