The U.S. Forest Service has surpassed its hiring targets for wildland firefighters this summer, with 11,550 seasonal staff ready. This comes as Western states face historically dry conditions and fast-moving wildfires, raising concerns among state officials about the impact of recent federal staff downsizing.
Meteorologists announced the formation of El Niño in a warmed Pacific Ocean, predicting it will reach historic strength and turbocharge extreme weather globally. NOAA confirmed its existence, forecasting a 63% chance of it ranking among the largest events since 1950.
Jonathan Rinderknecht is on trial for allegedly starting the destructive Palisades Fire in Los Angeles in January 2025, which killed 12 people. Prosecutors claim he acted out of revenge, while the defense argues he tried to help extinguish the blaze.
As extreme wildfire activity doubles, new safety solutions like the "Fort" refuge bunker and "HiberTec" hydraulic homes are emerging. Companies are developing innovative products, from fire-proof shelters to grass-clearing goats, driven by personal experiences with devastating fires.
Wildfires caused record financial damage in 2025, accounting for 38% of insured natural hazard losses globally. Despite a lower total area burned, fires hit populated areas with greater intensity, leading to ~90 deaths and ~300,000 evacuations across the US, South Korea, and Europe.
Seven active wildfires are burning near major oil sands sites in northern Alberta, raising fears of production disruption. While rain is forecast, the risk of new fires remains extreme, recalling past disruptions that significantly impacted Canada's crude oil output.
A 2025 study revealed that while global wildfire area decreased, wealthier regions like California, Canada, Europe, and South Korea experienced devastating fires, causing significant loss of life, homes, and infrastructure. Climate change is identified as a key factor exacerbating fire conditions.
This summer season will be the longest until 2037, lasting 106 days from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Meteorologists attribute this to calendar quirks, while climate change and El Niño are expected to bring hotter temperatures, increased wildfire risk, severe storms, and potential major hurricanes.
Vigili del fuoco in Cagliari intervened in multiple wildfires in the hinterland and surrounding countryside, some of which threatened homes and the Decimomannu Air Force base in southern Sardinia. No injuries reported.
A Venice homeowner's attempt to find a roommate quickly devolved into a tense dispute involving alleged vandalism, threats, and a restraining order application, highlighting tenant rights complexities.
A US Forest Service grant intended for wildfire prevention is delayed due to new federal policies requiring partners to adhere to "America First" initiatives like immigration and diversity hiring, preventing crucial controlled burns.
Two wildfires in South Florida's Everglades have spread to 5,600 and 300 acres, respectively, with 30% containment each; no serious injuries or property damage reported.
Faith leaders in Southern California are uniting after devastating twin wildfires that hit the region in January 2025 causing unprecedented losses
California’s top insurance regulator says the state is seeking millions of dollars in penalties from State Farm after an investigation found the insurance company violated state law while handling claims from the 2025 Los Angeles-area wildfires
Mid and West Wales fire and rescue service has been trying to extinguish fires in Elan valley since SundayFirefighters are struggling to control wildfires raging though the scenic Elan valley in mid-Wales for a fifth day.The Mid and West Wales fire and rescue service has been working to extinguish fires in and around the Powys beauty spot since Sunday. It is not yet clear how much damage the biodiverse area has suffered: 80% of the valley is designated as sites of special scientific interest, raising fears for flora and fauna. Continue reading...
A nature diary from the Scottish Highlands describing spring wildlife returns including pied wagtails, swallows, osprey and siskins, alongside concerns about red squirrels facing increased pine marten predation. The piece also covers a new bylaw effective 1 April banning barbecues and campfires in pinewoods, following devastating wildfires including one near Aviemore that destroyed 600 sq metres and last year's Dava Moor fire that engulfed 11,000 hectares.
Europe experienced its hottest year on record in 2025, with temperatures reaching 46C in Portugal, 30C inside the Arctic Circle, and 20 simultaneous large wildfires in Spain. The Copernicus Climate Change Service and World Meteorological Organization report warns that exceptional summers are becoming the norm as the continent warms faster than any other. Britain saw its hottest summer on record with £800m in farmer losses, while solar power reached record 12.5% of electricity generation.
Europe was the fastest-warming continent in 2025, with record temperatures including 46°C in Portugal and 30°C within the Arctic Circle. The European State of the Climate report documented exceptional heatwaves, record wildfire damage, and the UK's hottest summer on record, with scientists warning that extreme years are becoming the norm.
Around 95 firefighters continue to tackle wildfires in the Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland, with operations expected to continue throughout the week. The fires in Ballagh Road, Newcastle and Sandbank Road, Hilltown, have prompted evacuations of a caravan park and prompted warnings about the risk to properties. Stormont's Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has described the impact as real and significant, with rural arson being a criminal offence.
Two massive wildfires in southern Georgia have destroyed over 100 homes combined, with heavy rain over the weekend providing only temporary relief. The Pineland Road Fire has scorched 50+ square miles and 35 homes, while the Highway 82 Fire has destroyed 87 homes and is only 6% contained. Investigators believe the Highway 82 blaze was sparked by a foil balloon hitting power lines, while the Pineland Road fire started from welding sparks. Dead vegetation from Hurricane Helene in September 2024 has fueled the fires amid extreme drought conditions.
Wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes and floods fueled by manmade climate change are changing the housing industry. That's because people seeking to rebuild in disaster-prone regions are turning away from stick-builds and embracing prefabricated homes that can withstand fire and extreme weather.
One of two large wildfires in southeastern Georgia continues to grow and now exceeds 31 square miles
A preliminary magnitude-6.1 earthquake has struck northern Japan early Monday, local time, the US Geological Survey has reported, but there are no immediate reports of fatalities or damage.
One of two large wildfires in southeastern Georgia continues to grow and now exceeds 31 square miles.
