The U.S. on Friday said Holtec's planned restart of the Palisades nuclear power plant in Michigan would not harm the environment, a needed step in its plan to become the first such plant to return from permanent shutdown.

Thousands have been forced to evacuate as wildfires spread across Canada. The blaze is also sending hazardous smoke toward the U.S.

"This is the largest evacuation Manitoba will have seen in most people's living memory," the province's premier said.