Flights grounded across US east coast

By Chelsea BaileyBBC News, Washington DC

Airports across the US east coast have been experiencing delays as smoke from Canada's wildfires continues to limit visibility on Thursday.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) paused all flights inbound for New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport.

The FAA also grounded flights headed to New York's LaGuardia Airport and Philadelphia International Airport.

Over 1,000 flights were delayed by mid-morning, according to Flight Aware.

"Reduced visibility from wildfire smoke will continue to impact air travel today," the FAA announced on Twitter.

The FAA said they will likely need to take steps throughout the day to manage the flow of traffic and will keep real-time flight information at fly.faa.gov.

After pausing flights headed toward Philadelphia from the north east, mid-Atlantic and Ohio early Thursday morning, the FAA said flights there have resumed.

Flights from the north east, Ohio and mid-Atlantic headed to LaGuardia airport remain paused.

American Airlines announced it is waving the change fee for passengers at airports with Thursday and Friday flights through 25 airports because of wildfire smoke delays.

Millions of people are under air quality alerts in the US and Canada.

As Canadian firefighters struggle to control the 400 wildfires raging across the country, smoke blanketed much of the eastern part of the country and the East Coast. The haze blotted out New York City's famed skyline and drew comparisons to Mars and a post-apocalyptic scene.

Health officials in both countries have issued warnings about potentially dangerous air quality and pollution.

There are more than 150 fires burning in Quebec alone, but according to the province's premiere, Francois Legault, there are only enough firefighters to tackle 40 of the infernos.

At a news conference Wednesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said more than 230 fires are raging out of control and more than 20,000 people have evacuated their homes.

"Firefighters are stepping up. First responders are stepping up in harrowing situations to save their fellow citizens," Mr Trudeau said.

If fires continue to burn at this rate, Canada could be facing its worse wildfire season on record. So far this season, approximately 3.8 million hectares (9.39 million acres) of land has burned.

The White House has said it will send support to Canada to help battle the fires.

Smoke from the infernos has travelled south, enveloping New York City in a haze so thick that tourists could barely see the iconic Statue of Liberty.

Officials have said residents should expect poor air quality and the smoky haze to linger until Thursday evening in Toronto and much of Ontario.

Air quality in New York is projected to remain "unhealthy" until Thursday, while Washington, DC also braces for poor air levels as the smoke moves south.

Experts have warned those in the areas impacted by the smoke to take warnings about low air quality seriously.

The low air quality can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. As air conditions worsen, it can become harder to breathe and cause stress on the lungs and heart, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.

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