safety
Dangerous wildfire smoke chokes Midwest and Northeast
By AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 16, 2026
· 5 min read
Thousands of visitors were told to evacuate a remote Minnesota wilderness area accessible only by boat as wildfires send dangerously heavy smoke over the U.S. Midwest and Northeast this week.More than 100 wildfires are burning in Canada, where a train crew in northern Ontario filmed themselves su...
Key takeaway More than 100 wildfires are burning in Canada, where a train crew in northern Ontario filmed themselves surrounded by flames before being safely evacuated.
Why this matters in The Waco
While the wildfires and resulting smoke are currently affecting the Midwest and Northeast, Waco residents should be aware of the potential for similar situations to arise in Texas. The state's own history of wildfires, particularly during hot and dry summer months, serves as a reminder to be prepared for emergency situations. As the city of Waco and surrounding areas experience unusually hot summer temperatures, the risk of wildfires increases. Local authorities and residents should be vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent and respond to wildfires. Furthermore, the situation in Minnesota highlights the importance of having effective evacuation plans in place, particularly in remote areas with limited access. Waco's own remote wilderness areas and outdoor recreational spaces should have similar plans in place to ensure public safety in the event of a wildfire or other emergency.
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: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Thousands of visitors were told to evacuate a remote Minnesota wilderness area accessible only by boat as wildfires send dangerously heavy smoke over the U.S. Midwest and Northeast this week.More than 100 wildfires are burning in Canada, where a train crew in northern Ontario filmed themselves su...
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 AP via 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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