Smoke from the blazing Minnesota fires in Minnesota drifted into parts of eastern Canada on a recent Wednesday . Environment Canada reported areas in Ontario among the worst globally for air quality in recent reports . Southern Ontario’s major cities faced urgent warnings about hazardous air from the distant fires . Dry conditions and fierce gusts helped fires spread at breakneck speed through Minnesota and nearby states. Toxic smoke drifted north, blanketing Canada in a heavy curtain of contaminants.