According to CNN, more than 6,1 residents have been forced to evacuate nearby since the wildfire broke out in Nova Scotia, Canada, on May 5. Soot from the fires has spread to the northeastern United States, with air quality alerts issued in New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania, including the Philadelphia area.
Data map: On May 5, local time, in the face of raging wildfires, the western inland province of Alberta declared a state of emergency in the province. The picture shows the wildfire near Fox Creek, Alberta, Canada, on May 6, local time.
The National Weather Service has reportedly issued an orange air pollution warning to Philadelphia and surrounding areas. This means that air pollution concentrations in the region can be detrimental to sensitive populations, including the elderly and young children.
The soot may be close enough to the ground that the affected area will see elevated concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) within hours.
According to reports, the fire in Nova Scotia, Canada, has spread more than 25000,10100 acres (about 16500,<> hectares), many buildings have been destroyed, and more than <>,<> residents have been forced to evacuate near the Halifax area of Nova Scotia's capital.
The Nova Scotia government announced a province-wide ban on burning on May 5, tentatively until June 29.
On May 5, Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Services Deputy Chief Meldrum said residents were still advised to avoid evacuation zones as at least 30 buildings were damaged in the fire, adding that the fire had not been contained.
On May 5, the Halifax government announced the closure of all wooded areas, parks and trails, and the closure of at least 31 schools.
According to reports, so far this year, nearly 1600 wildfires have been recorded across Canada, and the cumulative area of wildfires has exceeded 200 million hectares.