safety
Canadian wildfire smoke brings hazardous air to the US Midwest
By Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 16, 2026
· 2 min read
Americans across the Upper Midwest and parts of the Northeast are dealing with some of the worst air quality in the world as wildfire smoke from Canada blankets the region.Over 100 wildfires continue to burn across Canada as smoke from the fires is being pushed southeast by shifting winds. The sk...
Key takeaway Over 100 wildfires continue to burn across Canada as smoke from the fires is being pushed southeast by shifting winds.
Why this matters in The Waco
While the Canadian wildfire smoke is currently affecting the Upper Midwest and Northeast, Waco residents should be aware of the potential for similar air quality issues in the future. Texas has experienced its own share of wildfires in recent years, and the state's location in the southern Great Plains makes it susceptible to smoke from fires in neighboring states. The situation in the Midwest serves as a reminder that McLennan County's emergency management officials should be prepared to respond to poor air quality events, which could put vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues at risk. Local residents can take steps to protect themselves by staying informed about air quality through the Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow website and taking precautions such as limiting outdoor activity when air quality is poor.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Americans across the Upper Midwest and parts of the Northeast are dealing with some of the worst air quality in the world as wildfire smoke from Canada blankets the region.Over 100 wildfires continue to burn across Canada as smoke from the fires is being pushed southeast by shifting winds. The sk...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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