A helicopter crew battles a wildfire while another chopper flies nearby during a tour over the Flin Flon area in northern Manitoba on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The Canadian Press
Six Republican lawmakers from Wisconsin and Minnesota have asked Canada to take stronger steps to control wildfires. They sent a letter Tuesday to Canada’s U.S. Ambassador, Kirsten Hillman, asking how the Canadian government plans to stop smoke from drifting into their states.
Lawmakers Say Smoke Affects Health and Daily Life
In their letter, the lawmakers said people in their districts are struggling to breathe clean air. They explained that repeated wildfires in Canada have made it hard for residents to enjoy the outdoors. They also blamed poor forest management and arson for the problem but did not mention climate change.
The letter asked Ambassador Hillman to share their concerns with Canada’s top forestry and emergency management departments.
Canada Acknowledges the Letter, Promises to Review It
A spokesperson from the Canadian Embassy confirmed the letter had arrived. The spokesperson said Canada takes wildfire prevention and control seriously and would share the letter with the proper officials.
Canada’s Natural Resources Department and the Minister of Emergency Management have not yet responded.
Lawmakers Say Wildfires Can Be Controlled
The Republican representatives believe fires can be better managed with the right tools and planning. They pointed to last year’s record-breaking wildfire season in Canada, which sent smoke across much of the United States and even to Europe.
They warned that this year might become the second-worst season for wildfires in Canada. Several provinces have already faced evacuations and damage, though the situation has recently become less severe.
Minnesota Residents Notice Less Smoke This Year
Veronica Bistodeau, a staff member in Big Falls, Minnesota, said the air quality has been better this year compared to previous summers. The local campground near Bigfork River had been affected by smoke in the past. While she has seen some visitors wear masks, she hasn’t seen anyone cancel their reservations because of the smoke this year.
Canada Warns of a Warming Climate
Canadian officials have said that the country is warming faster than most of the world. They expect more frequent wildfires, droughts, and other extreme weather events in the future due to this warming trend.
Politics and Climate Views Add Tension
The letter comes as Canada and the U.S. work to renew their economic and security agreement by July 21. Former President Donald Trump has criticized Canada in the past, even suggesting it should become a U.S. state.
Trump has called climate change a “hoax” and removed references to it from U.S. government documents. He also signed an executive order on wildfire prevention that didn’t mention climate change. Trump has blamed California’s wildfire issues on poor forest management.
