Canada Hit by Forest Fires, Smoke Clouds Cover US Capital

JAKARTA - Nearly 900 forest fires have hit a number of areas in Canada, according to the latest data released by the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center (CIFFC) on Friday.

As of Friday morning, July 17 local time, there were 893 active forest fires, including 26 new fire points that flared up today.

Of this number, 209 fire points were classified as out of control.

Canada's national readiness level is now at Level 4, indicating significant forest fire activity in various jurisdictions and high demand for firefighters and supporting equipment.

As reported by ANTARA, based on CIFFC data, the majority of active fire points were recorded in Ontario with 193 fires, followed by the Northwest Territories (NWT) with 188, Quebec with 186, and Manitoba with 142 fires. In addition, 25 fire points also hit the Canadian National Park area.

Throughout 2026, the country in North America has recorded more than 3,640 cases of forest fires that have burned an area of 2.77 million hectares.

Smoke clouds cover the US capital.

The impact of the massive fire in Canada has reportedly spread to neighboring countries.

The US capital, Washington D.C., was covered in a thick smog on Friday morning, RIA Novosti correspondents reported.

The Washington city government has announced an "red" air quality warning.

Children, the elderly, and residents with a history of heart or lung disease are urged to avoid long or heavy physical activity outdoors.

Air conditions in Washington and the surrounding areas in Maryland and Virginia on Thursday night are still normal.

However, thick smog began to envelop the area before dawn on Friday.

The pungent smell of smoke was reported to be smelled inside the residents' houses and became more intense when the windows were opened.

The situation is exacerbated by high temperature waves that increase health risks.

The air temperature in Washington is expected to reach 97 degrees Fahrenheit (about 36 degrees Celsius) on Friday, while the air quality is predicted to remain at a dangerous level.

In addition to Washington, the smoke from the Canadian forest fires had previously covered the skies of New York and Boston, while the air quality in Chicago was reported to continue to deteriorate.