Sixty million hectares have burned since January in Canada, 18 times the 10-year average, according to the government, which on Monday called for vigilance as air quality worsened across the country.

“Canadians are facing unprecedented consequences of forest fires and the most worrying thing is that the peak of the season will probably not come for weeks,” said Jean-Yves Diclos, the health minister, during a press conference.

The condition “has a real impact on our physical and mental health,” he added.

In total, 423 fires remain active in the country, half of which are classified as out of control, and this concerns both the eastern and western parts of the country, he clarified. More than 100,000 people have been forced from their homes this year because of the fires.

“No matter where you live in Canada, smoke can make you uncomfortable,” said Teresa Tam, director of Public Health Canada.

Ms Tam warned against the many pollutants, especially fine particles in smoke, posing the greatest threat to health.

In the areas most affected by the fires, authorities have opened centers where the air is filtered and are recommending that residents avoid exits and use masks when they go out.

A new heat wave will hit parts of eastern Canada, especially Quebec, starting today.

Much higher than normal temperatures are expected mainly in areas that have been hit hardest by the fires.

Canada, which due to its geographical location is experiencing a faster increase in temperature than the rest of the planet, has been faced in recent years with extreme weather events, the intensity and frequency of which is increasing due to climate change.