Smoke from hundreds of wildfires burning across Canada has once again drifted into New York, creating hazy skies, reducing visibility and prompting Air Quality Health Advisories across much of the state.
The smoky conditions have pushed Air Quality Index (AQI) levels into unhealthy ranges in parts of New York, leading officials to urge residents to limit outdoor activity, close windows and wear N95 masks when spending extended time outside.
But what caused the Canadian wildfires in the first place?
The answer isn’t a single cause. Canada’s 2026 wildfire season has been fueled by a combination of lightning strikes, human activity and unusually dry, hot conditions across several provinces.
Canada has reported more than 3,500 wildfires this year, with about 859 fires still burning and roughly 2.38 million hectares (5.9 million acres) scorched.
How did the Canadian wildfires start in 2026?
There is no single cause.
Some fires were ignited by lightning, while others were caused by human activity. Some remain under investigation.
Of the 28 new wildfires reported in mid-July, Canadian officials classified:
Why are there so many wildfires in Canada?
Wildfires are more likely to ignite and spread when forests are dry and temperatures are high.
This year’s fire season has been fueled by:
Ontario has reported dozens of lightning-caused fires, while officials in British Columbia have warned that continued drought and thunderstorms are increasing wildfire danger. With multiple provinces battling large fires at the same time, smoke has spread hundreds of miles into the United States.
Why is wildfire smoke reaching New York?
Smoke from large wildfires can travel long distances on upper-level winds.
This week, weather patterns carried smoke from Canada south into New York, creating hazy skies and unhealthy air across much of the state.
The smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) — tiny particles that can travel deep into the lungs and bloodstream. Health officials warn that exposure can worsen asthma, heart disease and other respiratory conditions, especially among children, older adults and people with underlying health problems.
Is Canada’s wildfire season worse than normal?
Not necessarily.
Canada has reported about 3,500 wildfires so far in 2026, which is close to its recent five-year average for this point in the season.
However, the number of active fires remains exceptionally high, with about 859 wildfires still burning. Those ongoing fires continue to generate large amounts of smoke capable of reaching New York and much of the Northeast.
How many wildfires are burning in Canada right now?
As of mid-July, Canada reported 859 active wildfires, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.
The provinces with the most active fires include:
Since the start of the year, Canada has recorded 3,547 wildfires, burning roughly 2.38 million hectares (5.9 million acres).
Wildfire and smoke map: Track the latest
How has wildfire smoke affected New York?
Wildfire smoke has led to repeated Air Quality Health Advisories across New York this summer.
In some areas, AQI levels have climbed into the “very unhealthy” and even “hazardous” categories, prompting closures of parks, beaches and outdoor programs, reduced outdoor activities and health warnings for millions of residents.
Forecasters say smoke conditions can change quickly depending on wind direction, so New Yorkers are encouraged to monitor local air quality forecasts before spending extended time outdoors.
Contributing: USA Today Network
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: How did the Canada wildfires start? Why smoke keeps reaching New York
Reporting by New York Connect Team, USA Today Network / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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By New York Connect Team, USA Today Network | USA TODAY Network
