Trump threatens new Canada tariffs over wildfire smoke affecting US cities
11 reported
President Donald Trump has threatened to impose new tariffs on Canada after hundreds of wildfires left much of the northern US covered in smoke. Trump posted on Truth Social that he would call Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to demand an explanation over Canada's "willful negligence," accusing the country of "not properly maintaining" their forests and brush. As of Friday, about 888 fires were actively burning in Canada, according to the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System, with the majority out of control. More than 190 of those blazes were burning in Ontario. US lawmakers John James, John Moolenaar, Jack Bergman and Lisa McClain wrote an open letter saying their "patience has run out" and warning the US could explore direct involvement in cross-border wildfire protection. Ontario Premier Doug Ford replied that Canada has helped the US battle wildfires and hurricanes, and suggested the US send support instead of complaining. Scientists quoted by BBC Verify said the picture is more complicated, noting that weather does not respect borders and that smoke from major US wildfires has also affected Canada in recent years. Experts also said many fires are burning in remote forests where detection and containment are difficult, and that climate change is creating hotter, drier conditions that allow fires to spread.
What’s reported
Trump threatened new tariffs on Canada over wildfire smoke affecting US cities.
As of Friday, about 888 fires were actively burning in Canada, most out of control.
More than 190 fires were burning in Ontario, some out of control.
US lawmakers John James, John Moolenaar, Jack Bergman and Lisa McClain said their "patience has run out" and warned of US direct involvement.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Canada has helped the US with wildfires and hurricanes and asked for support rather than complaints.
Scientists said weather does not respect borders and smoke from US wildfires has also affected Canada.
Experts said many fires are in remote forests where detection is difficult, and climate change is a factor.
Nearly 3 million hectares of land in Canada has been destroyed by wildfires.
Air quality in Detroit was worst in the world, followed by Chicago, Washington DC, and New York in seventh place, per IQAir.
Namaygoosisagagun First Nation Chief Helen Paavola said her community was "burnt to ashes."
Ontario Premier Ford said 10 communities have evacuated and "it's a miracle that no one lost their lives."
Key figures
President Donald Trump
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney
Ontario Premier Doug Ford
US lawmakers John James, John Moolenaar, Jack Bergman, Lisa McClain
MP Eleanor Olszewski
Dr Patrick James, University of Toronto
Dr Anabela Bonada, University of Waterloo
Namaygoosisagagun First Nation Chief Helen Paavola
Incident commander Matthew Hoppe
Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House's World Cup task force
Sources: BBC News
