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Six Flags Great America was forced to shut down as smoke from Canada’s devastating wildfires continued to blanket parts of the US, creating unhealthy air conditions across the Chicago area.
Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor Chicago in Gurnee, Illinois, closed Friday over the unhealthy air quality conditions in Chicago due to the disaster, the company announced on its website.
Officials expect the park to reopen Saturday, pending improving conditions, according to People, citing a park spokesperson.
“Due to current air quality conditions and guidance from weather and safety experts, we have made the decision to close the park today,” the spokesperson said.
“We appreciate our guests’ understanding and patience, and will continue to monitor conditions as we plan to reopen tomorrow as scheduled.”
An air quality alert remains in effect across the Chicago area through Saturday night as smoke from wildfires burning in northern Ontario continues drifting south, according to ABC 7 Chicago.
Conditions in Chicago reached the “hazardous” category in the Air Quality Index Friday morning before improving to “unhealthy” later in the day — which warns “some members of the general public may experience health effects.”
On Thursday, the Windy City had the worst air quality of any major city in the world.
Canada had 859 active wildfires as of Thursday, including 113 classified as out of control, according to the Canadian government.
The smoke has affected large parts of the US, including the Great Lakes, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, exposing more than 100 million people to unhealthy air.
New York City continued to be impacted by the smoke Friday.
The city woke up under “unhealthy” skies, prompting health alerts as IQAir ranked New York fourth among major cities worldwide for the worst air quality.
Health officials advised residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, to stay indoors when possible and avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
President Trump threatened new tariffs on Canada over the wildfire smoke Friday, saying the country was failing to manage its forests.
“We are holding Canada responsible for the fact that they are not properly maintaining their Forests, and Brush therein,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“The United States is being unnecessarily invaded by filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air, the quality of which is dangerous, and totally unacceptable!
“I will call the Prime Minister during the day to find out what they are going to do about it. The cost is incalculable!”
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