A wildfire emergency in western Canada has spread across provinces, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes.

Saskatchewan declared a state of emergency with 14 wildfires burning out of control, while Manitoba evacuated 17,000 residents amid its own state of emergency.

Over 166 fires are active across Canada, 84 of which are out of control, affecting provinces like Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia.

The Canadian Armed Forces are aiding evacuations and firefighting efforts.

Smoke from the wildfires is drifting into the U.S., prompting air quality alerts, the BBC has reported.

Experts link the worsening wildfire crisis to climate change, with Canada warming at twice the global average.

Written by B.C. Begley