As Canadian wildfire crews continue to confront intense blazes across multiple provinces, smoke generated by these fires is now making its presence felt far beyond North America.
In recent days, smoke from the fires has travelled an extraordinary distance of nearly 7,000 kilometres – crossing the Atlantic Ocean and reaching parts of Europe.
The plume, driven by persistent strong winds, is expected to continue its eastward trajectory. The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) reported that the first high-altitude smoke plume entered the Mediterranean region around May 18–19, with sightings in Greece and surrounding areas. A second, more substantial plume followed in the final days of May, making landfall in northwestern Europe on Sunday, June 1.
Back in Canada, the wildfire situation remains critical. Fire behaviour has recently intensified in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, with conditions expected to continue pushing smoke eastward—potentially leading to further impacts across the Atlantic in the coming week.
Wildfires are currently burning in several regions, including Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and northern British Columbia. Both Manitoba and Saskatchewan have declared provincial states of emergency, with evacuation orders in effect for multiple communities as firefighting efforts continue.
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