WASHINGTON (Gray DC) – Smoke from more than 100 wildfires burning in Canada has blanketed Washington, Chicago and Detroit. The Environmental Protection Agency described them as the three cities the most polluted major cities in the world.
In Washington, the air quality has reached “Code Purple” — the second most dangerous pollution reading on the scale. The smoke has at times obscured views of national monuments.
The EPA said everyone in “Code Purple” air quality conditions should cut back on outdoor activities, avoid strenuous outdoor exertion, keep any outdoor time short and consider moving activities inside. The agency said that guidance is especially important for children, the elderly and those with heart or lung disease.
Officials said they are in direct contact with Canadian leadership about the situation and are advising residents to monitor the EPA’s air quality index online for updates.
The unhealthy air could potentially affect the FIFA World Cup final, scheduled for Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. World Cup officials said they are monitoring the situation.
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social Friday he would consider placing increased tariffs on Canada over the wildfires.
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