W杯決勝にも影響？カナダ山火事が拡大…焼失面積は関西地方に匹敵【報道ステーション】(2026年7月17日)

Wildfires in Canada continue unabated. 891 locations are burning across the country, and the burned area is the same size as the Kansai region of Japan. Smoke is also drifting to the eastern United States, causing severe air pollution at the stadium hosting the FIFA World Cup final. ■Haze over NY Skyscrapers; Free Masks Distributed On the 16th, free masks were distributed on the streets of New York City. New York City Mayor Mamdani: "This is an extremely serious situation. Please refrain from strenuous outdoor exercise and going outside. In addition to wearing masks, please stay indoors as much as possible." New York City, which boasts some of the world's most spectacular scenery when the weather is good, has seen a dramatic change in its landscape over the past few days. Even during the day, the color of the sun is strange; it's not the New York of usual. Reporter Ayaka Suzuki: "I'm currently on the opposite bank of the river from Manhattan. Normally, I'd have a magnificent view of the skyscrapers, but today the air is hazy, and they've vanished." ■ Burned Area Equivalent to the Kansai Region Currently, there are 891 wildfires in Canada. The damage has escalated this week, burning 2.8 million hectares so far—an area roughly equivalent to the two prefectures and four counties of the Kansai region. The smoke is now sweeping across the eastern United States. CNN Caster Isa Soares: "An air pollution alert has been issued, and more than 100 million people could suffer health problems. What are the effects on the human body if you inhale the smoke?" CNN Climate Change Chief Correspondent Bill Weir: "The fine particles enter the bloodstream through nasal hairs and mucous membranes, reaching the lungs and brain. Experts are concerned about the impact on patients with asthma or lung damage from pneumonia." ■ MLB Player: "It feels like inhaling metal" Sports are extremely difficult under these conditions. Mets pitcher Scott: "It felt like I was inhaling metal." Mets outfielder Benge: "It was like sitting next to a campfire." The World Cup final will be held on the 19th. The air quality around the stadium has drastically changed in the past few days. While match times have been changed due to weather disasters in the past, FIFA has not made any announcements regarding this final. Will it affect the players' performance? Former Argentina captain Mascherano: "This is the first time something like this has happened in New York. It feels strange, but I don't think it will have any effect." (C) CABLE NEWS NETWORK 2026 [TV Asahi NEWS] https://news.tv-asahi.co.jp