Statistics

- 137 fires from Quebec

- 57 fires from Ontario

- Over 20 million acres burned

- 100,000 residents displaced from their homes

- 135,000 residents have evacuated

- Smoke made solar farms drop production by 50%

Aftermath

Evacuation/Rescue Efforts

As a result of the current wildfires, 14,000 inhabitants of Quebec had to leave their houses as of June 4. The largest town in Northern Quebec, Chibougamau, suffered the evacuation of 7,500 residents on June 6. On June 7, the neighboring Cree Nation of Mistassini was given the go-ahead to evacuate, while the Cree Nation of Waswanipi started their own voluntary evacuation. On June 6, the Public Security Ministry of Quebec issued a general evacuation alert in reaction to the deteriorating situation, requiring an emergency evacuation in communities like Chapais. The fires forced the evacuation of 2,100 people, or the whole population, as they moved to within 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of Lebel-sur-Quévillon. The mayor of the city voiced worry. More than 300 people from Val-Paradis, Beau-canton, and Lac Pajegasque had to leave on June 23, but they were allowed to return on June 25. On June 23, the Cree settlement of Mistassini, which had previously been evacuated once earlier in the month, issued a second warning. On June 26, the Atikamekw of Opitciwan were given permission to go back to their houses.

Ontario's and Toronto's Situation 

From June 5 to 7, the wildfires produced a lot of smoke, which had a negative influence on the air quality in Southern Ontario, Ottawa, and Toronto. The Air Quality Health Index revealed the greatest amount of air pollution ever seen in Ontario during this time. The negative effects of the smoke were also felt in Kingston and Belleville, where the air quality peaked. On June 25 and 26, Ottawa was overwhelmed by the return of the smoke, which forced the postponement of outdoor events and programs. Among the events that were impacted were the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival and the Ottawa Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, highlighting the importance of prioritizing public safety in the face of declining air quality. On June 28, Toronto had a similar circumstance when the city's air quality fell to one of the worst levels imaginable. Once more reaching its highest score, the Air Quality Health Index compelled officials to move a number of outdoor recreation programs to indoor venues. This preemptive step was taken to protect locals' health in the face of haze that wouldn't go away and bad air quality.