Wildfire smoke clouds Spain v Argentina final as Donald Trump threatens Canada | OneFootball

Smoke from Canadian wildfires is hanging over the north-east United States on the eve of Spain v Argentina, with Donald Trump blaming Canada and threatening new tariffs.

Le Progres reports that 950 active fires were burning in Canada on Saturday, many out of control, with smoke triggering air quality alerts across the United States. Parts of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin recorded dangerous readings.

Posting on Truth Social, the US president decried dirty, harmful air, said he would call Prime Minister Mark Carney, and threatened new duties on Canadian goods for what he called deliberate negligence. He accused Canadians of failing to maintain forests by basic upkeep and debris removal.

Canada has reported no fatalities in Ontario, though several isolated villages have been evacuated. Emergency management minister Eleanor Olszewski said the two countries are in constant contact and stressed longstanding wildfire cooperation. She said 12 billion dollars has been invested in forest sustainability and fire prevention since 2020.

Pollution is a concern for Sunday’s open-air final in New Jersey. Manhattan’s skyline was almost invisible on Thursday, conditions improved on Friday, but forecasters said smoke could thicken again by Saturday morning. Organisers are monitoring closely, said Andrew Giuliani, and the official fan safety app urges supporters to stay indoors or wear a mask.

Winds could keep hazy skies over the north-east, although improvement is anticipated. After expected weekend thunderstorms, some models indicate smoke levels could start to fall.

Source: Le Progres