Millions advised to wear masks due to intense smoke from Canada wildfires 

Wildfires raging across Canada have left North America experiencing poor air quality levels, leading to calls for millions of people to wear N95 masks when outdoors. 

New York has already started distributing free masks. Governor Kathy Hochel said she plans to distribute 1 million masks to New Yorkers, and emphasised this is only a temporary situation – nothing like Covid. Hochel also noted the city’s buses and trains have high-quality air infiltration systems, making them safe to travel on. 

Officials have issued warnings about the dangerous smoky conditions that are expected to continue throughout the weekend. 

Most of the smoke comes from Quebec, where 150 fires are currently ablaze. On Wednesday, officials said over 15,000 residents are likely to be evacuated, marking Quebec’s worst fire season on record. 

Environment Canada has reported worsening conditions in Toronto on Thursday, increasing smoke infiltration.