(WGN/NEXSTAR) – Smoke from wildfires burning in Canada is expected to cast a haze over the skies — and diminish air quality — in parts of the U.S. over the coming days.

There are roughly 160 wildfires currently burning across Canada, the majority of which are out of control, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center (CIFFC). The high-intensity fires, scattered throughout the country from the Northwest Territories through Ontario, have prompted the evacuation of thousands of residents.

The CIFFC also said the country’s National Preparedness Level has been raised to a 5 — its highest level — meaning wide mobilization of firefighters and requests for help from outside of Canada.

The wildfires are also sending smoke down into the........

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