US lawmakers ask Canada to curb wildfire smoke ruining their summer

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In the letter, the lawmakers asked how Canada intends to reduce the wildfire impact that spills into US airspace. (Photo: Manitoba Government/Handout via Reuters)A group of six Republican members of Congress from Minnesota and Wisconsin has written to the Canadian Embassy in Washington, expressing frustration over smoke from Canadian wildfires drifting into the United States. In their letter, the lawmakers said the smoke has made it “difficult” for their constituents to enjoy summer outdoors.“We write to you today on behalf of our constituents who have had to deal with suffocating Canadian wildfire smoke filling the air to begin the summer,” they wrote to Canadian Ambassador Kirsten Hillman, as per BBC. The letter was signed by Representatives Tom Emmer, Pete Stauber, Brad Finstad, Michelle Fischbach, Glenn Grothman, and Tom Tiffany.In the letter, the lawmakers asked how Canada intends to reduce the wildfire impact that spills into US airspace. “We would like to know how your government plans on mitigating wildfire and the smoke that makes its way south,” they wrote. They noted that poor air quality had made it unsafe for people to spend time outside during the warmest months of the year.“In our neck of the woods, summer months are the best time of the year to spend time outdoors recreating, enjoying time with family, and creating new memories, but this wildfire smoke makes it difficult to do all those things.”The lawmakers also cited a “lack of active forest management” and arson as contributing factors to recurring wildfire issues.Also Read: | Thousands evacuated in 3 provinces as Canadian wildfires threaten air quality into some US statesResponding to the concerns, Canadian Embassy spokeswoman Tarryn Elliott told the BBC that wildfire prevention and response are priorities for the Canadian government.“I can confirm that the letter has been received by the Embassy and has been shared with the relevant Canadian agencies,” she said. “The Canadian government takes the prevention, response, and mitigation of wildfires very seriously.”As of now, Canada has recorded around 2,672 wildfires this year, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, as reported by BBC. In May and June, tens of thousands of residents in Saskatchewan and Manitoba were forced to evacuate, with states of emergency declared in several areas.Story continues below this adCanada’s Ministry of Natural Resources has emphasised that wildfires are part of the boreal forest’s natural regeneration process. However, scientific studies have linked the growing intensity and frequency of fires to climate change.(With inputs from BBC)Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd