US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose new tariffs on Canada after hundreds of wildfires have left much of the northern US covered by a blanket of smoke.
The threat follows complaints by US lawmakers over the wildfires and Ontario’s premier Doug Ford’s call for US support to fight the fires, rather than for criticism.
"The United States is being unnecessarily invaded by filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air," Trump said, accusing Canada of “willful negligence” and promising a call to Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The Canadian Wildland Fire Information System reported 955 active fires on Saturday, with 190 located in Ontario alone. The majority are out of control.
Canadian Wildland Fire Information System
Carney, in a heated exchange on Truth Social, promised an explanation and cited Canada’s investment of C$12bn in forest sustainability and fire prevention.
The two countries cite a reciprocal fire‑fighting agreement from 1982 and a 2025 G7 summit agreement for cross‑border aid.
Ontario Premier Ford labelled the rhetoric “shameful and unacceptable,” stressing Canada’s past assistance in California wildfires and North Carolina hurricanes and highlighted the use of over 80 water bombers and 150 fire crews on the ground.
The smoke has created hazardous air quality alerts across the Midwest, from Minnesota and Michigan to Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York. Detroit’s air quality was reported the worst in the world.
Scientists note that weather conditions—hot, dry late June, reduced rainfall, and lightning—combined with climate change drive these large‑scale fires.
The blazes have forced evacuations in Northern Ontario First Nations communities, with reports of entire villages “burnt to ashes.” One Chief, Helen Paavola, said the community had been completely leveled.
The smoke haze blocked iconic sights such as the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty, prompting outdoor cancellation across the North East and flight delays at congested airports.
Trump’s allegations and the ensuing diplomatic tension underline a renewed debate over trade tariffs, cross‑border cooperation and the global fight against climate‑driven disasters.
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Smoke from the massive wildfires has cast an orange haze over New York City.
