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Freight Train Crew Rescued After Being Surrounded by Wildfires Near Armstrong, Ontario; Toronto Air Quality Worst in World
A freight train became trapped amid flames in northern Ontario while more than 100 fires burned across the province. Toronto recorded the world's worst air quality on Wednesday, prompting cancellations and closures, as smoke moved toward U.S. border states.
Jul 16, 7:00 AM·1m read6 sources
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Dramatic video showed a freight train surrounded by wildfire flames near Armstrong, Ontario, with a crew member reporting the fire could overtake the train. "This could potentially overtake us here, this has gotten a little scary," the crew member said as the train passed burning trees.
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Canadian National Rail stated the trapped workers were safely rescued and that operations have been temporarily suspended in the region.
More than 100 wildfires are burning in Ontario, threatening several northwestern communities. Across Canada, 838 wildfires are actively burning, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige stated that an unexpected and fast-moving wildfire devastated the remote Namaygoosisagagun First Nation, severely damaging homes and community buildings.
Toronto woke to a yellow sky on Wednesday as smoke blanketed the city. IQAir ranked Toronto's air quality as the worst in the world, ahead of Kinshasa, Delhi, Dubai, and Jerusalem. Outdoor World Cup fan events for the England and Argentina match were cancelled, and wading pools were closed.
More than a dozen fires are burning in Minnesota amid extreme heat, dry conditions, and strong winds. New York City Emergency Management stated current forecasts do not indicate a repeat of 2023 smoke conditions from Quebec wildfires and that KN95 masks will be distributed for free at public library branches.
