safety
Dangerous wildfire smoke chokes Midwest and Northeast
By AP via Scripps News Group at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· 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 Nashville
Nashville residents may be far from the wildfires in Canada and Minnesota, but the smoke's impact on air quality is a concern for local health officials. As the city experiences its own hot summer temperatures, the potential for poor air quality to exacerbate respiratory issues is a pressing concern. With thousands of people in the Nashville area already dealing with asthma and other breathing problems, the added stress of wildfire smoke could lead to increased hospital visits and health issues. Local authorities should be prepared to issue air quality alerts and provide guidance on how to stay safe during periods of poor air quality. Additionally, the situation highlights the need for Nashville's emergency management officials to review and update their plans for responding to regional air quality crises, ensuring the city is prepared to protect its residents from the far-reaching effects of wildfires.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville 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 NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
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 NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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