Image: Smoke of Canadian wildfires crossing the Atlantic, July 2026 (Credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-5P imagery).

The smoke of Canadian wildfires crosses the Atlantic and affects air quality in Europe as well. The time series of these satellite images are based on data acquired by the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite between 14 and 17 July 2026. The highest values of elevated concentrations of airborne particles are shown in orange and red.

These wildfires burned across central Canada in July 2026. These fires release large quantities of smoke into the atmosphere. Wildfire smoke is more toxic than other particles. In fact, smoke from Canadian wildfires can be deadly even in Europe. Research has shown that in 2023, an estimated 82,100 people died prematurely from exposure to Canadian wildfire smoke, including 22,400 in Europe.