Canadian wildfire smoke travels 5,000 km

14-Aug-2025

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Smoke from Canada’s raging wildfires has travelled over 5,000 kilometres across the Atlantic Ocean, reaching parts of Europe and blanketing cities with haze and black carbon. 

Over the past 24 hours, the eastern regions of the continent have reported hazy skies, prompting concerns about the far-reaching effects of wildfire emissions.

The smoke began its transcontinental journey after massive fire activity across Canada’s Central and Northern Territories, particularly in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories. Between August 5 and 8, satellite models confirmed that the smoke plume had arrived in Western Europe.

This year’s wildfire season in Canada has been unprecedented, with more than 6.6 million hectares scorched, 140% higher than the area burned by this time in 2024. 

Meteorologists say the jet stream and persistent high-pressure systems played a critical role in transporting the smoke across the Atlantic at altitudes around 9,000 meters.