Until recently, I had thought that we would never see a day when we had to keep our windows shut all summer long because of the hazard of breathing in smoke from the Canadian wildfires. I thought the only places that faced air quality issues from wildfire smoke were in California, where they faced this type of disaster on a more regular occurrence.

The smoke was so dense and so severe that that wildfire all the way north in Ontario, Canada, affected the United States air quality in areas such as:

• Michigan
• New York
• Minnesota
• Illinois

From the beginning of the summer to well into the late summer, the wildfires brought some of the worst air quality levels Michigan has ever seen. It was a real downer on our summer, especially since it’s already short enough! My AC unit was on its last leg, and because of poor air quality, we had our windows shut, which forced that old system to work overtime, and it ended up dying. We were unable to enjoy the fresh air or sunshine as the sky was constantly filled with a thick, hazy, smokey hew.

According to a Canadian television news source, “The fires, which began in early June and have affected Ontario and Quebec, have impacted Canadians and Americans alike. Canadian media reported that 14,000 people in Quebec were evacuated earlier in June. In Canada, the fires caused thick smoke that led to air quality warnings. In the Northeast, there was a similar effect: Cities like New York and Philadelphia were blanketed in a thick haze that eventually traveled south to Baltimore and Washington, D.C.”

So, if Michigan and other midwestern and East Coast states do not typically see this type of phenomenon, then what states do?

Where are the worst wildfires in the United States?

California has been the state most threatened by wildfires, as 40% of all burned acres recently fell within its borders. California also had the most properties at risk of wildfire damage by a significant margin. In the order of severity, below are listed states most affected by wildfires:

• California
• Texas
• North Carolina
• Montana
• Florida
• Oregon
• Georgia
• Minnesota
• Washington
• Arizona

California’s issues are primarily due to its Mediterranean-like climate, which includes long dry spells, high temperatures, and frequent Santa Ana winds that can whip small flames into raging infernos. Recently, Texas has also seen an uptick in fires due to its issues with drought and heat waves.

Adapting to these challenges means taking proactive steps like creating defensible space around properties, investing in fire-resistant building materials, or even considering the implementation of home sprinkler systems. On a larger scale, governments and organizations need to prioritize forest management and adopt advanced firefighting techniques.

Moreover, the broad impact of wildfires and their smoke isn’t confined to immediate health concerns. Significant economic costs are associated with disrupted businesses, healthcare expenses, and the resources required for fire control and cleanup efforts.

What was the worst city fire in US history?

My first guess would have been the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, but apparently, another fire took place on the same day and was even worse. Furthermore, there were several in the Midwest that same year that were also damaging and severe. Wikipedia notes the following deadly city fires:

• 1871 – Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed the downtown on October 8 and died out the following night. About 250 dead.
• 1871 – Peshtigo Fire of 1871, several towns were destroyed in a firestorm that reached Michigan, 1,500–2,500 dead. Deadliest wildfire in American history.
• 1871 – Great Michigan Fire of 1871 was a series of simultaneous fires, the most prominent of which was the Port Huron Fire, which killed over 200 people in Port Huron, Michigan.
• 1871 – The Urbana fire destroyed central Urbana, Illinois, on October 9.

Additionally, we found the following city fires that made history:

• San Francisco Earthquake and Fire (1906)

Possibly one of the most infamous disasters in American history, the 1906 San Francisco earthquake triggered fires that burned for several days. Almost 25,000 buildings were destroyed, and up to 300,000 people were left homeless. The estimated death toll ranged between 700 to 3,000.

• Great Baltimore Fire (1904)

This fire burned for over 30 hours, destroying more than 1,500 buildings spanning 140 acres of downtown Baltimore. Fortunately, only a few people died, but the economic loss was staggering, estimated at $150 million – a colossal sum at the time. The fire also led to significant improvements in building codes and firefighting practices.

• Cloquet Fire (1918)

This disaster hit northeastern Minnesota hard, affecting towns like Cloquet and Moose Lake. Flames spread so rapidly that entire communities were engulfed in hours. This wildfire was particularly devastating due to a combination of dry conditions, high winds, and the accumulation of timber slash. Approximately 453 people lost their lives, and thousands were left homeless, marking it as one of the deadliest fires in Minnesota.

• Boston Fire (1872)

The Great Boston Fire of 1872 caused significant destruction in the city’s downtown area despite efforts from more than 1,700 firefighters. Over 65 acres were consumed, along with 776 buildings. Property damage was estimated at an astonishing $73.5 million. Fortunately, the death toll was relatively low, with reports of only around 20 casualties. This fire revolutionized emergency responses and spurred advancements in firefighting technology and urban planning.

• Texas City Disaster (1947)

It is not a city fire in the traditional sense, but it is undoubtedly a fire-related disaster of monumental proportions. On April 16, 1947, a fire aboard the French-registered vessel SS Grandcamp in the port of Texas City detonated approximately 2,300 tons of ammonium nitrate, causing a massive explosion. This cataclysmic event caused subsequent fires, destroyed over 1,000 buildings, and killed at least 581 people. This remains one of the largest and deadliest industrial accidents in U.S. history.

How bad is wildfire smoke for you?

For cities and states not traditionally affected by wildfires, this experience has been a wake-up call. It’s a reminder that climate change and environmental issues don’t recognize borders. As we move forward, it’s essential to consider both local actions and international collaborations to address the emerging challenges posed by wildfires and their far-reaching effects. Global cooperation in tackling climate change, advancing research into fire behavior, and innovating new methods for fire control can create a more resilient future for us all.