Wildfires in Canada have burned nearly 6.5 million acres of land and forced thousands of evacuations. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Meteorologist Brad Rippey says the smoke is now impacting conditions here in the United States.
“Some of that smoke has been at ground level and has resulted in significant degradations in air quality, very thick, heavy haze, and some visibility reductions,” Rippey said on a call with media this week. “And so [that could affect] folks with sensitivity to particulate matter, as that has been a problem for several days across the north-central United States. Now with that cold front moving in, that is helping to push that smoke east, most of it aloft. But at the same time, for example, Tuesday morning we are seeing quite a ribbon of smoke extending from around Lake Superior, southwestward into eastern Nebraska, along with and ahead of that cold front.”
Rippey says a cold front will keep moving east and hopefully clear some of the smoke. However, he did say the smoke also caused some very bright sunrises and sunsets across much of the U.S. this week.
Colorado Congressman Jeff Hurd joins Champions of Rural America to share insights into the Western Caucus legislative priorities as they champion wildfire prevention and mitigation in the West.
February 27, 2026 02:35 PM
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Britt Hilton with the Oklahoma Farm Bureau joined us to discuss current conditions, producer impacts, and the road to recovery following the Ranger Road Fire.
February 27, 2026 02:18 PM
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The Ranger Road Fire is fully contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres. Ranchers face significant cattle and fence losses, with recovery efforts underway.
February 26, 2026 01:04 PM
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Michael Kelsey of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association joined us with the latest on the Oklahoma wildfires, recovery efforts for ranchers, and the role agriculture leaders are playing in supporting rural communities.
February 25, 2026 12:13 PM
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According to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, fire crews remain on alert statewide as Red Flag conditions persist. Officials warn that even contained fires can reignite quickly under current weather conditions.
February 24, 2026 05:46 PM
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The Ranger Road Fire in the Oklahoma Panhandle is now 65% contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres over the past week. Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance Agency discusses wildfire recovery, livestock insurance considerations, and the importance of preparedness for producers across the Southern Plains.
February 24, 2026 12:28 PM
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