As Canadians work overnight to tame the flames, the smoke from the fire has migrated south, causing a toxic air crisis throughout major US cities.
A mesmerizing graphic shared by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration revealed the thick grey haze traveling across the eastern US on Wednesday afternoon.
The smoke culminated in a daunting circle above eastern Canada and parts of the American Northeast.
Strong winds coupled with intense heat pushed the smoke into the atmosphere. A path of air called a jet stream can be seen in the NOAA satellite imagery taking hold across the eastern US and Canada.
Wildfire smoke is more toxic than polluted air and can linger for weeks. Fires can burn cars and buildings, meaning their smoke contains traces of chemicals, metals, plastics and synthetic materials.
