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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018%20California%20wildfires

2018 California wildfires

The 2018 wildfire season was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire season in California history. It was also the largest on record at the time, now third after the 2020 and 2021 California wildfire seasons. In 2018, there were a total of 103 confirmed fatalities, 24,226 structures damaged or destroyed, and 8,527 fires burning , about 2% of the state's 100 million acres of land. Through the end of August 2018, Cal Fire alone spent $432 million on operations. The catastrophic Camp Fire alone killed at least 85 people, destroyed 18,804 buildings and caused $16.5 billion in property damage, while overall the fires resulted in at least $26.347 billion in property damage and firefighting costs, including $25.4 billion in property damage and $947 million in fire suppression costs. In mid-July to August 2018, a series of large wildfires erupted across California, mostly in the northern part of the state. On August 4, 2018, a national disaster was declared in Northern California, due to the extensive wildfires burning there. The Carr Fire in July and August 2018 caused more than $1.5 billion (2018 USD) in property damage. The Mendocino Complex Fire burned more than , becoming the largest complex fire in the state's history at the time, with the complex's Ranch Fire surpassing the Thomas Fire and the Santiago Canyon Fire of 1889 to become California's single-largest recorded wildfire. In September 2020, the August Complex surpassed the Mendocino Complex to become California's single-largest recorded wildfire. In November 2018, strong winds aggravated conditions in another round of large, destructive fires that occurred across the state. This new batch of wildfires included the Woolsey Fire and the Camp Fire. The Camp Fire destroyed the town of Paradise and killed at least 85 people, with 1 still unaccounted for as of August 2, 2019. The Camp Fire destroyed more than 18,000 structures, becoming both California's deadliest and most destructive wildfire on record. AccuWeather estimated the total economic cost of the 2018 wildfires at $400 billion (2018 USD), which includes property damage, firefighting costs, direct and indirect economic losses, as well as recovery expenditures. Another study, published two years after the fires, estimated the total damages at $148.5 billion, including capital losses, health costs and indirect losses. Causes Several factors led to the destructiveness of the 2018 California wildfire season. A combination of increased fuel loading and atmospheric conditions influenced by global warming led to a series of destructive fires. Primary causes of wildfire vary geographically based on many factors, such as topography. For example, characteristically dense forests in the Sierra Nevada Mountains harbor fuel-driven fires while the open central valley from the south Bay Area to San Diego County are more prone to wind-driven fire over dry grasslands. Increase in fuel A direct contributor to the 2018 California wildfires was an increase in dead tree fuel. By December 2017, there was a record 129 million dead trees in California. Tree mortality is linked to a period during the 2010s of "anomalously warm droughts" that were severe and long-lasting enough to stand out even amongst California's existing history of wildfires and exceptionally dry conditions. One study focused on the concentrated mortality of densely populated conifers of the Sierra Nevada "found that die-off was closely tied to multi-year deep-rooting-zone drying" and that severity of that dryness can be used to predict mortality. Such drought leaves trees stressed for water, which makes them susceptible to beetle infestation and exacerbates tree mortality further. Drought intensity lessened in California by 2017, but the effects of tree mortality linger for years. One study expresses a lack of sufficient data to confidently determine the rate of coniferous tree decay in the Sierra Nevada. Nonetheless, it is a gradual process, and the remaining dead tree matter is an optimal fuel source for future wild fires. Atmospheric conditions Stanford Earth System Science Professor Noah Diffenbaugh stated that atmospheric conditions for California wildfires are expected to worsen in the future because of the effects of climate change in California and that "what we're seeing over the last few years in terms of the wildfire season in California [is] very consistent with the historical trends in terms of increasing temperatures, increasing dryness, and increasing wildfire risk." Other experts agreed, saying that global warming is to blame for these extreme weather conditions. Global warming has led to higher temperatures and longer summers, creating a drier landscape that gave fires more fuel to burn longer and stronger. Research published August 2018 predicted an increase in the number of wildfires in California as a consequence of climate change. However, from a historical perspective, it has been estimated that prior to 1850, about 4.5 million acres (17,000 km2) burned yearly, in fires that lasted for months. Residential construction in the wildland-urban interface A wildland–urban interface (or WUI) refers to the zone of transition between unoccupied land and human development. Communities that are within 0.5 miles (0.80  km) of the zone may also be included. These lands and communities adjacent to and surrounded by wildlands are at risk of wildfires. Since the 1990s, over 43% of new residential buildings have been constructed in this area. In some areas, the amount of new residences in those areas is 80%. In the past, when these areas burned, no residences were lost, but now residences are present, which end up being destroyed. Furthermore, a "century of successful fire suppression" performed in an attempt to protect forests and those living in WUIs has also disrupted natural cycles of disturbance and renewed succession of an ecosystem by allowing fuel to reach abnormal density levels discussed above. Air quality Northern California and the Central Valley saw drastic increases in air pollutants during the height of the July and August fires, while Southern California also experienced an increase in air pollution in August. Air quality in Northern and Central California remained poor until mid-September 2018, when fire activity was drastically diminished. However, during the November Camp Fire, air quality diminished again, with the majority of the Bay Area being subjected to air quality indexes (AQIs) of 200 and above, in the "unhealthy" region. Wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than , or produced significant structural damage or loss of life. Fatalities On June 4, the Panoche Fire broke out, in a series of three blazes that started in the San Benito County area. While the Panoche incident was the smallest of the three fires, burning only , the remains of three people were found in a destroyed camping trailer in the burn area. The remains were believed to belong to a mother, a toddler, and an infant. On July 14, a Cal Fire bulldozer operator was killed while fighting the Ferguson Fire, becoming the first firefighter death of the season. On July 23, the Carr Fire broke out after a vehicle malfunctioned. While the Carr Fire burned in rural areas of Shasta County for the first few days, it crossed the Sacramento River and entered the city limits of Redding, California on the evening of July 26. By the next morning, two firefighters and four civilians had been killed. On July 29, a firefighter with the National Park Service was killed after a dead tree fell and struck him, while he was fighting the Ferguson Fire. He was "treated on scene, but died before he could be taken to the hospital". On August 4, a Pacific Gas and Electric Company employee was killed in a vehicle incident while working to restore services to areas impacted by the Carr Fire. On August 9, a Cal Fire heavy equipment mechanic was killed in a traffic incident while working at the Carr Fire. On August 13, a firefighter was killed while fighting the Mendocino Complex Fire. On November 8, 2018, 85 civilians were killed by the Camp Fire, while three firefighters were injured. The number dead had been listed at 87, lowered to 85 by early December when it was discovered one victim was put in several bags. Three people also died during the Woolsey Fire near Malibu. Response efforts Direct Relief provided emergency, firefighting and medical supplies medications to first responders and affected communities. Verizon Wireless data throttling In August 2018, the Santa Clara County Fire Department raised claims against Verizon Wireless that their "unlimited" data service had been throttled while the fire department was attempting to contain the Mendocino Complex Fire. The Verizon contract stated that the department's plan would be throttled down to 200 kbit/s or 600 kbit/s once the department had used 25 GB in a single month. However, the contract stated that the usage related throttling would not apply in certain emergency situations, such as wildfire containment operations. The plan remained throttled, despite the department's notification to Verizon regarding the situation. Gallery See also List of California wildfires October 2017 Northern California wildfires December 2017 Southern California wildfires Climate change in California References External links Current fire information  — California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) SDSC WiFire Interactive Map — San Diego Supercomputer Center California, 2018 2018 Effects of climate change

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018%20United%20Kingdom%20wildfires

2018 United Kingdom wildfires

Starting on 24 June 2018 and continuing throughout the summer, a record-breaking series of wildfires burned across the United Kingdom. The two largest fires, which were declared major incidents, burned over each and broke out on Saddleworth Moor in Greater Manchester and Winter Hill in Lancashire. Other large fires broke out in Glenshane Pass in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland (640 acres), Epping Forest, in London and in the Vale of Rheidol in Ceredigion, Wales. The Saddleworth Moor fire has been described as the largest English wildfire in living memory. Most of the wildfires occurred during the first official heatwave in the United Kingdom since June 2017, with temperatures reaching above for several days, making the hottest June in the country since 1995, and the driest June for over ten years in large parts of the United Kingdom, exacerbating the crisis. A wildfire started on the Staffordshire Moorlands on 9 August and, despite rain, had spread to cover 219 acres by 11 August. Some hot spots were still burning as at 22 August. In total, there were 79 fires over the course of the year, a new record. However, the record was beaten in 2019 with 96 fires as of April 23. Background June 2018 was the driest on record for some parts of the UK, as a result of a persistent strong Azores High that blocked Atlantic low-pressure weather systems from reaching the British Isles and bringing rainfall. For much of the time, a strong anticlockwise wind circulation around Britain and Ireland caused a strong warm anticyclone there. As a result, in the lead-up to the outbreak of wildfires across the country, many areas were unusually dry. Drought conditions were reported in parts of the country by the end of the month, with NI Water introducing a hosepipe ban in Northern Ireland from 6 pm on 29 June, the first hosepipe ban in the area since 1995. Towards the end of the month, prolonged high pressure moving in from southern Europe brought with it a prolonged period of high temperatures, marking the first official heat wave in the United Kingdom since June 2017. Temperatures of over were reported widely in all four nations of the United Kingdom for the first time since July 2013, with June 2018 becoming the warmest June month since 1995. On 26 June, a high of was recorded at Porthmadog in Gwynedd, Wales, making it the hottest day of the year so far for the United Kingdom. Porthmadog continued to break temperature records on subsequent days, reaching on 27 June and then on 28 June. By 6 July, the heatwave, which had lasted just over two weeks, was the longest in the United Kingdom since July 2013. The drought conditions were exacerbated by May 2018 being the warmest since 2008 and the driest since 2011. It was especially dry in parts of Northern England, where rainfall was the lowest. Fires Member of Parliament Jonathan Reynolds, Shadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said ministers would “need to look seriously at our capacity to deal with these kinds of fires in future, including military capacity we might have lost in recent years”. Saddleworth Moor Fire first broke out on Saddleworth Moor, between Sheffield and Manchester, on 24 June 2018, but that fire was extinguished later that same day. But the next day, pockets of the fire re-ignited, perhaps from burning of peat which had dried out deep; this began to burn out of control from 26 June, and a major incident was declared that day. By 27 June, the moorland fire had grown to cover over and remained uncontained. Rapidly changing wind speed and direction helped the fire to spread quickly across the dry moorland and complicated efforts to fight the fire, which split into several fronts moving in different directions. Dry peat is also making fighting the fire difficult, as the fire can continue to smoulder underground after being extinguished at the surface, re-igniting the surface later. After a major incident was declared on 26 June and with the fire rapidly approaching populated areas, around 150 people were evacuated from 50 homes close to the advancing fire, including 34 homes on Calico Crescent in Carrbrook, Stalybridge; it is thought to be the first time a wildfire has forced such an evacuation to take place in the United Kingdom. In the House of Commons on 26 June, Prime Minister Theresa May told MPs that the government was keeping the situation on Saddleworth Moor under "constant review" following the declaration of a major incident in response to the wildfires. Speaking at the scene of the fire on 27 June, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said that a summertime fire on Saddleworth Moor "isn't unusual", but that the size and scale of this fire "is unlike anything we've seen before". Later that afternoon, assistant chief fire officer of the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Dave Keelan formally requested military assistance in tackling the fire, including the provision of high-pressure water lines and transportation of firefighters towards front lines, plus Chinook helicopters to transport water pumps up the mountain. The fire was near to a densely populated area of northern England. Satellite imagery showed smoke drifting towards Sheffield and Leeds on 25 June, before the wind direction changed and the smoke cloud was redirected over Manchester and towards Liverpool on 26–27 June. As a result, air quality levels across Greater Manchester dropped due to smoke and ash drifting across the city from the fire, forming a widespread haze at ground level. Emergency services supplied dust masks to residents living closest to the fire, in Stalybridge and surrounding areas, on 27 June; four local schools – three primary schools and a secondary school – were closed, and residents were advised to keep their doors and windows closed. One GP at a Manchester surgery told BBC News that he had treated numerous people suffering from respiratory illnesses relating to the fire, including nosebleeds, coughs and eye problems. On 27 June, the burning caused particle pollution to reach as far away as Wigan, Warrington and St Helens - 37 miles away. This pollution reached an eight out of ten on the air quality index. As night fell on 27 June 29 fire engines and more than 100 firefighters were at the scene of the fire, including crews from Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Derbyshire; two helicopters were in use, and had so far dropped more than 65,000 gallons of water on the fire from above. The Salvation Army arrived at the scene, handing out 1000 bottles of water, 600 Mars bars and sandwiches made from 40 loaves of bread to firefighters. Other charities and individuals brought much food and drinking water to the fire sites. After three weeks, on 18 July, it was declared the fire was extinguished. In total of moorland were burned and the Manchester fire service declared it one of the busiest periods it has ever faced. Aside from the extensive firefighting effort also recent rainfall had led to the final declaration of the fire being extinguished. One wildlife expert said the effects of the fire could last for up to fifteen years. Winter Hill A large wildfire broke out on Winter Hill, north of Bolton in Lancashire, at around 3:20 pm on Thursday 28 June 2018; near the Winter Hill transmitting station. Initially, five fire engines from Greater Manchester and seven from the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service were sent to tackle the blaze with specialist fire-fighting equipment. They were supported by firefighting teams from United Utilities and volunteers and vehicles from Bolton Mountain Rescue Team, and later other local volunteer teams including Lancaster Area Search and Rescue. By nightfall, that fire had reached more in size with a total of fifteen fire crews from Lancashire trying to stop the fire from spreading. The next day, fire services were also assisted by a United Utilities helicopter which was dropping tonnes of water from the nearby Rivington Reservoirs onto the fire. At the time huge plumes of smoke from the moors could be seen from as far away as Wigan, and was measured on pollution instruments as far away as Blackpool. People who were affected by the smoke were advised to keep windows closed and doors shut. The fire also caused a number of roads and footpaths in the area to be closed due to public safety, with firefighters later setting up a 'four-mile no-go zone' around the affected area. Elsewhere, on 29 June at 2 am other wildfires started near Horrocks Moor Farm, on Scout Road in Bolton. Separately, fifty firefighters were sent there - where the fire was reportedly long. On 30 June it was reported this fire had merged with the fire on Winter Hill, and as result the two official fire incidents became one and a major incident was declared. The proximity of the fire to the broadcasting equipment at Winter Hill transmitting station, which has the second greatest coverage of any UK transmitter at around 7 million people, led to fears that it may disrupt television and radio services. The transmitter's owners, Arqiva, issued a statement for radio stations in the area to be on standby and prepare for any interruptions in broadcast. By 2 July 2018, the fire covered over six square miles with up to one hundred firefighters and more than 20 fire engines tackling the blaze. The continuing response was also being supported by volunteers from Bolton Mountain Rescue Team, Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team and Rossendale & Pendle Mountain Rescue Team. That day Andy Burnham visited the site of the fire and said that he would be speaking to the Home Secretary Sajid Javid about the incident and that he wanted to ensure "all necessary resources are available". The fire was brought under control on 16 July, in total it had spread over . The fire service said there was "still significant work to do" as peat was still burning underground and despite recent rainfall even by 23 July the fire was not fully out. The fire service were digging into the ground to make sure the water reaches the burning peat. On 29 June 2018 a 22-year-old man was arrested for arson with intent to endanger life, on suspicion of starting the initial Winter Hill fire. On 1 July a police helicopter, which was patrolling the area, spotted several people setting grass fires alight in the Healey Nab area close to Winter Hill. Tony Crook, from the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, has stated that “Police are now attending that scene, to try to apprehend those arsonists”. Glenshane Pass A large gorse fire broke out in the Glenshane Pass area of the Sperrins in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, in the early hours of 27 June 2018; the first call to emergency services came at 04:57 am. By the end of the day, five separate fires in the pass had rapidly grown to cover an area of over in total, with firefighters struggling to reach the fire due to extremely high temperatures; elsewhere in Northern Ireland, temperatures reached 29.6 °C on 27 June, marking the hottest June day in the province since 1995. After attempting unsuccessfully to reach the isolated fire on foot for more than an hour during the daytime, firefighters eventually had to be airlifted into the area by helicopter later in the day as temperatures dropped. Her Majesty's Coastguard and Forest Service Northern Ireland were deployed to assist crews from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service with tackling the Glenshane Pass fire, with the Coastguard providing helicopters to transport firefighters to and from the scene and drop water on the fire from above. Multiple fire crews from Ballymena, Cookstown, Dungiven, Kilrea, Maghera and Magherafelt fire stations were sent to the scene of the fire, alongside a specialist Command Support Unit from Belfast. Roads through the Glenshane Pass remained open during the fire, although smoke hindered visibility, with the Northern Ireland Weather and Flood Advisory Service warning motorists to take care and prepare for possible short-notice travel disruption. Vale of Rheidol On 26 June 2018, two crews from the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service responded to a large grass and, later, forest fire alongside the A4120 in the Vale of Rheidol close to Aberystwyth in Ceredigion. The road remained open during the fire. The first calls to emergency services regarding the fire were logged at around 11:30 am, with temperatures in the area reaching 30 °C on what was the hottest day of the year to date for that area. The wildfire caused the suspension of heritage rail services on the preserved Vale of Rheidol Railway, with 150 passengers stuck on a train close to Devil's Bridge railway station having to be rescued and returned to Aberystwyth by bus. Rail services remained suspended the following day as fire crews continued to fight the fire in a valley close to the railway line. Owing to the fire's inaccessibility by road, a specialised Permaquip road-railer was sent to tackle the conflagration from the railway line, although it is now largely being left to burn itself out. The cause of the wildfire has not yet been determined. Mynydd Cilgwyn On 2 July about 15 homes were evacuated as more than 40 firefighters fought a mile-long mountain fire in Gwynedd. The North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the gorse blaze, at Mynydd Cilgwyn in Carmel, was one of several fires the service was attending. It also had crews at fires in Talsarnau, Rhiw, Llanycil and Bangor Mountain in Gwynedd and Newborough Forest, Anglesey. It said a village hall would be used as a rest centre for residents affected. Epping Forest Forty pumps and 225 firefighters from the London Fire Brigade attended a large fire on Wanstead Flats and Leyton Flats, part of Epping Forest on the 15 July 2018. 110 calls were made to the fire service and the fire burnt 100 hectares (247 acres). 100 firefighters had to remain for two days to dampen down the ground. The fire was a threat to a large residential area, over 100 people were evacuated, and one firefighter was injured. Somerset A number of wildfires were reported in Somerset. In the early hours of 26 June, three crews from the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service attended two unrelated garden fires in Peasedown St John; later that day, a grass fire was reported on nearby Keel's Hill, forcing the closure of the nearby Bath Road. Several bus routes were cancelled or diverted as a result. At around 10:35 am on 27 June, a grass fire broke out on an embankment alongside the A4174 Ring Road, Longwell Green which was closed for several hours as a result as crews from the Avon Fire and Rescue Service brought the fire under control. Footage of the fire filmed from a passing lorry later went viral on Facebook. Staffordshire From late afternoon on 30 June, up to 45 firefighters from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service batted a blaze between Thorncliffe, Shawfield and Royal Cottage in the Staffordshire Moorlands. A further fire broke out in woodland near Alton Towers on 2 July. A separate wildfire broke out over a month later, on the afternoon of 9 August at Upper Hulme. This continued to burn the rest of the month and, at its height, covered a significantly larger area than the two earlier fires in the county. Despite a period of rain, which initially helped, windy conditions meant the fire spread to cover 219 acres by 11 August. Smoke from the fire had reached Sheffield and parts of North Derbyshire, 28 miles away. Devon Later on the morning of 27 June, a large fire broke out at a landfill site in Burlescombe, Devon. Powys On 27 June, a small grass fire broke out on Breidden Hill close to Admiral Rodney's Pillar, between Welshpool and Llanymynech in Powys. A crew from the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended the wildfire, arriving at 11:52 am, and it was contained within two hours; the cause of the fire is not currently known. Ben Bhraggie Firefighters were called in the early hours of 7 July to a fire near the Duke of Sutherland monument. The fire was at a tree plantation near Golspie, Sutherland and smoke from it covered a wide area. Worcestershire First broke out on 2 July 2018 on Beacon Hill and at Earnslaw Quarry. Thirty firefighters attended and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was in a "difficult location". Six fire engines and crews, from Malvern, Worcestershire, Worcester, Upton-upon-Severn, Droitwich, Whitchurch, Ledbury and Ross-on-Wye, attended, plus two restricted access vehicles and a water carrier. It said officers had been called to 17 grass fires in the past fortnight. Yorkshire South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue attended two large grass fires on 27 June. The first, off Crookes Lane in Carlton, Barnsley, was reported at around 3 pm and was contained by 7:30 pm, and is believed to have been started deliberately. The second, in Middlewood, Sheffield, was first reported at around 8 pm, sending smoke billowing across the city. Between 28 June and 1 July, the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) responded to 678 incidents, of which 438 incidents (65% of all callouts) were in relation to wildfires. This included 99 separate wildfire incidents in West Yorkshire on 28 June alone. One particularly severe wildfire broke out on a hillside above Old Lane in Boothtown, Halifax on 1 July, burning within of three residential blocks of flats on Canterbury Crescent before being brought under control. In a press release on 2 July, the WYFRS described the ongoing series of wildfires across the county as "unprecedented". On 2 September, a bushfire broke out in the Parkwood Springs area in the north of Sheffield. The wildfire, which was later determined to have been caused by arson, burned for around five hours before being contained. The fire destroyed around of steep hillside shrubland habitat on the hills above the city, as well as numerous buildings and structures at the abandoned Sheffield Ski Village site. Wiltshire On 2 July 2018, fire crews were called to a fire in Dinton, Wiltshire. The fire broke out in a field off Hinton Road with the blaze encompassing around of land. The farmer helped firefighters by using a plough to create a fire break to stop the flames from spreading. Firefighters also dampened the hedges around to also prevent spreading. Highlands A wildfire occurred near Temple Pier in Drumnadrochit of the Highlands on 2 September 2018. Other impacts The Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, Ruth George (Member of Parliament for High Peak), and others called for the cancellation of The Lights Fest, a mass release of sky lanterns scheduled to be held on 28 July at Buxton Raceway, near the Derbyshire moors. Event organisers responded by stating that the type of lanterns used did not pose a fire risk, but the event was eventually cancelled. See also List of wildfires 2018 British Isles heat wave References 2018 disasters in the United Kingdom 2010s fires in the United Kingdom 2018 fires in Europe United Kindgom July 2018 events in the United Kingdom June 2018 events in the United Kingdom September 2018 events in the United Kingdom 2018

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018%20Oregon%20wildfires

2018 Oregon wildfires

Wildfires in the U.S. state of Oregon in 2018 include the Boxcar Fire, Graham Fire, and Jack Knife Fire. In July, one person was killed by the Substation Fire, which also destroyed the Charles E. Nelson House. Wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than 1,000 acres, or produced significant structural damage or loss of life. References

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildfires%20in%202018

Wildfires in 2018

The 2018 wildfire season involves wildfires on multiple continents. An extremely rare event occurred when wildfires broke out north of the Arctic Circle in Scandinavia, with one burning on the Russia–Finland border near the Barents Sea on July 20. By the end of the calendar year, the fires in British Columbia had burned more area than in any prior recorded year; and California experienced the single largest (by area) fire on record, and a fire destroyed more structures than in any other in modern history. Similarly, the UK saw the most wildfires ever recorded in a single year, at 76, while Greece saw the deadliest wildfires in its history, with 102 casualties. Below is a partial list of articles on wildfires from around the world in the year 2018. Asia 2018 Russian wildfires Europe 2018 Attica wildfires, Greece 2018 Sweden wildfires 2018 United Kingdom wildfires North America A U.S. national state of emergency was declared on July 28 due to the California fires, which had killed at least six people. In August, the Mendocino Complex Fire became the second largest fire in California history and the Mendocino Complex Fire became the state's largest. Fires in British Columbia were the second worst in the history of the province, with over burned. 2018 British Columbia wildfires, Canada 2018 California wildfires 2018 Montana wildfires 2018 Nevada wildfires 2018 Oregon wildfires 2018 Utah wildfires 2018 Washington wildfires Oceania 2017–18 Australian bushfire season References External links 2018 2018-related lists

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018%20British%20Columbia%20wildfires

2018 British Columbia wildfires

By the end of June 2018, there had been more than 560 wildfires in British Columbia. The Comstock Lake fire, discovered on June 21, was caused by lightning. By July 6, it had grown to and was not fully contained. At one point over 200 personnel were fighting the fire complex. The Tugwell Creek fire near Sooke grew to , and was 10% contained by July 4. The fire threatened millions of honeybees at Tugwell Creek Honey Farm and Meadery. It was fully contained on July 9. The Shovel Fire, started on July 27, burned at least , and was still active as of August 20. Thick smoke harmed efforts to contain the fire. A human-caused fire at Nanaimo Lakes, discovered on July 1, reached 14.5 hectares by July 4. A total of 2,115 wildfires burned of land in 2018 as of November 9. As of August 28, initial estimates put 2018 as the largest burn-area in a British Columbia wildfire season, surpassing the historic 2017 wildfire season (1,216,053 total hectares). The total land burned in 2018 represented about ~1.4% of the total area of the province. Smoke Wildfires caused severe smoke to cover much of British Columbia. It has impacted tourism and cancelled flights. The smoke spread across Canada and as far as Ireland. In Prince George, British Columbia smoke orange sky at 8:40 AM, and 9:10 AM turns into midnight from wildfires. Then 3 PM in Grande Prairie, Alberta thick layered smoke plume generated by the fire which turned day into night during the afternoon of that day at the location. See also List of disasters in Canada List of fires in Canada List of fires in British Columbia List of wildfires References British Columbia Wildfires in British Columbia Wildfires British Columbia wildfires British Columbia wildfires British Columbia wildfires British Columbia wildfires

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018%20Montana%20wildfires

2018 Montana wildfires

The 2018 wildfire season in Montana began around June, 2018. The Highway 37 Fire is a fire above Montana Highway 37 west of Libby, Montana at , near a Superfund site which is a former vermiculite mine. It was spotted on July 19. Firefighters needed to wear respirators to protect themselves from exposure to asbestos mixed with duff and bark by mining operations and mobilized by the fire. The Reynolds Lake Fire, caused by lightning on July 17, straddles the Bitterroot National Forest and Salmon-Challis National Forest southwest of Darby, Montana at . It reached over in extent by July 22. References Wildfires Wildfires in Montana Lincoln County, Montana

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018%20Attica%20wildfires

2018 Attica wildfires

A series of wildfires in Greece, during the 2018 European heat wave, began in the coastal areas of Attica in July 2018. 104 people were confirmed dead from the Mati fires. The fires were the second-deadliest wildfire event in the 21st century, after the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires in Australia that killed 173. Over 700 residents were evacuated or rescued, mainly from the seaside settlements located north of the port town of Rafina, namely Kokkino Limanaki and Mati, where rescuers found 26 corpses trapped just meters away from the sea, apparently hugging each other as they died. Boats also recovered corpses from the water, and rescued hundreds of people from beaches and the sea. Two people drowned when the boat rescuing them from a hotel in Mati capsized. Μore than 4,000 residents were affected by the wildfires. The Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras declared a state of emergency in Attica, and announced a three-day period of national mourning, stating in a televised address, "The country is going through an unspeakable tragedy". After the fires, flags atop the Acropolis and the Greek parliament flew at half mast. The European flags at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels also flew at half mast in honour of the victims. Many countries worldwide helped or offered aid to Greece. A 65-year-old man from Penteli has been arrested for causing the fire through negligence, by burning wood in his garden. Fires On 23 July 2018 at 13:00 Eastern European Time, a wildfire started west of Athens near Kineta. A few hours later, a second wildfire started burning at the north of Athens near Penteli. Due to very strong wind gusts in the area both wildfires spread quickly which were up to , 12 Beaufort. The fire in Kineta burned houses in the area, while the fire in Penteli headed east towards the beach, where it started burning parts of Neos Voutzas, Mati and Kokkino Limanaki just north of the town of Rafina and as far as its northern fringes. Impact The flames were so intense that they trapped and burned people inside their houses, cars, or a few meters away from the beach. Thousands of vehicles and houses were destroyed before the fire was brought under control hours later. An entire summer camp with 620 children was evacuated in an overnight operation. Many animals, wild and domestic, died or were injured. The fires were the second-deadliest wildfire event to have occurred worldwide since 2001, after the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires in Australia that killed 180. In addition, the wildfires were also the sixth-deadliest to have occurred in the one-hundred years prior to the event. Only the Black Saturday bushfires of 2009, the Black Dragon Fire of 1987, the Indonesian forest fires of 1997, the Cloquet Fire of 1918, and the Kursha-2 Fire of 1936 had a higher death toll. Casualties and damage As of October 2022, 104 people were confirmed dead; the dead were identified as 50 women, 43 men, and 11 children (one infant). The youngest was 6 months and the oldest 93 years old. The dead were 98 Greek, two Polish, one Irish, one Belgian, one Georgian nationals and one unidentified. The last victim died in October 2022, from health problems due to the fire. At least 164 adults and 23 children were taken to hospital with injuries, including 11 adults in serious condition. It was also reported that at least 15 of the injured later died in the hospital. Thousands of vehicles, 4,000 homes, and 40,000 pine and olive trees were burned; the fire destroyed Mati and nearby Kokkino Limanaki. About 400 people waded deep into the sea and waited hours to be rescued. Temperatures reached 800 °C, fanned by gale-force winds. Cause On 26 July 2018, the Mayor of Penteli, Dimitris Stergiou, claimed that the deadly fire that hit Mati in eastern Attica began from a damaged cable at a utility pole. In a press conference held on 26 July, Nikos Toskas, the Alternate Minister of Public Order and Citizen Protection, said that there are strong indications of arson, for the fires both in Kineta and Penteli. The defence minister Panos Kammenos said illegal constructions had exacerbated the situation. The arson investigation department of the Hellenic Fire Service dismissed the arson theory on 27 July, stating the fire was probably started due to wood being burnt in Daou, Penteli. Kathimerini said the suspect's name was already known. A video obtained from a home security camera by the newspaper, showed that a fire started in a clearing near houses in Daou at 4:41 p.m. and quickly spread due to the wind. A 65-year old resident of the area was charged with multiple manslaughter, causing criminal harm through negligence and negligent arson. He is suspected of causing the fire after burning wood in his garden. Reconstruction plans The Mayor of Athens Giorgios Kaminis was in constant communication with the local authorities of the municipalities affected by the wildfires. The City of Athens commissioned a study to research and proposed an actionable and resilient reforestation plan, as well as collect funding through the Athens Partnership for those impacted. During reconstruction and rescue around the wildfires Greek citizens, businesses and organizations banded together to aid one another. Businesses handed out free food and water to victims and first responders, organizations such as the Hellenic Center for Disease Prevention and Control launched donation drives, and citizens opened their homes for those impacted, both independently and through Airbnb. Aftermath In March 2019 a report was produced detailing many mistakes made by the authorities: mismanagement by police and fire services, and a lack of coordination between rescue agencies, had caused "chaos and a collapse of the system... criminal mistakes and omissions". During the wildfire of Mati, several prominent Greek news outlets did not cover the incident as an environmental issue, but rather a political event. The Prime Minister visited Mati weeks after the fire, and promised to create a "model town" within a year. However, after a year, the town was not yet rebuilt and the land remained scorched. Home owners had by then received compensation of up to €6,000, but there were significant difficulties in getting permission to carry out repair work. Several residents started private court cases against the government. In August 2021 similar wildfires struck large parts of Greece and Turkey, following a period of exceptionally high temperatures of up to 47 °C, albeit a general absence of strong or even medium winds. International assistance Greece appealed for help from other countries to help tackle the fires and deal with the emergency situation by submitting a request through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism for international assistance with air and land assets. European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management arrived in Athens on 24 July to coordinate the EU assistance being provided to Greece through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism, helped mobilize planes, vehicles, medical personnel and firefighters from the EU countries. The EU's Copernicus satellite system has also been activated to provide the authorities with highly specialized maps. The Greek minister Nikos Toskas said never before have there been so many offers to assist firefighting efforts, lauding the solidarity other countries have shown. The following countries responded: – in financial aid to deal with the emergency situation. – Offered assistance if needed. – Offered assistance if needed. – Two Canadair CL-415 water-tanker planes. – Fire engines, personnel and in financial aid. – Two Canadair CL-415 water-tanker planes. – 6,000,000 denars (about ) in financial aid in dealing with the emergency situation. – Two teams of the State Fire Service were provided to support the rescue and fire-fighting operation. – Portugal has offered the assistance of 50 firefighters, in the scope of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. – A C-27 J Spartan airplane configured for firefighting and a C-130 Hercules aircraft for logistic support, as well as a total of 20 soldiers. – Two Canadair CL-415 water-tanker planes. – Surveillance of the wildfires with drones, to help spot and fight fires more quickly. See also 2007 Greek forest fires 2009 Greek forest fires 2012 Chios Forest Fire List of deadliest wildfires References External links EMSR300: Forest Fires in Attika, Greece (damage grading and delineation maps) – Copernicus Emergency Management Service July 2018 events in Europe 2018 in Greece Wildfires in Greece 2018 wildfires History of Attica 2018 disasters in Greece

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018%20Sweden%20wildfires

2018 Sweden wildfires

In the summer of 2018, a large number of wildfires (primarily forest fires) occurred throughout much of Sweden. According to the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, they are the most serious in the country in modern history. The summer was unusually warm and dry, significantly raising the risk of fire. Firefighters from multiple countries were involved in fighting the fires. Many people were evacuated from their homes, but there were no fatalities. Heatwave and cause of fire Sweden experienced an unusually long heatwave and had only of rain from the beginning of May to late July. May 2018 was the warmest May and July 2018 was the warmest July ever recorded in Sweden. As of mid-July, temperatures in Scandinavia were more than above normal. Several of the fires were started by people using disposable barbecues, though bans on these were in place due to the weather conditions. Some were started by lightning strikes. Wildfires also occurred in the neighbouring countries Denmark, Finland and Norway, but no casualties due to wildfires were reported in Scandinavia. Timeline The first significant wildfires in Sweden were recorded in May, and by 23 July there were more than fifty, covering . The fires were distributed throughout much of Sweden, ranging from north of the Arctic Circle to the southernmost county of Scania. The largest areas lost to fire are in Gävleborg and Jämtland, each , followed by Dalarna at and Västernorrland at . Based on data from the last decade, the expected number of wildfires in July would be three. It is highly unusual for areas of this size to be affected by wildfires (both individual fires and total size of all), but historically there have been larger, notably in 1888 where burned. Most affected areas in 2018 have relatively low human population densities, but it was still necessary to evacuate many people from several villages. In areas not under risk of fire but affected by smoke thousands of people were asked to stay indoors and close their windows. In addition to the country's firefighters and civilian volunteers, Sweden's armed forces were involved, mostly providing manpower and equipment such as helicopters. Locally the air force also used aerial bombings by JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets to make firebreaks and draw oxygen from the wildfires. By June, several fires were out of control and Sweden requested help from neighbouring countries and via the European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism. Sweden received help from Denmark (firefighters and equipment), Estonia (firefighters and equipment), France (soldiers, firefighters, water bombing aircraft), Finland (firefighters), Germany (firefighters, helicopters), Italy (water bombing aircraft), Lithuania (helicopter), Norway (firefighters and equipment, water bombing helicopters), Poland (firefighters and equipment), and Portugal (water bombing aircraft). In late July, Sweden received its first significant rain in months. Combined with firefighting, this meant that fires generally were reduced, although new ones continued to appear. This, along with the high risk of fire elsewhere in Europe, meant that firefighters from most countries had returned to their own countries by 30 July, although the Danish remained on active duty in Sweden into August. Some water bombing aircraft returned to their own countries, but others remained in Sweden. 2019 In March, several wildfires occurred in the south of Sweden. According to the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, the risk of fire was unusually high for the time of year. References External links The wildfires - current situation Dagens Nyheter (Swedish) 2018 wildfires Fires in Sweden Natural disasters in Sweden July 2018 events in Sweden 2018 in Sweden Climate change in Sweden

57995832

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018%20Russian%20wildfires

2018 Russian wildfires

Dry, warm conditions in the spring set the stage for fires in Siberia in May 2018. History In mid-July 2018, smoke from the fires could be seen by satellites reaching North America. The Siberian Times reported were burning. On July 24, the U.S. National Weather Service said smoke had crossed the Canada-U.S. border and reached Bellingham, Washington. Siberian fires were partly blamed by Environment Canada which issued an air quality statement on July 25 for Prince George, BC. On July 29, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency stated the Puget Sound region would experience "moderate air quality at times with some upper level smoke making for pretty sunsets. This smoke comes from distant fires, mostly originating from Siberia." See also 2021 Russian wildfires 2019 Russian wildfires 2015 Russian wildfires 2010 Russian wildfires 1987 Black Dragon fire List of wildfires § Russia List of heat waves References 2018 disasters in Russia 2018 wildfires Wildfires in Russia Natural disasters in Siberia May 2018 events in Russia June 2018 events in Russia July 2018 events in Russia

58516915

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018%20Utah%20wildfires

2018 Utah wildfires

The 2018 wildfire season in Utah began around June, 2018. Fires included: Trail Mountain Fire (June 6–June 27) West Valley Fire (June 27–August 7) Dollar Ridge Fire (July 1–October) Echo Canyon Fire Pole Creek Fire (September 6–October 6) Wildfires Wildfires in Utah

58516921

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018%20Nevada%20wildfires

2018 Nevada wildfires

The 2018 wildfire season in Nevada began in June 2018 and ended November 2018. Wildfires included: Martin Fire (July 4–August 2), the largest in state history with burned Boone Springs Fire (July 4–July 9) South Sugarloaf Fire (August 17–September) Upper Colony Fire (June 17–June 22) References Wildfires Wildfires in Nevada

59917422

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildfires%20in%202019

Wildfires in 2019

The 2019 wildfire season involves wildfires on multiple continents. Below is a partial list of articles on wildfires from around the world in the year 2019. Africa 2019 Canary Islands wildfires, Spain Asia 2019 Bandipur forest fires, India Goseong Fire of 2019, South Korea 2019 Siberia wildfires, Russia 2019 Vietnam forest fires 2019 Southeast Asian haze Europe 2019 United Kingdom wildfires North America Deshka Landing Fire, United States 2019 Alberta wildfires, Canada 2019 California wildfires, United States 2019 Washington wildfires, United States Oceania 2018–19 Australian bushfire season 2019 Nelson fires, New Zealand 2019–20 Australian bushfire season South America 2019 Amazon wildfires References 2019 2019-related lists

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%20Washington%20wildfires

2019 Washington wildfires

The 2019 Washington wildfire season officially began in March 2019. Government preparation In January 2019, the Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz proposed a $55 million, 10-year plan to combat fires that included greatly expanded budgeting for 30 new full-time and 40 seasonal firefighters, new training academies, new firefighting equipment including aircraft, and a new "rangeland" firefighting plan for the state. Environment Drought conditions existed in over half of Washington counties in May 2019. Many water basins were at half their median snowpack level, and the state overall was at its fourth lowest level in 30 years according to the Washington State Department of Ecology. Fires and smoke There were 24 Western Washington wildfires reported before the spring equinox, including a blaze near Mount St. Helens that heavily damaged one structure. The 243 Command Fire was the first large fire of the season. It began on June 3 near Wanapum Dam on the Columbia River in Eastern Washington, and by June 5 had grown to , causing mandatory evacuations near Beverly, and made Spokanes air quality the worst in the United States. References External links Washington wildfires, Washington State DNR Wildfires 2019

60567256

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%20United%20Kingdom%20wildfires

2019 United Kingdom wildfires

2019 United Kingdom wildfires were a series of wildfires that began on 26 February 2019 and ended on 18 May 2019. The series of wildfires was considered unusual due to the fact that they took place early in the year. Areas affected by the wildfires in 2019 included those that had already been burnt by wildfires during the summer of 2018. The fires have created many air pollution problems for the UK. The causes of most of the fires have been attributed to much higher than average temperatures and drought conditions that have prevailed since the spring of 2018. There were 137 wildfires larger than recorded in the United Kingdom in 2019. This beats the previous record of 79 from 2018. Background Wildfires are a common annual occurrence in the United Kingdom, though they are rarely serious and generally have a limited impact. According to the Forestry Commission, between 2009 and 2017 an average of of land was burned by wildfire incidents every year in England, with the majority covering less than and only five exceeding an area greater than . With the exception of years featuring higher than average rainfall, wildfires in the United Kingdom typically occur in two spells between March and April and July and September, and are uncommon before spring. Controlled burns to manage the growth of heather are permitted in England and Scotland from October until mid-April. The United Kingdom had previously experienced a large number of wildfires in the summer 2018 following spells of high temperatures and low levels of precipitation in the preceding months. Other notable episodes of increased national wildfire activity have occurred with years of lower than average precipitation, such as in 1976, 2003, 2006, and 2011. Causes Elevated temperatures in February and April have been cited as contributory factors to the extent of the wildfires so early in the year. On 26 February the highest winter temperature ever recorded in the United Kingdom was reached with registered at Kew Gardens. This was caused by a high pressure system over central Europe driving air from southern latitudes towards the United Kingdom and Ireland, bringing dry, settled conditions and unseasonably warm weather. England, Scotland and Wales all broke their regional temperature records, with England and Wales exceeding in winter for the first time. The Easter weekend in late April additionally saw very warm conditions. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland all had their hottest Easter Sunday on record on 20 April, with all four countries of the United Kingdom recording their hottest ever Easter Monday temperatures the following day. Comparatively low rainfall over the winter was also suggested as increasing the probability of the wildfires, with the lack of moisture combining with the high temperatures in February to dry out vegetation, creating an easily flammable source within the grasslands and moorlands at an earlier stage of the year than usual. A spell of dry weather during the middle of April was also described by the Met Office as a factor that heightened the risk of the later fires. The impact of climate change in partly driving conditions conducive to wildfires in the United Kingdom is uncertain. Research does however suggest the probability of wildfires across moorlands in the Peak District will increase with warmer and drier weather. February Fires in three separate parts across England and Scotland broke out on 27February, the day that saw the country's warmest winter temperature on record. Two separate fires reported one hour apart struck Ashdown Forest in West Sussex that afternoon, affecting of woodland, with a third noted shortly afterwards. The fires caused no injuries and were brought under control by 5pm that day after sixty-five firefighters attended the scene. It was later revealed that the first two fires had been unintentionally started by volunteers clearing gorse from the woodland, with an unexpected rush of wind and warm temperatures blowing a managed burn out of control. Other fires reported during the day included a grassland blaze Lancashire, a gorse fire in Glyndyfrdwy, Denbighshire, in which a man was taken to hospital after being trapped in his tractor by the flames, and in Aberdare. Emergency services also responded to several fires on Cornwall's Lizard peninsula thought to be caused by arson. Later on the evening of 26 February a fire broke out on Saddleworth Moor in West Yorkshire, rapidly spreading across . The same night saw approximately of gorse burn at Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, prompting almost 200 calls to the emergency services. By the morning of 27 February both fires were brought under control, though Public Health England advised residents of communities close to Saddleworth Moor to remain indoors and close windows to avoid inhaling smoke. Though there were no reported injuries at Arthur's Seat, concerns were raised over the fire's impact on rare species living at the site, such as the bordered brown lacewing, whose distribution across the United Kingdom comprised just one other site in Scotland. April By 23 April ninety-six wildfires greater than had been recorded in the United Kingdom, eclipsing the total observed in the whole of 2018 and equalling that year's burned land area of approximately . England Over the Easter weekend (18–21 April) England saw temperatures rise as high as . On 20 April Ilkley Moor in West Yorkshire was ablaze with two fires covering an area of approximately . Fire crews remained on the moor for two days and a man was later charged with arson. On 21 April a barbecue caused a second fire in the county to break out on Marsden Moor, a Site of Special Scientific Interest thirty-five miles away, drawing more than fifty firefighters to the site. More than of moorland was affected, destroying more than £200,000 of habitat restoration work and imperiling the nesting sites of some species of birds, such as curlews, whose populations in the United Kingdom are considered under threat. By 23 April the National Trust, the owners of Marsden Moor, reported that the fire had spread to cover and described it as the most substantial blaze to hit the area for years. Other fires across England in late April included a series of twelve blazes over Dartmoor on 22 April, with eight crews battling burning vegetation spanning . A moorland fire near Tintwistle in Derbyshire was also tackled on the same day. Scotland The evening of 13 April saw a forest fire emerge between Loch Bradan and Loch Doon in East Ayrshire, the source of which, while unknown, was suggested by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) to have been exacerbated by the recent dry weather. Thirty-five firefighters also tackled a fire near Ballindalloch in Moray that evening, and helped by a helicopter waterbombing the area the blaze was extinguished by the afternoon of 15 April. Emergency services were further alerted on 14 April to two fires in the Scottish Highlands near Kinbrace in Sutherland and near John O'Groats. On 19 April the SFRS issued a wildfire warning and urged the public to abide by the Scottish Outdoor Access Code to minimise any further risk of fire formation. That day a number of fires across moorland and grassland on the Isle of Bute were extinguished with no injuries. A blaze covering later broke out in Lochaber on 21 April, and flames took hold of grassland in West Dunbartonshire on the evening of 22 April. A wildfire broke out in Knockando, Scotland on the 22nd around 3pm. It was described as 'one of the largest fires the UK has seen in years'. In the first day, the fire destroyed more than . The blaze created a plume of smoke that could be seen from space. By the 25th, firefighters thought they had tackled most of the blaze and left the scene. However, they were called back on the 26th when it was reignited. This further fire destroyed , as of the 29th. At its height, around 80 firefighters, two helicopters, 19 fire engines and specialist resources were called upon to help tackle the fire, which was on four fronts. At its height, around 80 firefighters, two helicopters, 19 fire engines and specialist resources were called upon to help tackle the fire, which was on four fronts. Additionally, the fire caused several nearby properties to be evacuated. The fire was fully extinguished by 9 May. Wales In Wales a series of grassland fires on the Gower peninsula were reported over three days to 15 April, causing local road closures and raising concerns over the potential ecological damage. That evening two large grassland fires fanned by strong winds spread in Rhondda Cynon Taff and Rhigos before being extinguished the following morning. May On 13 May the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service issued a wildfire warning for parts of Scotland after temperatures were forecast to rise above 20 °C. The day before a fire had broken out between Melvich and Strathy in the Scottish Highlands which burned for six days and destroyed of Flow Country peatland across Caithness and Sutherland, including approximately of the Forsinard Flows National Nature Reserve. Electricity to 800 households in Sutherland was also disrupted. Control over the blaze was assisted by rainfall over the night of 17–18 May, which also helped tackle a further fire burning across heath and woodland to the south of Forres in Moray since 16 May. A study published at the end of 2019 by WWF Scotland estimated that the Flow Country fire doubled Scotland's carbon emissions for the six days it was active by releasing 700,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent stored within the peatland. In England firefighters returned to Ilkley Moor in West Yorkshire on the morning of 18 May after the area was set ablaze for the second time in the space of a month. References 2019 disasters in the United Kingdom 2010s fires in the United Kingdom 2019 fires in Europe United Kingdom April 2019 events in the United Kingdom February 2019 events in the United Kingdom May 2019 events in the United Kingdom 2019

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildfires%20in%20Galicia

Wildfires in Galicia

Fires in Galicia are caused by deforestation and brush clearing, the removal of indigenous fauna, and arsonists. The fires have been occurring since the mid-1990s. Fires in Galicia represent 50% of the area burned each year in Spain and 40% of all fires. History With the first fire, hundreds and thousands succeeded, cataloging several provinces of Galicia as a catastrophic area On Sunday October 15, 2017, Galicia experienced an unusual heat wave at that time of the year, and shortly after noon the heat, the relative humidity of the air formula 30/30/30 = forest fire (More than 30 degrees temperature, less than 30% humidity and winds of more than 30 kilometers per hour.) activated the alarm of extreme risk of fires in the southern area of the Galician country. Causes and prevention Galician biologist Xabier Vázquez Pumariño among other scientific, claim for the eradicate the proliferation of new eucalyptus plantations and unnatural invasive species of the Galician ecosystem. That kind of business give profit to many people earning millions of euros but destroying the native forests, also there is a liking of pollution in the sea (Ence, Celulosa, Paper pulp mill in Pontevedra). The eucalyptus grow fast and takes a lot of water The brush clearing, the lack of autochthonous Galician horses that eat the gorse and help to clean the forest, the disastrous forestry policy, the contracts in aircraft rentals, the lack of means and brigades for the extinction, or the increase of the plantation of eucalyptus that devastates the mountains and forests where there used to be native trees that protected it from fire. According to the media and experts, fires in Galicia could be avoided if there were means and an effective plan to avoid them. Another major problem that has not been solved is the emerging plantation of eucalyptus, an invasive species from Australia that destroys the land and is a business that proliferates among many owners of forests, to supply the only pulp company in Pontevedra, being many years, the point of attention among ecologists and people living from the collection of shellfish in the estuary of Pontevedra. The Galician Government began a compensation initiative to encourage the substitution of eucalyptus for native vegetation or to achieve its elimination in those areas where, by nature, no type of plantation existed. In Portugal and Galicia, ecologists, schools and environmental protection groups have taken the initiative to uproot the eucalyptus and plant other species. This is the case of Ferraria de Sao Joao, a village in the municipality of Penela (Portugal), which was threatened by recent large forest fires that devastated thousands of hectares, a threat that Casal de Sao Simao also suffered, so both decided to act to protect its population by uprooting eucalyptus. In addition, environmentalists in the area denounce the lack of control over illegal plantations of this alien arboreal species. In Galicia and Portugal, brigades of dissatisfied citizens have been created to remove the eucalyptus shoots. United Nations (UN) recognizes the recovering of natural spaces in the mountains of Froxán and Santiago de Covelo - in A Coruña municipality of Lousame and Covelo (Pontevedra), respectively. They have become the first in Spain and third in Europe to enter the ICCA registry, under the United Nations Program United for the Environment. This international distinction recognizes those natural spaces that are managed, recovered or rehabilitated effectively by local or indigenous communities. Eucalyptus is a support for the expansion of Velutina wasp, due to the high altitude of this species and to be a perennial leaf that protects and camouflages throughout the year. This insect kills bees of honey that affects beekeepers and has already become a plague and also kill people. Documentation Photographer Delmi Alvarez documented the fires and their aftermaths starting in 2006 in a project called Queiman Galiza (Burn Galicia). Alvarez experimented with other photojournalists one of the most tragic days documenting fires. References Wildfires in Spain Galicia (Spain) 2017 wildfires

61552482

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%20Canary%20Islands%20wildfires

2019 Canary Islands wildfires

During August 2019, a number of forest fires broke out in the Canary Islands of Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Lanzarote. The fires on the island of Gran Canaria were the most severe, resulting in the loss of large areas of the island's forests and leading to the evacuation of thousands of residents from a number of towns and villages. The intense heat brought by a heat wave and the presence of strong winds, combined with the island's mountainous terrain, made extinguishing activities exceptionally difficult. Gran Canaria Artenara The first forest fire was started by inadvertent human action on 10 August 2019 in Artenara. The 55-year-old who was working with a welding machine and accidentally caused the fire was arrested. By 12 August, the fire had been contained but not extinguished. of land had been burnt by then and over 1000 local residents had been evacuated. The wildfire was declared to have been stabilised on 13 August after 13 aircraft had been working on firefighting activities. A total of had been affected by then. By 16 August, residents had been allowed to move back into their homes. On 25 August, the fire was declared to have been completely extinguished. Cazadores A second fire broke out in Cazadores on 13 August, in the municipality of Telde, causing the evacuation of 25 residents. This smaller fire was started by a pyromaniac who was later arrested. By 14 August, the fire had been brought under control after having burnt through about of land. On 25 August, the fire was declared to have been completely extinguished. Valleseco On 17 August, during an intense heat wave, another wildfire broke out around the town of Valleseco. As of 19 August, the fire had destroyed around 3400 hectares, resulting in the evacuation of about 8000 people from approximately 40 towns in the region, including those affected by the Artenara wildfire just a few days ago. The fire has also reached the Tamadaba natural park. The firefighting operation involved 16 aircraft and about 700 firefighters; however, the high temperatures, strong winds and low humidity levels were hampering the efforts and the wildfire could not be contained, with authorities declaring it to be "completely out of control". Flames as high as made some areas inaccessible for the water-dropping planes. On 20 August, and thanks, in part, to the improved weather conditions, the wildfire began to die down. Some fronts had been contained while others were still unapproachable. The affected area had grown to (over 6% of the entire island), making it the worst fire in all of Spain in the last six years. Overall, around 9000 people from over 50 towns and villages were evacuated from their homes. By 22 August, the fire had been stabilised but not yet extinguished. Around 7500 people of those evacuated were allowed to return to their homes. The fire originated very close to an electricity pylon and the cause of the fire was found to be a fault with electrical wiring on the pylon that caused a spark. Two and a half months earlier a level-one fire occurred in exactly in the same place, but like most fires on the island was quickly extinguished. It is also clear that the hot, windy and dry weather conditions greatly contributed to the fire's rapid propagation. Many also blamed the neglect of local authorities for not having cleared the thick undergrowth and dry leaves accumulated on the forest floor, further fuelling the fire. In addition, firefighters pointed at the poor political management of emergencies on the island, inadequate work conditions, a shortage of firefighters and the fact that the nearest fire station to the forest fire had been closed for the past eight years. The president of the cabildo insular (island council), Antonio Morales, disagreed with these claims stating that a team of extraordinary professionals works throughout the year on preventive measures such as firewalls. Instead, Morales put the onus on the owners of private terrains who do not adequately maintain their properties. Damage to protected areas The wildfire affected the areas surrounding Risco Caído and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria a month after the site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to reports, the fire did not damage the actual archeological site. According to early reports, 84% of the over of land affected by the wildfire, i.e. , was part of protected natural spaces. Tenerife In the evening of 18 August, a wildfire broke out in Vilaflor. A helicopter and three ground vehicles were used in the firefighting operation and, as of 19 August, the wildfire was said to be under control. Lanzarote During the night of 18 August 2019, a forest fire broke out by the Bosquecillo (Spanish for 'small forest') area, located in the north of the island in the municipality of Haría. The fire was declared to be under control shortly after. The fire, which burnt through about of land, was eventually extinguished after over six hours. References Wildfires in Spain 2019 disasters in Spain 2019 fires in Europe 2019 wildfires Canary Islands 2019 in the Canary Islands

61576500

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%20Amazon%20rainforest%20wildfires

2019 Amazon rainforest wildfires

The 2019 Amazon rainforest wildfires season saw a year-to-year surge in fires occurring in the Amazon rainforest and Amazon biome within Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Peru during that year's Amazonian tropical dry season. Fires normally occur around the dry season as slash-and-burn methods are used to clear the forest to make way for agriculture, livestock, logging, and mining, leading to deforestation of the Amazon rainforest. Such activity is generally illegal within these nations, but enforcement of environmental protection can be lax. The increased rates of fire counts in 2019 led to international concern about the fate of the Amazon rainforest, which is the world's largest terrestrial carbon dioxide sink and plays a significant role in mitigating global warming. The increasing rates were first reported by Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais, INPE) in June and July 2019 through satellite monitoring systems, but international attention was drawn to the situation by August 2019 when NASA corroborated INPE's findings, and smoke from the fires, visible from satellite imagery, darkened the city of São Paulo despite being thousands of kilometers from the Amazon. , INPE reported more than 80,000 fires across all of Brazil, a 77% year-to-year increase for the same tracking period, with more than 40,000 in the Brazil's Legal Amazon (Amazônia Legal or BLA), which contains 60% of the Amazon. Similar year-to-year increases in fires were subsequently reported in Bolivia, Paraguay and Peru, with the 2019 fire counts within each nation of over 19,000, 11,000 and 6,700, respectively, . It is estimated that over of forest within the Amazon biome has been lost to fires in 2019. In addition to the impact on global climate, the fires created environmental concerns from the excess carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) within the fires' emissions, potential impacts on the biodiversity of the Amazon, and threats to indigenous tribes that live within the forest. Ecologists estimated that the dieback from the Amazon rainforest due to the fires could cost Brazil US$957 billion to US$3.5 trillion over a 30-year period. The increased rate of fires in Brazil has raised the most concerns as international leaders, particularly French president Emmanuel Macron, and environmental non-government organizations (ENGOs) attributed these to Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro's pro-business policies that had weakened environmental protections and have encouraged deforestation of the Amazon after he took office in January 2019. Bolsonaro initially remained ambivalent and rejected international calls to take action, asserting that the criticism was sensationalist. Following increased pressure at the 45th G7 summit and a threat to reject the pending European Union–Mercosur free trade agreement, Bolsonaro dispatched over 44,000 Brazilian troops and allocated funds to fight the fires, and later signed a decree to prevent such fires for a sixty-day period. Other Amazonian countries have been affected by the wildfires in higher or lesser degree. The number of hectares of Bolivian rainforest affected by the wildfires were roughly equal to those of Brazil, being the area of Bolivia only about one-eighth of Brazil's. Bolivian president Evo Morales was similarly blamed for past policies that encouraged deforestation, Morales has also taken proactive measures to fight the fires and seek aid from other countries. At the G7 summit, Macron negotiated with the other nations to allocate for emergency aid to the Amazonian countries affected by the fires. Amazon forest and deforestation There are of Amazon rainforest. Human-driven deforestation of the Amazon rainforest has been a major concern for decades as the rainforest's impact on the global climate has been measured. From a global climate perspective, the Amazon has been the world's largest carbon dioxide sink, and estimated to capture up to 25% of global carbon dioxide generation into plants and other biomass. Without this sink, atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations would increase and contribute towards higher global temperatures, thus making the viability of the Amazon a global concern. Further, when the forest is lost through fire, additional carbon dioxide is released to the atmosphere, and could potentially contribute significantly to the total carbon dioxide content. The flora also generates significant quantities of water vapor through transpiration which travel large distances to other parts of South America via atmospheric rivers and contribute to the precipitation in these areas. Due to ongoing global climate change, environmental scientists have raised concerns that the Amazon could reach a "tipping point" where it would irreversibly die out, the land becoming more savanna than forest, under certain climate change conditions which are exacerbated by anthropogenic activities. Human-driven deforestation of the Amazon is used to clear land for agriculture, livestock, and mining, and for its lumber. Most forest is typically cleared using slash-and-burn processes; huge amounts of biomass are removed by first pulling down the trees in the Amazon using bulldozers and giant tractors during the wet season (November through June), followed by torching the tree trunks several months later in the dry season (July through October). Fires are most common in July through August. In some cases, workers performing the burn are unskilled, and may inadvertently allow these fires to spread. While most countries in the Amazon do have laws and environmental enforcement against deforestation, these are not well enforced, and much of the slash-and-burn activity is done illegally. Deforestation leads to a large number of observed fires across the Amazon during the dry season, usually tracked by satellite data. While it is possible for naturally-occurring wildfires to occur in the Amazon, the chances are far less likely to occur, compared to those in California or in Australia. Even with global warming, spontaneous fires in the Amazon cannot come from warm weather alone, but warm weather is capable of exacerbating the fires once started as there will be drier biomass available for the fire to spread. Alberto Setzer of INPE estimated that 99% of the wildfires in the Amazon basin are a result of human actions, either on purpose or accidentally. Man-made fires in the Amazon also tend to elevate their smoke into the higher atmosphere due to the more intense burn of the dry biomass, compared with naturally occurring wildfires. Further evidence of the fires being caused by human activity is due to their clustering near roads and existing agricultural areas rather than remote parts of the forest. On November 18, 2019, Brazilian authorities announced the official deforestation figures, based on the PRODES satellite monitoring system for the 2019 forest year—from August 1, 2018, to July 31, 2019. The rate of deforestation was the "worst in more than a decade" with lost. In August 2020 Brazil's National Institute for Space Research reported that satellite data shows that the number of fires in the Amazon increased by 28% to ~6,800 fires in July compared to the ~5,300 wildfires in July 2019. This indicated a, potentially worsened, repeat of 2019's accelerated destruction of one of the world's largest protectable buffers against global warming in 2020. Broad types of fire in the Amazon Amazon fires can be separated into three broad categories. First, deforestation-related fires are those used to prepare the area for agriculture after a primary forest being felled and the vegetation left to dry. Second, there are those agricultural burns, when fires are used to clear existing pastureland and/or by smallholders and traditional people in rotational agriculture. Finally, the previous fire types can escape beyond intended limits and invade standing forests. When a forest burns for the first time, fire intensity is usually low and flames are mostly restricted to the understory while repeated fire events have higher intensity. Forest fires are a threat to the Amazonian biodiversity and jeopardize the ability of forest trees to mitigate climate change by storing carbon. When studying Amazonian fires, it is important to consider the marked spatial differences in precipitation patterns across the Amazon Basin, which does not have a single dry season. Fires in Brazil Past deforestation and fires in Brazil Brazil's role in deforestation of the Amazon rainforest has been a significant issue during the 1930s, as 60% of the Amazon is contained within Brazil, designated as the Brazil's Legal Amazon (Amazônia Legal, BLA). Since the 1970s, Brazil has consumed approximately 12 percent of the forest, representing roughly —an area larger than that of the US state of Texas. Most of the deforestation has been for natural resources for the logging industry and land clearing for agricultural and mining use. Forest removal to make way for cattle ranching was the leading cause of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon from the mid-1960s on. The Amazon region has become the largest cattle ranching territory in the world. According to the World Bank, some 80% of deforested land is used for cattle ranching. Seventy percent of formerly forested land in the Amazon, and 91% of land deforested since 1970, is used for livestock pasture. According to the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), "between 1990 and 2001 the percentage of Europe's processed meat imports that came from Brazil rose from 40 to 74 percent" and by 2003 "for the first time ever, the growth in Brazilian cattle production, 80 percent of which was in the Amazon[,] was largely export driven." The Brazilian states of Pará, Mato Grosso, and Rondônia, located along the southern border of the Amazon rainforest, are in what is called the "deforestation arc". Deforestation within Brazil is partially driven by growing demand for beef and soy exports, particularly to China and Hong Kong. In the first seven months of 2019, soy exports to China rose by 18% due to trading tensions between the United States and China. Brazil is one of the largest exporters of beef, accounting for more than 20% of global trade of the commodity. Brazil exported over 1.6 million tonnes of beef in 2018, the highest volume in recorded history. Brazil's cattle herd has increased by 56% over the last two decades. Ranchers wait until the dry season to slash-and-burn to give time for the cattle to graze. Soybean production has increased from 75.32 million metric tons in 2010/11 to 118.8 million metric tons in 2018/19. The Amazon accounts for 14 million of the 284 million acres of soy plantations in Brazil. While slash-and-burn can be controlled, unskilled farmers may end up causing wildfires. Wildfires have increased as the agricultural sector has pushed into the Amazon basin and spurred deforestation. In recent years, "land-grabbers" (grileiros) have been illegally cutting deep into the forest in "Brazil's indigenous territories and other protected forests throughout the Amazon". Past data from INPE has shown the number of fires with the BLA from January to August in any year to be routinely higher than 60,000 fires from 2002 to 2007 and as high as 90,000 in 2003. Fire counts have generally been higher in years of drought (2007 and 2010), which are often coupled with El Niño events. Within international attention on the protection of the Amazon around the early 2000s, Brazil took a more proactive approach to deforestation of the Amazon rainforest. In 2004, the Brazilian government had established the Federal Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Deforestation in the Amazon (PPCDAM), with the goal to reduce the rate of deforestation through land use regulation, environmental monitoring, and sustainable activities, promoted through partnerships at the federal and private level, and legal penalties for violations. Brazil also invested in more effective measures to fight fires, including fire-fighting airplanes in 2012. By 2014, USAID was teaching the indigenous people how to fight fires. As a result of enforcement of PPCDAM, the rate of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon dropped 83.5% of their 2004 rates by 2012. However, in 2014, Brazil fell into an economic crisis, and as part of that recovery, pushed heavily on its exports of beef and soy to help bolster its economy, which caused a reversal in the falling deforestation rates. The Brazilian government has been defunding scientific research since the economic crisis. To support PPCDAM, the INPE began developing systems to monitor the Amazon rainforest. One early effort was the Amazon Deforestation Satellite Monitoring Project (PRODES), which is a highly detailed satellite imagery-based approach to calculate wildfires and deforestation losses on an annual basis. In 2015, INPE launched five complementary projects as part of the Terra Brasilis project to monitor deforestation closer to real-time. Among these include the Real-Time Deforestation Detection System (DETER) satellite alert system, allowing them to capture incidents of wildfires in 15-day cycles. The daily data is published on the regularly updated Brazilian Environmental Institute government website, and later corroborated with the annual and more accurate PRODES data. By December 2017, INPE had completed a modernization process and had expanded its system to analyze and share data on forest fires. It launched its new TerraMA2Q platform—software which adapts fire-monitoring data software including the "occurrence of irregular fires". Although the INPE was able to provide regional fire data since 1998, the modernization increased access. Agencies that monitor and fight fires include the Brazilian Federal Environment and Renewable Resources Agency (IBAMA), as well as state authorities. The INPE receives its images daily from 10 foreign satellites, including the Terra and Aqua satellites—part of the NASA's Earth Observation System (EOS). Combined, these systems are able to capture the number of fires on a daily basis, but this number does not directly measure the area of forest lost to these fires; instead, this is done with fortnightly imaging data to compare the current state of the forest with reference data to estimate acreage lost. Jair Bolsonaro was elected as President of Brazil in October 2018 and took office in January 2019, after which he and his ministries changed governmental policies to weaken protection of the rainforest and make it favorable for farmers to continue practices of slash-and-burn clearing, thus accelerating the deforestation from previous years. Land-grabbers had used Bolsonaro's election to extend their activities into cutting in the land of the previously isolated Apurinã people in Amazonas where the "world's largest standing tracts of unbroken rainforest" are found. Upon entering office, Bolsonaro cut from Brazil's environmental enforcement agency, making it difficult for the agency to regulate deforestation efforts. Bolsonaro and his ministers had also segmented the environmental agency, placing part of its control under the agricultural ministry, which is led by the country's farming lobby, weakened protections on natural reserves and territories belonging to indigenous people, and encouraged businesses to file counter-land claims against regions managed by sustainable forestry practices. 2019 Brazil dry season fires INPE alerted the Brazilian government to larger-than-normal growth in the number of fires through June to August 2019. The first four months of the year were wetter-than-average, discouraging slash-and-burn efforts. However, with the start of the dry season in May 2019, the number of wildfires jumped greatly. Additionally, NOAA reported that, regionally, the temperatures in the January–July 2019 period were the second warmest year-to-date on record. INPE reported a year-to-year increase of 88% in wildfire occurrences in June 2019. There was further increase in the rate of deforestation in July 2019, with the INPE estimating that more than of land had been deforested in the month and would be on track to surpass the area of Greater London by the end of the month. The month of August 2019 saw a large growth in the number of observed wildfires according to INPE. By August 11, Amazonas had declared a state of emergency. The state of Acre entered into an environmental alert on August 16. In early August, local farmers in the Amazonian state of Pará placed an ad in the local newspaper calling for a queimada or "Day of Fire" on August 10, 2019, organizing large scale slash-and-burn operations knowing that there was little chance of interference from the government. Shortly after, there was an increase in the number of wildfires in the region. INPE reported on August 20 that it had detected 39,194 fires in the Amazon rainforest since January. This represented a 77 percent increase in the number of fires from the same time period in 2018. However, the NASA-funded NGO Global Fire Emissions Database (GFED) shows 2018 as an unusually low fire year compared to historic data from 2004 to 2005 which are years showing nearly double the number of counted fires. INPE had reported that at least 74,155 fires have been detected in all of Brazil, which represents an 84-percent increase from the same period in 2018. NASA originally reported in mid-August that MODIS satellites reported average numbers of fires in the region compared with data from the past 15 years; the numbers were above average for the year in the states of Amazonas and Rondônia, but below average for Mato Grosso and Pará. NASA later clarified that the data set they had evaluated previous was through August 16, 2019. By August 26, 2019, NASA included more recent MODIS imagery to confirm that the number of fires were higher than in previous years. By August 29, 80,000 fires had broken out in Brazil which represents a 77% rise on the same period in 2018, according to BBC. INPE reported that in the period from January 1 to August 29, across South America, and not exclusive to the Amazon rainforest, there were 84,957 fires in Brazil, 26,573 in Venezuela, 19,265 in Bolivia, 14,363 in Colombia, 14,969 in Argentina, 10,810 in Paraguay, 6,534 in Peru, 2,935 in Chile, 898 in Guyana, 407 in Uruguay, 328 in Ecuador, 162 in Suriname, and 11 in French Guiana. First media reports While INPE's data had been reported in international sources earlier, news of the wildfires were not a major news story until around August 20, 2019. On that day, the smoke plume from the fires in Rondônia and Amazonas caused the sky to darken at around 2 p.m. over São Paulo—which is almost away from the Amazon basin on the eastern coast. NASA and US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also published satellite imagery from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA's Terra satellite in alignment with INPE's own, that showed smoke plumes from the wildfires were visible from space. INPE and NASA data, along with photographs of the ongoing fires and impacts, caught international attention and became a rising topic on social media, with several world leaders, celebrities, and athletes expressing their concerns. According to Vox, of all the concurrent wildfires elsewhere in the world, the wildfires in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil were the most "alarming". Responses of the Brazilian government In the months prior to August 2019, Bolsonaro mocked international and environmental groups that felt his pro-business actions enabled deforestation. At one point in August 2019, Bolsonaro jokingly calling himself "Captain Chainsaw" while asserting that INPE's data was inaccurate. After INPE announced an 88% increase of wildfires in July 2019, Bolsonaro claimed "the numbers were fake" and fired Ricardo Magnus Osório Galvão, the INPE director. Bolsonaro claimed Galvão was using the data to lead an "anti-Brazil campaign". Bolsonaro had claimed that the fires had been deliberately started by environmental NGOs, although he provided no evidence to back up the accusation. NGOs such as WWF Brasil, Greenpeace, and the Brazilian Institute for Environmental Protection countered Bolsonaro's claims. Bolsonaro, on August 22, argued that Brazil did not have the resources to fight the fires, as the "Amazon is bigger than Europe, how will you fight criminal fires in such an area?". Historically, Brazil has been guarded about international intervention into the BLA, as the country sees the forest as a critical part of Brazil's economy. Bolsonaro and his government have continued to speak out against any international oversight of the situation. Bolsonaro considered French President Emmanuel Macron's comments to have a "sensationalist tone" and accusing him of interfering in what he considers is a local problem. Of Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Bolsonaro stated: "They still haven't realized that Brazil is under new direction. That there's now a president who is loyal to [the] Brazilian people, who says the Amazon is ours, who says bad Brazilians can't release lying numbers and campaign against Brazil." Bolsonaro's foreign minister Ernesto Araújo has also condemned the international criticism of Bolsonaro's reaction to the wildfires, calling it "savage and unfair" treatment towards Bolsonaro and Brazil. Araújo stated that: "President Bolsonaro's government is rebuilding Brazil", and that foreign nations were using the "environmental crisis" as a weapon to stop this rebuilding. General Eduardo Villas Bôas, former commander of the Brazilian Army, considered the criticism of world leaders, like Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, to be directly challenging "Brazilian sovereignty", and may need to be met with military response. With increased pressure from the international community, Bolsonaro appeared more willing to take proactive steps against the fires, saying by August 23, 2019, that his government would take a "zero tolerance" approach to environmental crimes. He engaged the Brazilian military to help fight the wildfires on August 24, which Joint Staff member Lt. Brig. Raul Botelho stated was to create a "positive perception" of the government's efforts. Among military support included 43,000 troops as well as four firefighting aircraft, and an allocated for fire-fighting operations. Initial efforts were principally located in the state of Rondônia, but the Defense Ministry stated they plan to offer support for all seven states affected by the fires. On August 28, Bolsonaro signed a decree banning the setting of fires in Brazil for a period of 60 days, making exceptions for those fires made purposely to maintain environmental forest health, to combat wildfires, and by the indigenous people of Brazil. However, as most fires are set illegally, it is unclear what impact this decree could have. Rodrigo Maia, president of the Chamber of Deputies, announced that he would form a parliatary committee to monitor the problem. In addition, he said that the Chamber will hold a general commission in the following days to assess the situation and propose solutions to the government. After a report from Globo Rural reveal that a WhatsApp group of 70 people was involved with the Day of Fire, Jair Bolsonaro determined the opening of investigations by Federal Police. In a webcast issued November 28, 2019, President Jair Bolsonaro blamed actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio for the rainforest wildfires, alleging NGOs set the fires in return for donations. DiCaprio, Global Wildlife Conservation, and IUCN Species Survival Commission condemn Bolsonaro's accusations. Brazil banned clearing land by setting fire to it on 29 August 2019. More measures taken by the Brazilian government of Jair Bolsonaro to stop the fires include: Accepting 4 planes from Chile to battle the fires. Accepting 12 million dollars of aid from the United Kingdom government Softening his position about aid from the G7. Appealing for an international conference to preserve the Amazon with participation of all countries that have some part of the Amazon rainforest in their territory Protests against Brazilian government policies In regards to the displacement of the indigenous people, Amnesty International has highlighted the change in protection of lands belonging to the indigenous people, and have called on other nations to pressure Brazil to restore these rights, as they are also essential to protecting the rainforest. Ivaneide Bandeira Cardoso, founder of Kanindé, a Porto Velho-based advocacy group for indigenous communities, said Bolsonaro is directly responsible for the escalation of forest fires throughout the Amazon this year. Cardoso said the wildfires are a "tragedy that affects all of humanity" since the Amazon plays an important role in the global ecosystem as a carbon sink to reduce the effects of climate change. Thousands of Brazilian citizens held protests in several major cities from August 24, 2019, onward to challenge the government's reaction to the wildfires. Protesters around the world also held events at Brazilian embassies, including in London, Paris, Mexico City, and Geneva. Impact on the indigenous peoples of Brazil In addition to environmental harm, the slash-and-burn actions leading to the wildfires have threatened the approximately 306,000 indigenous people in Brazil who reside near or within the rainforest. Bolsonaro had spoken out against the need to respect the demarcation of lands for indigenous people established in the 1988 Constitution of Brazil. According to a CBC report on Brazil's wildfires, representatives of the indigenous people have stated that farmers, loggers, and miners, emboldened by the Brazilian government's policies, have forced these people out of their lands, sometimes through violent means, and equated their methods with genocide. Additionally, some indigenous groups that have traditionally used fire management practices for agricultural livelihoods are being criminalized. Some of these tribes have vowed to fight back against those engaged in deforestation to protect their lands. Kerexu Yxapyry, a leader from Santa Catarina's Kerexu tribe, describes this conflict as, "We know our struggle will be arduous. Maybe many of our leaders will be killed, but we are organized. And we are going to defend our rights." For more on the impacts of displacement on populations, International responses International leaders and environmental NGOs have condemned President Bolsonaro for the extent of the wildfires within the Brazilian portion of the Amazon. Several international governments and environmental groups raised concerns at Bolsonaro's stance on the rainforest and the lack of attempts by his government to slow the wildfires. Among the most vocal was Macron, given the proximity of French Guiana to Brazil. Macron called the Amazon wildfires an "international crisis", while claiming the rainforest produces "20% of the world's oxygen"—a statement disputed by academics. He said, "Our house is burning. Literally." Discussion about the fires came into the final negotiations of the EU–Mercosur Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Mercosur, a trade bloc of Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay. With the wildfires on-going, both Macron and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar have stated they will refuse to ratify the trade deal unless Brazil commits to protecting the environment. However, they have both been accused of using the fires as a pretext to scuttle an agreement that they already opposed on protectionist grounds. Finance minister of Finland Mika Lintilä suggested the idea of an EU ban on Brazilian beef imports until the country takes steps to stop the deforestation. The Secretary-General of the Rainforest Foundation Norway (RFN), Øyvind Eggen, said that neither the "official deforestation figures" published by Brazilian authorities on November 18, 2019, nor the number of wildfires in Amazon in 2019, were normal. According to the RFN,"We are approaching a potential tipping point, where large parts of the forest will be so damaged that [the rainforest] collapses." Preserving the Amazon: A Shared Moral Imperative On September 10, 2019, the US House Foreign Affairs Committee held a hearing in Washington, DC entitled "Preserving the Amazon: A Shared Moral Imperative". In her testimony presented to the hearing, Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE) economist, Monica de Bolle likened the rainforest to a "carbon bomb", as the fires lit for deforestation "may release as much as 200 million tons of carbon into the atmosphere a year, which would spur climate change at a much faster rate, not to mention associated changes in rainfall patterns that may result from deforestation." Fires in Bolivia Background In Bolivia, chaqueo is an annual seasonal agricultural practice and commonly relies on the controlled use of fire. It was first authorized in 2001 during the government of Hugo Banzer Suarez. Bolivia has 7.7 percent of the Amazon rainforest within its borders. The Bolivian Amazon covers which comprise 37.7 percent of Bolivia's forests and 17.7 percent of Bolivia's land mass. Bolivia's forests cover a total of , including the Chiquitano dry forests which is part of the Amazon biome and a transition zone between the Amazon rainforest and the drier forests of the southern Chaco region. By September 14, 2019, Bolivia—which is one-eighth the size of Brazil—lost nearly of "forest and savanna". The fires destroyed about the same area of rainforest than in Brazil. Santa Cruz Department By August 16, Bolivia's Santa Cruz had declared a departmental emergency because of the forest fires. From August 18 to August 23, approximately of the Chiquitano dry forests were destroyed, more than what was lost over a typical two-year period. By August 24, the fires had already affected of forestland in the Santa Cruz and were burning near Santa Cruz, Bolivia. By August 26, wildfires had reached over of Bolivia's savanna and tropical forests, according to the Bolivian Information Agency (BIA). Over a period of five days, from August 18 to August 22, of forest near Roboré were burned. On August 25, 4,000 state employees and volunteers were fighting the fires. By August 25, the Chiquitano regions has seen of tropical forest burned within both the Amazon and the dry forests, mostly within the Santa Cruz province; like the Brazil fires, such fires occur during the dry season, but the number of fires in 2019 were larger than in previous years. Throughout August, wildfires have been spreading across four states. [By August 26, fires in the Dionisio Foianini Triangle—the Brazil-Bolivia-Paraguay triangle had reached savannah and tropical forest "near Bolivia's border with Paraguay and Brazil". The Bolivian government intervened after it was clear that the fires had surpassed local and regional response capabilities. In the week of August 18, Morales dispatched soldiers and three helicopters to fight fires in an area about the size of Oregon. On August 22, Morales contracted the Colorado-based Boeing 747 Supertanker (also known as Global SuperTanker) to conduct firefighting missions over the Bolivian Amazon. The 747 Supertanker is the largest firefighting aircraft in the world, which can hold approximately 19,000 gallons of water per trip. Morales has stated that the governments of many countries including Spain, Chile, Perú, France, the EU, among others have reached out to him to provide help for fighting the fires. The government had been trying to determine the cause of the fires, with the Bolivian land management authority attributing 87% of the fires present in areas without authorization. Multiple NGOs assert that deforestation rates in Bolivia increased 200 percent after the government quadrupled available land for deforestation to small farmers in 2015. Political opponents of Morales alleged that the Supreme Decree 3973 , a mandate to further beef production in the Amazon region, is a major cause of the Bolivian fires. However, this Supreme Decree only extends the authorized but regulated use of fire already legal in Santa Cruz to the Beni Department, where forest fire issues are not a significant issue. By September 9, total forests that had been affected by fires in Bolivia was estimated as , more than double from estimates two weeks prior, but far less extended than the forest fires that occurred in 2004 and 2010. While some local government officials and opposition leaders have pled with Morales to update the situation from national emergengy to national disaster, but minister of communication Manuel Canelas said that Bolivia "is not overwhelmed" by fires to make this declaration, and that national emergency is sufficient to receive any type of foreign cooperation. Fires in Paraguay's Pantanal By August 22, fire emergencies in Paraguay's Alto Paraguay district and the UNESCO protected Pantanal region were issued by its federal government. Paraguay President Mario Abdo Benítez was in close contact with Bolivia's Morales to coordinate response efforts. By August 17, as wind direction changed, flames from fires in Bolivia began to enter northern Paraguay's Three Giants natural reserve in the Paraguayan Pantanal natural region. By August 24, when the situation had stabilized, Paraguay had lost in the Pantanal. An Universidad Nacional de Asunción representative lamented the disaster failed to attract as much media attention as the fires in the Amazon rainforest. While most of the Pantanal regions——is within Brazil's borders in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, the natural region also extends into Mato Grosso and portions of Bolivia. It sprawls over an area estimated at between . Within the Pantanal natural region, which is located between Brazil and Bolivia, is the "world's largest tropical wetland area". According one of the engineers charged with monitoring satellite data showing the "evolution of the fires", the Pantanal is a "complex, fragile, and high-risk ecosystem because it's being transformed from a wetland to a productive system". The Pantana is bounded by the Humid Chaco to the south, the Arid Chaco dry forests to the southwest, Cerrado savannas lie to the north, east and southeast, and the Chiquitano dry forests, to the west and northwest, where thousands of hectares burned in Bolivia. A national parks researcher said that outsiders only know the Amazon, which is a "shame because the Pantanal is a very important ecological place". The Paraná River, which flows through Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, is the "second largest river system in South America". Fires in Peru Peru had nearly twice the growth in the number of fires in 2019 than Brazil, with most believed to be illegally set by ranchers, miners, and coca growers. Much of the fires are in the Madre de Dios which borders Brazil and Bolivia, though the fires there are not a result of those started in the other countries, according to the regional authority. However, they are still concerned about the impact of downwind emissions, particularly carbon monoxide, on residents of Madre de Dios. There were 128 forest fires reported in Peru in August 2019. Environmental impacts of the fires Emissions By August 22, NASA's AIRS published maps of increased carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide resulting from Brazil's wildfires. On the same day, the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service reported a "discernible spike" in emissions of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide generated by the fires. Areas downwind of the fires have become covered with smoke, which can potentially last upwards of months at a time if the fires are left to burn out. Hospitals in cities like Porto Velho had reported over three times the average number of cases of patients affected by smoke over the same year-to-year period in August 2019 than in other previous years. Besides hindering breathing, the smoke can exacerbates patients with asthma or bronchitis and have potential cancer risk, generally affecting the youth and elderly the most. Biodiversity According to the World Wildlife Fund, the jaguar, for example, is already "near threatened" and the loss of food supplies and habitat due to the fires make the situation more critical. Scientists at the Natural History Museum in London described how while some forests have adapted to fire as "important part of a forest ecosystem's natural cycle", the Amazon rainforest—which is "made up of lowland, wetland forests"—is "not well-equipped to deal with fire". Other Amazon basin ecosystems, like the Cerrado region, with its "large savannah, and lots of plants there have thick, corky, fire-resistant stems", is "fire-adapted". Mazeika Sullivan, associate professor at Ohio State University's School of Environment and Natural Resources, explained that the fires could have a massive toll on wildlife in the short term as many animals in the Amazon are not adapted for extraordinary fires. Sloths, lizards, anteaters, and frogs may unfortunately perish in larger numbers than others due to their small size and lack of mobility. Endemic species, like Milton's titi and Mura's saddleback tamarin, are believed to be beset by the fires. Aquatic species could also be affected due to the fires changing the water chemistry into a state unsuitable for life. Long-term effects could be more catastrophic. Parts of the Amazon rainforest's dense canopy were destroyed by the fires, therefore, exposing the lower levels of the ecosystem, which then alters the energy flow of the food chain. The fires affect water chemistry (such as decreasing the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water), temperature, and erosion rates, which in turn affects fish and mammals that depend on fish, such as the giant otter. International actions On August 22, the Bishops Conference for Latin America called the fires a "tragedy" and urged the UN, the international community, and governments of Amazonian countries, to "take serious measures to save the world's lungs". Colombian President Ivan Duque stated he wanted to lead a conservation pact with the other nations that share the Amazon rainforest with plans to present this to the UN General Assembly. Duque said, "We must understand the protection of our Mother Earth and our Amazon is a duty, a moral duty." United Nations Secretary General António Guterres stated on August 23, that: "In the midst of the global climate crisis, we cannot afford more damage to a major source of oxygen and biodiversity." G7 Summit and emergency aid Attention to the wildfires increased in the week prior to the G7 summit discussions on August 24–26 in Biarritz, France, led by President Macron. Macron stated his intent to open discussions related to the wildfires in the Brazilian part of the Amazon and Bolsonaro's response to them. Merkel has also backed Macron's statements and planned to make the issue a part of the G7 discussions; via a spokesperson, Merkel stated: "The extent of the fires in the Amazon area is shocking and threatening, not only for Brazil and the other affected countries, but also for the whole world." Macron further stated that possible international statute to protect the rainforest may be needed "if a sovereign state took concrete actions that clearly went against the interest of the planet". Bolsonaro expressed concern to United States president Donald Trump, that with Brazil not part of the G7, the country would be unrepresented in any such debate. Trump offered to take the position of the Brazilian government to the meeting and said that the US government did not agree to discuss the issue without Brazil's presence. Trump himself was absent from the environmental portion of the summit held on August 26, 2019, that discussed the fires and climate change, though members of his advisory team were in attendance. During the summit, Macron and Chilean president Sebastián Piñera negotiated with the other nations to authorize in emergency funding to Amazonian countries to help fight the fires. The Trump administration did not approve of the measure as the funding set certain requirements on its use. When the final negotiations were completed, Bolsonaro stated that he would refuse those funds for Brazil, claiming that Macron's interests were about protecting France's agricultural business in French Guiana from Brazil's competition. Bolsonaro also criticised Macron by comparing the Amazon fires to the Notre-Dame de Paris fire earlier in 2019, suggesting Macron should take care of their internal fires before reaching out internationally. The governors of the states of Brazil most affected by the fires pressured Bolsonaro to accept the aid given. Bolsonaro later clarified that he would accept foreign aid for the fires, but only if Brazil has the authority to determine how it is used. Amazon country summit Brazil's Bolsonaro stated on August 28, 2019, that the countries sharing the Amazon rainforest, excluding Venezuela, will hold a summit in Colombia on September 6, 2019, to discuss the ongoing Amazon fire situation. Representatives from seven countries attended: Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana and Suriname. The countries signed a pact to coordinate monitoring of the Amazon forest and disaster response, and a better information network to coordinate their responses. The pact will also seek cooperative efforts to reduce the need for illegal deforestation in their countries. 2019 wildfires in the media The media coverage had also broadly overshadowed the Amazon fires in Bolivia, Peru, and Paraguay by the fires and international impact of those in the BLA. The Amazon wildfires also occurred shortly after major wildfires reported in Greenland and Siberia after a globally hotter-than-average June and July, drawing away coverage of these natural disasters. Some of these photographs shared on social media were from past fire events in the Amazon or from fires elsewhere. Agence France-Presse and El Comercio published guides to help people "fact-check" on misleading photos. Celebrity responses to Amazon wildfires American actor Leonardo DiCaprio said his environmental organization Earth Alliance is donating $5 million to local groups and indigenous communities to help protect the Amazon. In a webcast on November 28, 2019, President Jair Bolsonaro said DiCaprio's donations encourage NGOs to set the fires in return for donations, a charge DiCaprio, Global Wildlife Conservation, and IUCN Species Survival Commission vehemently denied. Instagram has been a platform for many celebrities who have spoken out about the wildfires such as Cara Delevingne, who posted a picture of the wildfires with the caption "#PrayForAmazonia". Other celebrities who made public contributions include actresses Vanessa Hudgens and Lana Condor, and Japanese musician Yoshiki. On August 26, 2019, Europe's richest man, Bernard Arnault, declared that his LVMH group will donate $11 million to aid in the fight against the Amazon rainforest wildfires. American restaurateur Eddie Huang said he is going vegan as a result of the 2019 Amazon fires. Khloé Kardashian urged her 98 million Instagram followers to adopt a plant-based diet for the same reason. Leonardo DiCaprio told his Instagram followers to "eliminate or reduce consumption of beef" as "cattle ranching is one of the primary drivers of deforestation." 2021 single "Amazonia" by French metal band Gojira and its music video are a response the fires. See also 2019 Alberta wildfires 2019 California wildfires 2019 Siberia wildfires 2019 United Kingdom wildfires 2019 Washington wildfires 2019 wildfire season 2019 Southeast Asian haze 2019–20 Australian bushfire season 2020 Brazil rainforest wildfires Deforestation in Brazil Notes References External links Current worldwide map of airborne particulates about one micrometer in diameter, including smoke 2019 disasters in Brazil 2019 controversies 2019 wildfires 2019 in the environment August 2019 events in South America Controversies in Brazil Climate change in Brazil 2019 disasters in Bolivia 2019 disasters in Paraguay 2019 disasters in Peru Natural disasters in Bolivia Natural disasters in Paraguay Natural disasters in Peru Amazon rainforest August 2019 events in Brazil Fires in Peru Fires in Brazil Fires in Paraguay Fires in Bolivia Wildfires in South America Natural disasters in Brazil 2010s fires in South America 2019 fires Deforestation in Brazil

62777349

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildfires%20in%202020

Wildfires in 2020

The 2020 wildfire season involves wildfires on multiple continents. Below is a partial list of articles on wildfires from around the world in the year 2020. Asia 2020 Uttarakhand forest fires, India 2020 Russian wildfires 2020 Turkish wildfires Europe 2020 Chernobyl Exclusion Zone wildfires, Ukraine North America 2020 Western United States wildfire season 2020 Arizona wildfires 2020 California wildfires 2020 Nevada wildfires 2020 New Mexico wildfires 2020 Utah wildfires 2020 Washington wildfires 2020 Oregon wildfires 2020 Colorado wildfires Oceania 2019–20 Australian bushfire season 2020–21 Australian bushfire season South America 2020 Córdoba wildfires, Argentina 2020 Delta del Paraná wildfires, Argentina 2020 Amazon and Pantanal wildfires, Brazil References 2020 2020-related lists

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020%20California%20wildfires

2020 California wildfires

The 2020 California wildfire season, part of the 2020 Western United States wildfire season, was a record-setting year of wildfires in California. By the end of the year, 9,917 fires had burned , more than 4% of the state's roughly 100 million acres of land, making 2020 the largest wildfire season recorded in California's modern history (according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection), though roughly equivalent to the pre-1800 levels which averaged around 4.4 million acres yearly and up to 12 million in peak years. California's August Complex fire has been described as the first "gigafire", burning over 1 million acres across seven counties, an area larger than the state of Rhode Island. The fires destroyed over 10,000 structures and cost over $12.079 billion (2020 USD) in damages, including over $10 billion in property damage and $2.079 billion in fire suppression costs. The intensity of the fire season has been attributed to a combination of more than a century of poor forest management and higher temperatures resulting from climate change. On August 18, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, and on August 19, 2020, reported that the state was battling 367 known fires, many sparked by intense thunderstorms on August 16–17 caused by moisture from the remnants of Tropical Storm Fausto. Response and evacuations were complicated by a historic heatwave and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. On August 22, President Donald Trump issued a major disaster declaration (DR-4558), which provides Individual Assistance and/or Public Assistance. In early September 2020, a combination of a record-breaking heat wave and strong katabatic winds, (including the Jarbo, Diablo, and Santa Ana) caused explosive fire growth. The August Complex became California's largest recorded wildfire. The Creek Fire expanded in the Big Creek drainage area, temporarily trapping hundreds of campers near the Mammoth Pool Reservoir. The North Complex explosively grew in size as the winds fanned it westward, threatening the city of Oroville, triggering mass evacuations, and causing 16 fatalities. Governor Newsom's request for a federal disaster declaration for six major wildfires was approved on October 17 after having been rejected the previous day. On November 10, 2020, the National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) reported that there were around 3,400 firefighters plus personnel fighting the wildfires in the United States. Early outlook Early in the year, there was a concern for the 2020 fire season to potentially be prolonged and especially grave, due to the unusually dry months of January and February, one of the driest such periods of any calendar year on record. On March 22, a state of emergency was declared by California Governor Gavin Newsom due to a mass die-off of trees throughout the state, potentially increasing the risk of wildfires. However, throughout March and April, rain began to consistently fall in the state, which alleviated the drought conditions. Despite this, Northern California was still expected to have severe wildfire conditions due to the moderate or severe drought conditions in the area, whereas Central and Southern California were expected to have serious fire conditions later in the year due to the late wet season and precipitation. On June 18, climate scientist Daniel Swain predicted the 2020 Arizona wildfire season was a sign of what was to come in California, due to similar drought and weather conditions between Arizona and Northern California. Seasonal fire risk The year 2020 was the largest wildfire year recorded in California history, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. From a historical perspective, the average annual acres burned prior to 1850 were probably significantly larger than years since reliable fire records began. Scott Stephens, a professor of fire science at UC Berkeley, estimated that prior to 1850, about burned yearly, in fires that lasted for months. Activity peaked roughly every 30 years, with up to burning during peak years. The indigenous peoples of California historically set controlled burns and allowed natural fires to run their course. The peak of the wildfire season usually occurs between July and November when hot, dry winds are most frequent. The wildfire season typically does not end until the first significant rainstorm of autumn arrives, which is usually around October in Northern California, and early November in Southern California. As wildfire becomes more frequent, the wildland–urban interface has increasingly become more dangerous when it comes to property damage and risk to life. Causes Land development and forest management Scientists believe that, prior to development, California fires regularly burned significantly more acreage than has been seen in recent history. Wildfires have been aggressively suppressed in recent years, resulting in a buildup of fuel, increasing the risk of large uncontrollable fires. There is broad scientific consensus that there should be more controlled burning of forests in California in order to reduce fire risk. A 2020 ProPublica investigation blames a combination of climate change and a history of insufficient controlled burning for the increase in "megafires." A sharp increase in the population and development of fire-prone areas has also contributed to the increase in flammable tinder. Climate change Climate change increases the temperature of wildfires in California, the risk for drought, and potentially also the frequency of such events. David Romps, director of the Berkeley Atmospheric Sciences Center summarizes the situation as follows: "To cut to the chase: Were the heat wave and the lightning strikes and the dryness of the vegetation affected by global warming? Absolutely yes. Were they made significantly hotter, more numerous, and drier because of global warming? Yes, likely yes, and yes." Similarly, Friederike Otto, acting director of the University of Oxford Environmental Change Institute states, "There is absolutely no doubt that the extremely high temperatures are higher than they would have been without human-induced climate change. A huge body of attribution literature demonstrates now that climate change is an absolute game-changer when it comes to heat waves, and California won't be the exception." Susan Clark, director of the Sustainability Initiative at the University at Buffalo argues, "This is climate change. This increased intensity and frequency of temperatures and heat waves are part of the projections for the future. [...] There is going to be more morbidity and mortality [from heat.] There are going to be more extremes." The National Interagency Fire Center's (NFIC) National Interagency Coordination (NICC) reported that monthly outlooks for the entire country will still drive wildfires across the country but especially California. The main drivers through fall and winter seasons will be La Nina, and drought conditions are going to continue through California, causing the wildfires to continue. The shift will start from Northern California to Southern California as precipitation will lessen the impact of wildfires across northern California. Arson In August 2020, a suspect was charged by the Monterey County Sheriff with arson relating to the Dolan Fire; however, this has not been officially determined as the cause of the fire. In April 2021, another suspect, already arrested and charged for the murder of a woman, was charged with arson relating to the Markley Fire, one of the wildfires involving in the LNU Lightning Complex fires; according to authorities, the fire was set to cover up the aforementioned murder. Arson has also been suspected as the cause of the Ranch 2 Fire in Los Angeles County. List of wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than , or produced significant structural damage or casualties. See also List of California wildfires August 2020 California lightning wildfires Emergency evacuation procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic Western US wildfire trends 2020 Western United States wildfire season References Further reading External links Current fire information  — California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) SDSC WiFire Interactive Map — San Diego Supercomputer Center Active Fire map of United States at nwcg.gov Articles containing video clips Effects of climate change California, 2020 2020 Climate change in the United States

63492566

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998%20Florida%20wildfires

1998 Florida wildfires

The 1998 Florida wildfires, sometimes referred to as the Florida Firestorm, was a wildfire event involving several thousand separate woodland and mixed urban-rural wildfires which wrought severe damage during the summer months of 1998. Wildfires sparked mainly by lightning threatened to converge into single, vast blazes, crossed natural firebreaks such as rivers and interstate highways, and demanded an unprecedented suppression response of firefighting resources from across the country. Regular activities such as Fourth of July celebrations, sporting events, tourism, and daily life were profoundly interrupted for millions of residents and visitors in the northeastern part of the state. Background Florida had historically been considered as an area of lower susceptibility for wildfires, due to its high humidity and rainfall levels. An El Nino during the winter of 1998 produced above-average rainfall, which enabled extensive growth of underbrush and vegetation in the state's forests. In early April, however, the rains came to an abrupt halt, and the ensuing drought lasted until July. These months of continuing dry conditions saw the drought index rise to 700 (out of 800), indicating wildfire potential similar to that usually found in western states. Exacerbating the wildfire risk was the fact that development in Florida had proceeded with many new communities being built on former rural, wooded properties, often with heavy vegetation within feet of structures, and without municipal water systems and fire hydrants. Fires The fires began in mid-May, most started by lightning strikes. What rain came with the thunderstorms was inadequate to prevent or stop the fires. In late May and early June, numerous separate fires were igniting in Brevard, Osceola, Orange, Seminole, St. John's, Flagler, and Volusia counties, near the communities of Flagler Estates, Daytona Beach, and Palm Coast. The Big Bend region also experienced major fires in the Apalachicola and Osceola National Forests. With dry conditions persisting and alarm over the fires growing, on June 7, Governor Lawton Chiles declared a state of emergency. By mid-June, fires burning near I-95 forced its closure in the area. During the middle two weeks of June, each day saw the fires grow larger and everyday life more interrupted, and on June 25, in consideration of the upcoming Independence Day celebration, the Governor declared all sales and possession of fireworks illegal. Friday and Saturday, June 26 and 27 saw some abatement of conditions with the arrival of rain, and Monday the 28th, Federal agencies brought in firefighting resources including helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. By July 1, however, increasing winds once again worsened conditions, and the firebreak of I-95 was soon jumped as embers were blown eastward from fires burning in woodlands west of the interstate. By July 4, 135 miles of I-95 from Jacksonville to Titusville was closed, and Division of Forestry models indicated that several fires could merge into one conflagration stretching from Daytona to St. Augustine. The entire population of Flagler County, some 35,000 residents, was ordered to evacuate. The Pepsi 400, usually held at Daytona International Speedway on the Fourth of July weekend, was postponed. That was the day that news media, learning that firefighters were short of bandanas used as protective face covers, sent out the call for as many bananas as could be supplied, and firefighters were inundated with truckloads of the fruit. On July 5, the tide finally turned as rains and humidity increased. By mid-July, with most fires under control, over 2000 individual wildfires had burned in Florida, destroying nearly 500,000 acres, 150 structures, and 86 vehicles. Response The response to the fires was unprecedented at the time, involving local, state, and federal resources and as many as 10,000 firefighters from across the United States. The Army, Marines and National Guard brought in personnel and equipment, and five hotshot firefighting teams participated. Sikorsky Skycranes, a Canadair "Superscooper" from North Carolina and numerous other aircraft participated directly in firefighting. Public Health Departments in several counties opened special needs shelters, while the Salvation Army and Red Cross opened general shelters. County Emergency Operations Centers were at high alert, coordinating the efforts of firefighters, law enforcement, environmental health, transportation officials, communications specialists and amateur radio operators. At one point, even a local concrete company volunteered into service, using its trucks to transport water from a hydrant to a drying pond from which aircraft were picking up water. Governor Lawton Chiles was quoted as saying, "we have about half of the country's firefighting assets in Florida right now." Aftermath Losses from the fires were widespread and disastrous. Over 150 homes and structures were lost, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a report stating that over $300 million of Florida's timber resources had burned. On July 4, the New York Times reported that firefighting efforts up to that day had amounted to $80 million. In the ensuing years, public and government attitudes regarding prescribed burning changed, with nearly ninety thousand authorizations annually allowing property owners and agencies to burn over two million acres annually. There have also been efforts to increase the presence of municipal hydrants in communities. No deaths were directly attributed to the wildfires, but the crew of one responding aircraft, a Sikorsky Skycrane, was tragically lost 25 miles from its destination enroute home when it developed a mechanical failure. References 1998 in Florida Fires in Florida Natural disasters in Florida Florida Florida wildfires Florida wildfires Florida wildfires Florida wildfires Florida wildfires

63649667

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020%20Chernobyl%20Exclusion%20Zone%20wildfires

2020 Chernobyl Exclusion Zone wildfires

The 2020 Chernobyl Exclusion Zone wildfires were a series of wildfires that began burning inside Ukraine's Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in April 2020. The fires were largely extinguished within two weeks. At least one suspect was arrested for alleged arson. Timeline On April 6, it was reported that radiation levels inside the zone were "16 times above normal" as a result of the fires. As the fire spread, a small village near the mostly abandoned town of Poliske was evacuated on April 10. By April 13, the wildfires had spread to just over away from the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and had reached the outskirts of the abandoned city of Pripyat. More than 300 firefighters worked to stop the fires from reaching the plant. By 11 April, the firefighters had reached close to 400, with many helicopters and 100 fire engines dispersed to the Chernobyl exclusion zone. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine said it was still fighting the fires, but that the situation was under control, while Greenpeace Russia said the situation was "much worse than Ukrainian authorities believe", citing satellite images. On 14 April, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine said all large fires inside the Exclusion Zone had been extinguished after ten days of firefighting efforts and recent rainfall in the region. According to Euro News, 124 firefighters were reported to have engaged the larger fire in Kotovsky Forest close to the village of Volodymyrivka. Suspect A 27-year-old local resident was arrested for arson. It is unclear if the man, who has confessed to starting fires "for fun", is partly or fully responsible for the wildfires. The suspect told the authorities that he had set fire to dry grass close to the forest, without making an attempt to put out the fire as it started spreading. Fines for arson have been raised, after a vote by the parliament on 13 April. Damage It was reported by a Forbes.com contributor that 30% of the tourist attractions in the exclusion zone had been destroyed, including the Soviet-era pioneer camp Izumrudnoe. The damage included several abandoned villages such as "Stara Markivka" surrounding Chernobyl that burnt down completely. Fire damage was also reported in the surrounding Red Forest where numerous trees were "swiftly" killed. The power plant itself, and the cities of Chernobyl and Pripyat survived "unscathed". President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed on 26 April that the fires had ravaged about 11.5 thousand hectares. Environmental consequences The wildfires caused a thick haze to blanket the capital Kyiv, making its air pollution among the worst in the world, comparable with that of some Chinese cities. IQAir reported that at one point on April 16, Kyiv had the worst air pollution in the world. However, the smog has had little impact on the health of residents as it coincided with a lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine, which meant most people were indoors. On 17 April, despite the increase in radiation levels the United Nations atomic agency stated that the power plant does not pose a danger to human health, considering the reports issued by Ukraine. They also added that the concentration of radioactive materials in the air had stayed under the safety norms of Ukraine’s radiation, as discovered by the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine. References 2020 Chernobyl Exclusion Zone 2020 wildfires 2020 in Ukraine April 2020 events in Ukraine Environmental disasters in Ukraine Fires in Ukraine Arson in Europe 2020 disasters in Ukraine 2020 fires in Europe

63825483

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drones%20in%20wildfire%20management

Drones in wildfire management

Drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Systems/Vehicles (UAS/UAV), or  Remotely Piloted Aircraft, are used in wildfire surveillance and suppression. They help in the detection, containment, and extinguishing of fires. They are also used for locating a hot spot, firebreak breaches, and then to deliver water to the affected site. In terms of maneuverability, these are superior to a helicopter or other forms of manned aircraft. They help firefighters determine where a fire will spread through tracking and mapping fire patterns. These empower scientists and incident personnel to make informed decisions. These devices can fly when and where manned aircraft are unable to fly. They are associated with low cost and are flexible devices that offer a high spatiotemporal resolution. The data gathered through these devices is unique and accurate as they fly low, slow, and for a long period. They can also collect high-resolution imagery and sub-centimeter data in smoke and at night. It provides firefighters access to real-time data without putting the lives of pilots at risk. Managing a 24/7-drone fleet over any huge forestland is challenging. Public drones pose a danger to wildfire and can cost lives. Fire response agencies are forced to ground their aircraft to avoid the potential for a midair collision. Policies in the United States, Canada, and Australia discourage the use of public drones near wildfires. Description Drones allow firefighters accurate data. By using the real-time data, firefighters can determine where a fire will move next, assisting them in making swift decisions and draw up a strategic plan about movement and evacuation. Manufacturers equip these devices with infrared cameras that capture wind direction, high-resolution imagery of smoke, and other variables. The capability to operate at a low elevation allows firefighters to use UAVs to identify quick escape routes. These are used in approving flights to monitor massive wildfires in the US Pacific Northwest and in Australia. The use of UAVs limits exposure and reduces risk to pilots and wildland firefighters. Easily packable and able to fly in remote locations. These can fly as fast as 40 miles an hour. The drone pilots can operate the devices at varying speeds to help people better see what is happening. The transmission from drones or UAVs can be viewed on a laptop computer in a mobile ground station. A drone weighing 15 pounds and a six-foot wingspan, has a range of about eight miles and can stay in the air for an hour without recharging. The aircraft can be programmed to fly on its own, but a safety pilot will monitor operations during the tests. These also serve as tools for starting planned, controlled fires to clear out hard-to-kill underbrush. Drones are a part of fire research and management. Dragon egg systems Drones have also been studied as tools for starting planned, controlled fires to clear out hard-to-kill underbrush. It is called the "Dragon Egg System." These are similar to ping-pong balls but are filled with potassium permanganate powder and injected with glycol and dropped to the target site. The balls ignite about 30 seconds after injection to start a controlled fire. A master's student from the University of Idaho was the first person to pilot an "unmanned aerial system plastic sphere dispenser" to deploy fire on a federally managed wildfire near Flagstaff, Arizona. Integration Drones are gradually becoming an integral part of the fight against wildfires in the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, and Thailand. United States The United States is experiencing longer wildfire seasons. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the changing climate has led to longer wildfire season and increased expense in fighting fires. I 2018, the President passed an executive order on wildfire management that called for an increased use of drones. In the year 2008, NASA's Ikhana unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was used in the battle against more than 300 wildfires raging in California. Matrice 600 (M600) was used during the Woodbury Fire on June 8, 2019, about 5 miles northwest of Superior, Arizona. In the year 2013, the National Guard used a drone for the first time in Yosemite National Park to find a crew that lost connection to the commander. The drones helped in finding the crew in five minutes. Los Angeles Fire Department first used firefighting drones 2017. In the same year, the federal firefighters used UAVs on 340 wildfires in Oregon. The firefighters made use of drones in 12 states, according to the Department of Interior. Drones were used in 2016 fires in California. The drones are being used by Forest Service crews, Bureau of Land Management and the Oregon Department of Forestry. Wildfire Management Technology Advancement Act In March 2019, the Wildfire Management Technology Act was signed into law as Section 1114 by President Trump. The goal of the bill is to "develop consistent protocols and plans for the use of wildland fires of unmanned aircraft system technologies, including for the development of real-time maps of the location of wildland fires." The bill was introduced in 2015 after the Carlton Complex Fire. Call When Needed contract On May 15, 2018, the U.S. Department of the Interior had awarded a Call When Needed contract to four U.S. companies for small-unmanned aircraft systems services. It was an attempt to combat wildfires. It is a $17 million, one-of-its-kind on-call contract. It allows the agency to obtain fully contractor-operated and maintained small ready-to-be-deployed drones when needed to support wildland fire operations, search and rescue, emergency management in the Contiguous 48 States and Alaska. The companies included in the contract are Bridger Aerospace of Bozeman, Montana, Insitu of Bingen, Washington, Pathways2Solutions of Nashville, Tennessee, and Precision Integrated of Newberg, Oregon. Canada The Alberta government-contracted Elevated Robotic Services, which deploys drones for mining companies to assist firefighters in spotting the location of the blaze. In December 2017, researchers at the University of British Columbia used drones to survey the aftermath of the wildfires in British Columbia. China A computer engineering researcher at Guangdong College of Business and Technology in Zhaoqing, China, Dr. Songsheng Li is working on an autonomous early warning system for wildfires. It uses small drones that patrol forests, gather environmental data, and analyze the threat of fires. The key components of his system include GPS systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and Intelligent Flight Modes. Netherlands The Dutch fire brigade together with the Dutch drone manufacturer, Avy BV are testing a long-range drone to detect & monitor early-stage wildfires for a year since February 2021. The long-range drone is equipped with a stabilized gimbal, including an RGB and a thermal camera. AI is used to recognize the fires automatically. Types Drones come in various sizes and are equipped with a variety of specialized detectors and equipment. There are fire-starting drones that help in limiting the damage caused by wildfires. The hobbyist drones are those piloted by the public. The use of these drones over wildfires is prohibited by the authorities in the United States and Canada. These drones hinder the firefighting operations and prevent the agencies from using aerial techniques. According to the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG), there are four classifications of UAS, based on their capabilities and functions, for wildland fire management purposes. This classification does include specialized aircraft and may not apply to other uses of UAS, such as in military combat. The classifications and their details are as follows: Operational characteristics Type 1 and 2 Usually, operated by contractors to provide situational awareness (SA) and incident mapping; Generally, operate above all other incident aircraft; Assigned Victor (AM) or air-to-ground (FM) frequencies are used for communication with the UAS ground crew; Equipped with Mode C transponders; Includes Scan Eagle, Aerosonde, and Penguin among others. Type 3 and 4 Usually, operated by the agency (NWCG) to conduct tactical SA or map missions around the fireline; None are equipped with Automated Flight Following (AFF) equipment Assigned FM frequencies are used for communication with the UAS ground crew; Not equipped with transponders Includes 3DR Solo (RW) and FireFly6 (FW) among others. Challenges Drones assist in wildfire management. Different trees require a unique navigation strategy. Some drones take time to fly through densely covered grounds. Operating drones day and night in harsh weather requires an enormous effort. A hobbyist drone over a fire puts firefighting risks at a halt and creates a high risk of accidents. Public drones disrupted wildfire operations in several locations. It also forces fire response agencies to ground their aircraft to avoid the potential for a midair collision. There have been more than 100 documented cases of unauthorized drones flying over wildfires. During the Bocco Fire, firefighters had to stop their efforts when an unauthorized civilian drone flew into their airspace. A drone has invaded the airspace above a Minnesota wildfire in each of the last four years since 2016. Interference of public drones create problems for firefighting aircraft, firefighters on the ground, and the public. Policies United States For public It is against the law to fly an unauthorized drone near a wildfire, and if caught, the drone could be confiscated by law enforcement, and hefty fines can be imposed in the U.S. Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are typically put in place during wildfires. It requires aircraft, manned or unmanned, that are not involved in wildfire suppression operations to obtain permission from fire managers to enter specified airspace. It's a federal crime to interfere with firefighting efforts on public lands, and it can lead to 12 months in prison. Congress has authorized the FAA to impose a civil penalty of up to $20,000 against any drone pilot who interferes with wildfire suppression, law enforcement, or emergency response operations. The FAA treats these violations seriously and will immediately consider swift enforcement action for these offenses. Members of media As per the law, the media is not allowed to fly drones near wildfires and never interfere with aviation operations or firefighting missions. Media personnel needs to have a special approval, and to qualify for the special approval process, the operations must directly support a response, relief, or recovery activity benefiting a critical public good. They should be a part of the existing Part 107 Remote Pilot and have the support of the on-scene commander on the ground before application submission. After receiving approval, the media personnel must work with the on-site authority, and never interfere with aviation operations or firefighting missions. Australia Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued a warning about the drone. The action was taken after viewing footage taken during the Blue Mountains fires in the year 2013. It was against the regulations laid down in CASA regulations. Canada Transport Canada and the British Columbia Wildfire Service banned the use of UAVs or drones near a wildfire. Notes References 39. The US military has been using drones for surveillance and reconnaissance purposes since the 1960s Further reading S. Adams and C. Friedland, "A survey of unmanned aerial vehicle usage for imagery collection in disaster research and management," Jan. 2011. Wildfire suppression equipment Occupational safety and health Fire suppression Wildfires Fire prevention Emergency management Aerial firefighting Unmanned aerial vehicles Wildfire prevention

64100587

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020%20Washington%20wildfires

2020 Washington wildfires

The 2020 Washington wildfire season officially began in March 2020. The season was a part of the 2020 Western United States wildfires. By September, wildfires had burned over 713,000 acres, 181 homes had been lost, and one death occurred as a result. The 2020 fire season saw more individual fires than in any other recorded year. Predictions and preparation Based on environmental factors and forest conditions, the Washington–Oregon wildfires were projected to be the worst in the United States during 2020. Firefighting was expected to be complicated by personnel and resource shortages, and lack of training, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Washington. By mid-May, one Washington State Department of Natural Resources firefighter had tested positive for the novel coronavirus and officials weren't sure how to get crews across quarantine boundaries and into Washington. Experts said another effect may be that plans to fight fires would be scaled back and many 2020 fires would be left to burn. Department of Natural Resources training began June 19 outside Hamilton, Washington, in Skagit County. According to the Skagit Valley Herald, interagency training in Washington that usually involves federal, state and local firefighting agencies was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. Fires On April 26 two fires were burning: the Stanwood Bryant Fire in Snohomish County (70 acres) and the Porter Creek Fire in Whatcom County (80 acres). Between July 16 and 30, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and many county governments – including Mason, Thurston, King, Pierce and Whatcom Counties – issued fire safety burn bans due to elevated risk of uncontrolled fires. In late July, a brush fire in Chelan County, the Colockum Fire, burned at least and caused homes to be evacuated. A fire on the Colville Reservation near Nespelem called the Greenhouse Fire burned at least and caused the evacuation of the Colville Tribal Corrections Facility and other structures. On August 19, Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency for all of Washington, with fires burning on the Olympic Peninsula and in Eastern Washington. Among the active fires was the Taylor Pond Fire near Yakima. By August 20, the Palmer Fire near Oroville – which started August 18 – had reached and forced evacuation of up to 85 homes. The largest of the fires in the Olympics reached by August 20. The Evans Canyon Fire, a few miles north of Naches, was ignited around August 31 and expanded to tens of thousands of acres, shut down Washington State Route 821 in the Yakima River Canyon, burned several homes and caused hundreds of families to evacuate, and caused unhealthy air quality in Yakima County. By September 6, it had burned almost 76,000 acres. Labor Day On September 7, a "historic fire event" with high winds resulted in 80 fires and nearly 300,000 acres burned in a day. Malden and Pine City, in the Palouse region of Eastern Washington, were mostly destroyed by one of the fires. By the evening of September 8, the Cold Springs Canyon and adjacent Pearl Hill Fires had burned over and neither was more than 10% contained. Smoke blanketed the Seattle area on September 8 and caused unhealthy air conditions throughout the Puget Sound region, and affected Southwest British Columbia. Recovery In early August, the Washington Military Department set up Starlink satellite ground stations for data connectivity in areas where terrestrial communications were lost due to the fires. The systems were engineered and manufactured by SpaceX in Redmond, Washington. It was "the first early application of the company's service to be disclosed". See also Western U.S. wildfire trends References External links Washington wildfires, Washington State Department of Natural Resources Wildfires 2020

64269587

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020%20Arizona%20wildfires

2020 Arizona wildfires

The 2020 Arizona wildfire season was a series of wildfires that burned across the state of Arizona. The season is a part of the 2020 Western United States wildfire season. With 2,520 fires burning of land, it was the largest wildfire season in Arizona since 2011. Wildfires occur year-round in the state but are most numerous and typically burn the largest swaths of land during spring and summer. Peak fire season in the Southwest typically runs from May, when conditions are windy, hot, and dry, through mid-July, when the North American Monsoon provides the region with precipitation to slow fire activity. By the end of the year, more than fifty fires larger than had burned within the state. However, the most notable fire of the season, the Ocotillo Fire, burned only over four days and threatened the town of Cave Creek. It destroyed 20 buildings, including 8 homes. Early outlook In April, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management expected a "potentially active" fire season reminiscent of the 2019 season. Increased grass load from a wet winter is expected to contribute to an elevated risk of fire in the Central Arizona deserts. Southwest Coordination Center Predictive Services forecasted an Above Normal risk for significant wildland fires from May through July for most of Arizona (excepting the Colorado Plateau), with fire potential returning to Normal by August with the arrival of a climatologically average monsoon. They cited above normal fine fuel loading in southern Arizona deserts and an active weather pattern through mid-June to support this risk. A fire department helicopter crashed while bringing supplies to firefighters, killing the pilot. List of wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than , or produced significant structural damage or casualties. See also List of Arizona wildfires References External links Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention – Wildfire News Southwest Coordination Center (SWCC) Arizona, 2020

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020%20Nevada%20wildfires

2020 Nevada wildfires

The 2020 Nevada wildfire season began in June 2020. The season is a part of the 2020 Western United States wildfire season. List of wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than , or produced significant structural damage or casualties. References Wildfires Wildfires in Nevada

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020%20Utah%20wildfires

2020 Utah wildfires

The 2020 Utah wildfire season was a series of prominent wildfires throughout the state of Utah, lasting from June 1 through October 30, as defined by state law. Part of the 2020 Western United States wildfire season, Utah saw record-breaking numbers of human-caused fires. The largest fire of the season, the East Fork Fire, burned an area of 89,568 acres. In total, the suppression costs for the fires amounted to at least $103 million (2020 USD). Of the 1,547 fires in Utah during 2020, 1,202 (78%) were human-caused, surpassing 2015's record of 937. These fires accounted for nearly 100,000 of the 329,732 total acres burned during this season. The significant rise in human-caused fires was attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, as it forced recreation outside at higher rates. Background On May 27, Utah observed 237 wildfires (of which 95% were human-caused); a near fourfold increase compared to the previous season's 67 wildfires recorded at that same date. Throughout the early season, record-breaking numbers of fires (especially human-caused) exceeded previous season equivalents. This, coupled with an abnormally hot and dry spring led fire officials, meteorologists, and hydrologists to believe that the season would be unusually active. List of wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than , or produced significant structural damage or casualties. See also 2020 Western United States wildfire season COVID-19 pandemic in Utah References External links https://gacc.nifc.gov/gbcc/predictive/products/gbytd-byState.htm - GBCC Great Basin data https://utahfireinfo.gov/active-wildfires - Active wildfires in Utah https://gacc.nifc.gov/sacc/predictive/intelligence/NationalLargeIncidentYTDReport.pdf - Database for large incidents (wildfires, NIFC. Renews annually.) 2020 Utah wildfires Wildfires in Utah

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020%20New%20Mexico%20wildfires

2020 New Mexico wildfires

The 2020 New Mexico wildfire season began in May 2020. At least 543 wildfires burned across the state, with fires burning as late as October 2020. The season was a part of the 2020 Western United States wildfire season. List of wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than , or produced significant structural damage or casualties. References Wildfires Wildfires in New Mexico New Mexico

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020%20Oregon%20wildfires

2020 Oregon wildfires

The 2020 Oregon wildfire season was one of the most destructive on record in the state of Oregon. The season is a part of the 2020 Western United States wildfire season. The fires killed at least 11 people, burned more than of land, and destroyed thousands of homes. Timeline The Oregon Department of Forestry declared fire season beginning on July 5, 2020, signaling the end of unregulated debris burning outdoors. In early September, unusually high winds and continued dry weather caused the rapid expansion of multiple wildfires in Oregon. Over 1,000,000 acres were burned, and about 40,000 people were evacuated, with about 500,000 people in evacuation warning areas. The cities of Phoenix, Talent, Detroit, and Gates in Oregon were substantially destroyed by the Almeda Drive and Santiam Fires respectively. State-wide, at least 7 people have been killed. In the Almeda Fire area — between Ashland, Talent, and Phoenix — more than 2,800 structures were destroyed. Around the South Obenchain Fire, which stretched from Shady Cove nearly to Butte Falls, 153 structures were lost. Sheriff Sickler said that these numbers do not differentiate between homes, businesses, outbuildings, and other structures. Assessing the precise nature of those structures lost will fall to local teams in the days and weeks ahead. Officials stated that the Almeda Drive Fire was human-caused. On September 11, a man was arrested for arson, for allegedly starting a fire that destroyed multiple homes in Phoenix and merged with the Almeda Drive Fire. A separate criminal investigation into the origin point of the Almeda Drive Fire in Ashland is ongoing. Causes Through the end of July 2020, 90% of Oregon's wildfires had been caused by humans versus a yearly average of 70%, possibly because of increased outdoor recreation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rumors and theories Rumors spread on social media that antifa activists were deliberately setting fires and preparing to loot property that was being evacuated. Some residents refused to evacuate based on the rumors, choosing to defend their homes from the alleged invasion. Authorities pleaded with residents to ignore the rumors. One Facebook post shared thousands of times falsely stated, "KXL Radio in Portland reported today that Firefighters are now being shot at by suspected Antifa and BLM members." QAnon followers participated in the misinformation, with one false claim that six antifa activists had been arrested for setting fires amplified by Q specifically. There were also rumors that members of far-right groups had started some of the fires, though authorities labeled the claims as false, saying that people needed to question claims that they found on social media. Senator Jeff Merkley, (D-OR) decried President Donald Trump's comments blaming forest management for the fires as a "devastating lie.” Speaking on This Week with George Stephanopoulos, Merkley blamed climate change for the fires. One of the major fires, the Almeda fire in Southern Oregon, was worsened by a second blaze that was allegedly the result of arson. The first origin point of the fire is still under active investigation, and arson is suspected there, as well. Several small brush fires in Portland that were quickly put out were also the result of arson by a suspect who was apprehended, released, and then started several more. List of wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than 1,000 acres, or produced significant structural damage or loss of life. See also August 2020 California lightning wildfires 2020 Western United States wildfires Western US wildfire trends References External links Wildfires in Oregon by year

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020%20Delta%20del%20Paran%C3%A1%20wildfires

2020 Delta del Paraná wildfires

The 2020 Delta del Paraná wildfires is a series of wildfires that are burning across the Delta del Paraná in Argentina, affecting mainly the Entre Ríos and Santa Fe provinces, but also Buenos Aires, including major cities as Rosario. The first outbreaks were detected in February 2020, and new ones keep emerging until August 2020 at least. Previously, this same area had suffered the 2008 Delta del Paraná wildfires. As of August 2020, had burned, in over 8,000 detected fires. A 10 million pesos (US$137,934) daily cost was estimated. Context During the first months of 2020, the Río de la Plata river basin received an unusually low amount of rain, including the Iguazú and Paraguay rivers. This even caused the Iguazú Falls to dry for a time, what created a diplomatic conflict between Argentina and Brazil, over the several dams the country operates in the northern area of the basin. Brazil ultimately decided to open the open the floodgates of the dam for 12 days on 18 May 2020. This drought, which conjugated with the La Niña phenomenon, brought an historical low for the Paraná river level (the lowest level in 51 years). Every watercourse in the De la Plata river basin registered very low levels and droughts, caused by rainfall anomalies in the northern area of the basin. This low water level caused several problems, including trouble for big ships to navigate and export the harvest, water intakes in several cities unable to soak any water, and a big fish mortality. It also made several environment-harming activities easier, such as illegal fishing and hunting, activities which in some cases involve engaging in illegal fires as well. But mainly, this lack of rainfalls caused a drought in the Delta del Paraná, and a lack of moisture in its abundant available plant biomass that stimulates the start and fast expansion of fires. Causes During the summer, it was thought that the fires could be caused by people putting out cigarettes or leaving bonfires lit while on the Delta del Paraná islands, as well as by cattle ranchers trying to gain terrain. Meanwhile, during 2020 farmers and ranchers in Argentina were subject of several kinds of sabotages, including silobolsas being shattered and fields set into fire. The agricultural sector pointed that the fires were a consequence of the higher amount of public visiting the islands (both tourists and poachers), the high number of available plant biomass, and even some political intentionality, linked to the sabotaged suffered by them during the year. Also, ranchers explained that it would be of no use for them to set their ranches on fire (which account for about 20 or 30% of the islands area, the rest being public lands), since soybean prices didn't make farming on the Delta attractive, and the fires damage the land for its use for livestock grazing. Criminal charges were brought against several ranchers. On the other hand, several Environmental organizations pointed that the fires were started by ranchers to renew graze, as they do every year, but with the difference that in 2020 the drought made those fires bigger and easier to grow, which caused the shift so rapidly. The government credited this theory, blaming the fires on ranchers. References External links Effects of climate change 2020 wildfires Wildfires in Argentina 2020 disasters in Argentina 2020 fires 2020s fires in South America

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008%20Delta%20del%20Paran%C3%A1%20wildfires

2008 Delta del Paraná wildfires

The 2008 Delta del Paraná wildfires were a series of wildfires in the Delta del Paraná islands located mainly in Entre Ríos, Argentina. It was an unprecedented event that covered major cities as Buenos Aires and Rosario in smoke, affecting the health of millions of people. The first fires were detected on 13 April 2008, and lasted until April 25 – 26, when rain extinguished most of them. Buenos Aires was heavily affected between April 15 and April 20. Intentional fires started in April 2008, following the purpose of burning grasslands to adapt the De la Plata Basin wetlands land for a livestock grazing use. However, the drought that this area was experiencing that year turned this fires unmanageable, hitting 172,974 acres (70,000 ha). The cloud of smoke that followed the fires caused the worst air pollution in Argentinean history, reaching even Montevideo, Uruguay and forcing airport and highway closures. A significant increase in ocular symptoms and bulbar conjunctival hyperemia, as well as tear film instability was also proven. The fires happened again in 2020, with the 2020 Delta del Paraná wildfires. Location The fires were located in the Paraná Delta islands, part of the Río de la Plata Basin, which ranges from the Entre Ríos to Buenos Aires provinces in Argentina, comprising over 380,000 ha. Context In many areas of the world, including Argentina, burning grasslands is a historical procedure to renew the grass. In Argentina, the increase of the soybean price caused the mainland farms (with a better soil) to switch from the more traditional livestock raising activity to soybean farming, displacing the cattle to the less-suitable lands of the Delta islands (its cattleheads raised from 160,000 in 1997 to 1,500,000 in 2007). However, the rancher's controlled fires (which are not as frequent during autumn -April on the summer hemisphere- as they are in Spring) are not the only weighting factor of this disaster. A mix of unusual drought and winds contributed to the big scale of the uncontrolled fires. Meanwhile, the government of Argentina was on a fierce confrontation against the rural sector, which lasted about 129 days. Chronology The fires were first detected on April 13, 2008 in a lower scale, and worsening from April 15, 2008 The National Agricultural Technology Institute registered 570 fires and a 172,974 acres (70,000 ha) affected area. By April 14, three fires had burnt 10,000 ha and 200 firemen were working to extinguish them. On April 17, then-president Cristina Kirchner made its first public appearance since the fires started, criticizing the irresponsibility behind the fires and saying they reminded her of the 1991 Hudson vulcano eruption. The Environment Secretary requested the public to report fires, to speed up the investigation. That same day, several accidents related to the smoke in highways caused several deaths. On April 19, Buenos Aires was experiencing eight times more Carbon dioxide than usual (17 ppm), and a twelve times higher amount of ashes in the air. A yellow alert was raised on hospitals (the number of consultations for trouble breathing were 30% higher than normal, 300 people had to be hospitalized), a Subway line was closed, the Buenos Aires city airport closed, and several schools suspended classes. Pharmacies ran out of face masks in a day. Meanwhile, in Zarate (Buenos Aires province), over 200 firemen were trying to extinguish over 300 fires. The Ministry of Interior, Florencio Randazzo, raised criminal charges to 160 ranchers. On April 20, the president made a helicopter flight over the fires, calling the 297 active ones at that date as intentional. Three suspects were arrested for questioning, along with other six persons of interest. By April 22, highway crashes caused by the fires' smoke had led to 9 deaths and 40 injured people. References 2008 wildfires 2008 in Argentina Natural disasters in Argentina Wildfires in Argentina

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/August%202020%20California%20lightning%20wildfires

August 2020 California lightning wildfires

The August 2020 California lightning wildfires (also referred to as the August lightning siege or August wildfire siege) were a series of 650 wildfires that ignited across Northern California in mid-August 2020, due to a siege of dry lightning from rare, massive summer thunderstorms, which were caused by an unusual combination of very hot, dry air at the surface, dry fuels, and advection of moisture from the remains of Tropical Storm Fausto northward into the Bay Area. These fires burned between to within a 2–3 week period. The August 2020 lightning fires included three enormous wildfires: the SCU Lightning Complex, the August Complex, and the LNU Lightning Complex. On September 10, 2020, the August Complex set a record for the single-largest wildfire in the modern history of California, reaching a total area burned of . On September 11, the August Complex merged with the Elkhorn Fire, another massive wildfire of , turning the August Complex into a monster wildfire of . The three major Bay Area fires, the SCU, LNU, and the CZU Lightning Complex, collectively burned about by mid-September 2020, destroyed 2,723 structures, and took 6 lives. Meteorological background Between August 14 and August 16, Northern California was subjected to record-breaking warm temperatures, due to anomalously strong high pressure over the region. Early on August 15, the National Weather Service for San Francisco issued a Fire Weather Watch highlighting the risk of wildfire starts due to the combination of lightning risk due to moist, unstable air aloft, dry fuels, and hot temperatures near the surface. Later that day, the Fire Weather Watch was upgraded to a Red Flag Warning, noting the risk of abundant lightning already apparent as the storms moved toward the region from the south. The source of this plume of moist, unstable air was the weakening Tropical Storm Fausto. Due to abnormal winds, this plume was streaming from up to off the coast of the Baja Peninsula into Northern California. This moisture then interacted with a high-pressure ridge situated over Nevada that was bringing a long-track heat wave to much of California and the West. These colliding weather systems then created excessive atmospheric instability that generated massive thunderstorms throughout much of Northern and Central California. Such thunderstorms are rare for California, but were more typical of Midwest garden-variety storms, with one location near Travis Air Force Base going from around to in nearly 1–2 hours. Additionally, much of these storms were only accompanied with dry lightning and produced little to no rain, making conditions very favorable for wildfires to spark and spread rapidly. Early morning on August 16, when the first thunderstorms hit, around 2,500 lightning strikes hit the Bay Area, with 200 strikes happening in 30 minutes at one point, which the National Weather Service office in Bay Area labelled as "insane". Within the next 72–96 hours, over 12,000 lightning strikes were recorded over Northern California. These lightning strikes sparked up to 585 wildfires, many of which grew to be very large at a rapid pace due to parched brush, especially in Northern California. A second wave of thunderstorms was forecasted to hit on August 23 and 24; however, they failed to materialize over the Bay Area, which has been most impacted by these fires, and instead just produced light rain and a few lightning strikes over the Sierra Nevada, barely having any impact. Fires Many of the fires were started or discovered on August 16 or 17: CZU Lightning Complex By August 20, the fire had caused extensive damage to the Big Basin Redwoods State Park. The towns of Pescadero and La Honda were threatened by flames. LNU Lightning Complex The LNU Lighting Complex was a complex of 7 different fires in the Sonoma, Lake, and Napa counties, with 4 major ones being the Hennessey, Gamble, 15-10, and 13-4 Fires. It first sparked around 6:37 AM on August 17, when a lightning storm passed over the Lake Hennessey area. Another lightning strike occurred at 6:39, near the Aonair winery, starting a fire that was 5 acres large. About 60 fires had sparked in the region during that time period, however, while some blazes were quickly contained at 1 or 2 acres, others rapidly went out of control. Around 9 AM, dry, gale-force winds between 20 and 40 miles per hour helped to fan the flames of two uncontrolled blazes, the Gamble Fire and the Hennessey Fire. This caused the Hennessey Fire to explode to by 5 PM August 17, prompting several evacuations. By the night of August 18, the LNU complex had burned a total of so far with no containment. 3 structures were destroyed, and the two biggest fires, the Hennessey and the Gamble Fires, both expanded to . On August 19, the fire raced fast towards Vacaville, and caused hundreds of evacuations. Many people fled the city with only their basic necessities, with police officers and firefighters going door to door warning people to evacuate. By August 20, the LNU fire had burned and destroyed 480 structures. It forced the evacuation of some personnel in the Travis Air Force Base and the city of Healdsburg, California, that had already evacuated previously during the Tubbs Fire and the Kincade Fire. SCU Lightning Complex The SCU Lightning Complex was a cluster of 20 different fires in the Santa Clara, Contra Costa, Alameda, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin counties, that was divided into 3 different zones - the Deer Zone, Calaveras Zone, and Canyon Zone. By August 18, the fires had expanded to over with only 4 percent containment. By August 20, the fire burned and was 5% contained, evacuating people in the East San Jose foothills, and threatening the Lick Observatory with flames. On August 21, the SCU fire had exploded overnight by more than 40%, reaching a total of and being 10% contained. Impacts The North Complex fire's Bear Fire had destroyed the town of Berry Creek. The SCU Lightning Complex fires have threatened the cities of Fremont, Milpitas, Patterson, and San Jose, and also threatened Lick Observatory. Evacuations Air quality and smoke pollution On September 9, 2020, the sky appeared orange across the Bay Area due to wildfire smoke. See also 2020 California wildfires 2020 Western United States wildfires References August lightning August 2020 events in the United States

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020%20Western%20United%20States%20wildfire%20season

2020 Western United States wildfire season

The Western United States experienced a series of major wildfires in 2020. Severe August thunderstorms ignited numerous wildfires across California, Oregon, and Washington, followed in early September by additional ignitions across the West Coast. Fanned by strong, gusty winds and fueled by hot, dry terrains, many of the fires exploded and coalesced into record-breaking megafires, burning more than of land, mobilizing tens of thousands of firefighters, razing over ten thousand buildings, and killing at least 37 people. The fires caused over $19.884 billion (2020 USD) in damages, including $16.5 billion in property damage and $3.384 billion in fire suppression costs. Climate change and poor forest management practices contributed to the severity of the wildfires. Background Fire, environment, and cultural shift Save for areas along the Pacific coast and mountain ridgetops, North America tends to be wetter in the east and drier in the west. This creates ideal conditions in the West for lightning sparked and wind driven storms to spread large-scale, seasonal wildfires. Human societies practicing cultural burns developed in these conditions. Various Indigenous controlled fire practices, as well as their adoption by settlers, were curtailed and outlawed during the European colonization of the Americas, culminating with the modern fire suppression era, signified by the Weeks Act of 1911, which formalized paradigmatic changes in ecosystem priorities and management. Land was protected from fire, and vegetation accumulated near settlements, increasing the risk of explosive, smoky conflagrations. Many indigenous tribes, including the Karuk, have passed down cultural memories of adaptations to fire-prone ecosystems, including cultural burning. In the last few decades, these have been acknowledged by the United States Forest Service, NOAA, and other agencies in American colonial nations. While lightning sparked ignitions are typical of fire-prone ecosystems, higher human population and increased development in the wildland–urban interface has increased accidental and intentional sparking of destructive fires. Record hemispheric heat Record dry weather struck the Western United States in late 2019, extending all the way through the winter of 2020. The lack of precipitation prompted concerns from state governments and the press. On March 22, a state of emergency was declared by California Governor Gavin Newsom due to a mass die-off of trees throughout the state, potentially increasing the risk of wildfire. Oregon officially declared the start of their wildfire season that same month. Despite light rain in late March and April, severe drought conditions persisted, and were predicted to last late into the year, due to a delayed wet season. After fires began in Washington in April, several more fires occurred throughout the West Coast, prompting burn ban restrictions in Washington and Oregon, come July. Year-to-date wildfire figures United States agencies stationed at the National Interagency Fire Center in Idaho maintain a "National Large Incident Year-to-Date Report" on wildfires, delineating 10 sub-national areas, aggregating the regional and national totals of burn size, fire suppression cost, and razed structure count, among other data. As of October 21, "Coordination Centers" of each geography report the following: Note: Check primary sources for up-to-date statistics. This data is not final and may contain duplicate reports until the data is finalized around January 2021. Timeline of events Initial ignitions and weather conditions April saw the beginning of wildfires in the west coast, as Washington experienced two fires: the Stanwood Bryant Fire in Snohomish County () and the Porter Creek Fire in Whatcom County (). The Oregon Department of Forestry declared fire season beginning July 5, 2020, signaling the end of unregulated debris burning outdoors, a major cause of wildfires. Between July 16 and 30, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and many county governments – including Mason, Thurston, King, Pierce and Whatcom Counties – issued fire safety burn bans due to elevated risk of uncontrolled fires. In late July, a brush fire in Chelan County, the Colockum Fire, burned at least and caused homes to be evacuated. A fire on the Colville Reservation near Nespelem called the Greenhouse Fire burned at least and caused the evacuation of the Colville Tribal Corrections Facility and other structures. Between August 14 and 16, Northern California was subjected to record-breaking warm temperatures, due to anomalously strong high pressure over the region. Early on August 15, the National Weather Service for San Francisco issued a Fire Weather Watch highlighting the risk of wildfire starts due to the combination of lightning risk due to moist, unstable air aloft, dry fuels, and hot temperatures near the surface. Later that day, the Fire Weather Watch was upgraded to a Red Flag Warning, noting the risk of abundant lightning already apparent as the storms moved toward the region from the south. In mid-August, the remnants of Tropical Storm Fausto interacted with the jet stream, resulting in a large plume of moisture moving northward towards the West Coast of the U.S., triggering a massive siege of lightning storms in Northern California, and setting the conditions for wildfires elsewhere. Due to abnormal wind patterns, this plume streamed from up to off the coast of the Baja Peninsula into Northern California. This moisture then interacted with a high-pressure ridge situated over Nevada that was bringing a long-track heat wave to much of California and the West. These colliding weather systems then created excessive atmospheric instability that generated massive thunderstorms throughout much of Northern and Central California. Multiple places also experienced Midwest-style convective “heat bursts”–in which rapid collapse of thunderstorm updrafts caused air parcels aloft to plunge to the surface and warm to extreme levels, with one location near Travis Air Force Base going from around in nearly 1–2 hours. Additionally, much of these storms were only accompanied with dry lightning and produced little to no rain, making conditions very favorable for wildfires to spark and spread rapidly. As a result of the fires, on August 19, Governors Kate Brown and Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency for Oregon and Washington respectively. Growth of fires By August 20, the Palmer Fire near Oroville, Washington – which started August 18 – had reached and forced evacuation of up to 85 homes. The largest of the fires in the Olympics reached by August 20. The Evans Canyon Fire, a few miles north of Naches, began around August 31 and expanded to tens of thousands of acres, shut down Washington State Route 821 in the Yakima River Canyon, burned several homes and caused hundreds of families to evacuate, and caused unhealthy air quality in Yakima County. By September 6, it had burned almost . The August 2020 lightning fires include three of the largest wildfires in the recorded history of California: the SCU Lightning Complex, the August Complex, and the LNU Lightning Complex. On September 10, 2020, the August Complex became the single-largest wildfire in the recorded history of California, reaching a total area burned of . Then, on September 11, it merged with the Elkhorn Fire, another massive wildfire of , turning the August Complex into a monster wildfire of . In early September 2020, a combination of a record-breaking heat wave, and Diablo and Santa Ana winds sparked more fires and explosively grew active fires, with the August Complex surpassing the 2018 Mendocino Complex to become California's largest recorded wildfire. The North Complex increased in size as the winds fanned it westward, threatening the city of Oroville, and triggering mass evacuations. During the first week in September, the 2020 fire season set a new California record for the most area burned in a year at . As of September 13, had burned in the state. On September 5, heat from the Creek Fire generated a large pyrocumulonimbus cloud, described as one of the largest seen in the United States. On September 7, a "historic fire event" with high winds resulted in 80 fires and nearly burned in a day. Malden, in the Palouse Country of Eastern Washington, was mostly destroyed by one of the fires. By the evening of September 8, the Cold Springs Canyon and adjacent Pearl Hill Fires had burned over and neither was more than 10% contained. Smoke blanketed the Seattle area on September 8 and caused unhealthy air conditions throughout the Puget Sound region, and affected Southwest British Columbia. On September 8, 2020, in Salem, Oregon, dark red skies as a result of smoke were visible beginning in the late morning. On September 9, 2020, San Francisco and Eureka, California were similarly affected, with dark orange skies reported. The cities of Phoenix and Talent in Oregon were substantially destroyed by the Almeda Drive Fire. State-wide, at least 23 people have been killed. On September 11, authorities said they were preparing for a mass fatality incident. As of September 11, 600 homes and 100 commercial buildings have been destroyed by the Almeda Drive Fire. Officials stated that the Almeda Drive Fire was human-caused. On September 11, a man was arrested for arson, for allegedly starting a fire that destroyed multiple homes in Phoenix and merged with the Almeda Drive Fire. A separate criminal investigation into the origin point of the Almeda Drive Fire in Ashland is ongoing. Around September 11–12, wildfires were starting to encroach upon the Clackamas County suburbs of Portland, Oregon, especially the fast-moving Riverside Fire which had already jumped the nearby community of Estacada, but shifting wind directions kept the fire away from the main Portland area. Through much of September, at least 8 large wildfires, each of or more, were burning in Washington and Oregon, with 3 in Washington and 5 in Oregon. This was unprecedented for those two states, which combined only saw a total of 26 large fires from 1997 to 2019. On September 22, 10 large fires, each of at least 100,000 acres, were burning across California, including 5 of the 10 largest wildfires in the state's history. Evacuations The first evacuations began on September 4, when almost 200 people were airlifted out of the Sierra National Forest due to the rapidly exploding Creek Fire. Then on September 9, most of the southern area of the city of Medford, Oregon was forced to evacuate and almost all of the 80,000 residents living in the city were told to be ready if necessary because of the uncontained Almeda Drive Fire, which was fast encroaching on their city. As of September 11, about 40,000 people in Oregon had been instructed to evacuate, and 500,000, accounting for about 10% of the state's population, had received instructions to prepare for evacuation, being under a Level 1, 2, or 3 fire evacuation alert. List of wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than or produced significant structural damage or casualties. Causes Fire policy Prior to development, California fires regularly burned significantly more acreage than in recent history. Wildfires have been aggressively suppressed in the last century, resulting in a buildup of fuel, increasing the risk of large uncontrollable fires. There is broad scientific consensus that there should be more controlled burning of forest in California in order to reduce fire risk. Controlled burning is hampered by wildfire litigation models that present wildfires in court cases as the result of careless ignition events while discounting underlying forest conditions. A 2020 ProPublica investigation blamed the culture of Cal Fire, greed on the part of fire suppression contractors, and risk aversion on the part of the U.S. Forest Service from preventing appropriate controlled burns from taking place. Climate change Climate change has led to increased heat waves and the risk of drought in California, creating the conditions for more frequent and severe wildfires. It has been observed that since the early 1970s, warm‐season days in California warmed by ca. 1.4 °C. This significantly increases the atmospheric vapor pressure deficit, the difference between the actual and a maximum moisture content for a certain temperature. Trends simulated by climate models are consistent with human-induced trends. Summer forest‐fire area reacts to the vapor pressure deficit exponentially, i.e., warming has grown increasingly impactful. David Romps, director of the Berkeley Atmospheric Sciences Center summarizes the situation as follows: "To cut to the chase: Were the heat wave and the lightning strikes and the dryness of the vegetation affected by global warming? Absolutely yes. Were they made significantly hotter, more numerous, and drier because of global warming? Yes, likely yes, and yes." Similarly, Friederike Otto, acting director of the University of Oxford Environmental Change Institute states, "There is absolutely no doubt that the extremely high temperatures are higher than they would have been without human-induced climate change. A huge body of attribution literature demonstrates now that climate change is an absolute game-changer when it comes to heat waves, and California won't be the exception." Susan Clark, director of the Sustainability Initiative at the University at Buffalo, states, "This is climate change. This increased intensity and frequency of temperatures and heat waves are part of the projections for the future. [...] There is going to be more morbidity and mortality [from heat.] There are going to be more extremes." Arson In August 2020, a suspect was charged by the Monterey County Sheriff with arson relating to the Dolan Fire; however, this has not been officially determined as the cause of the fire. In April 2021, another suspect, already arrested and charged for the murder of a woman, was charged with arson relating to the Markley Fire, one of the wildfires involving in the LNU Lightning Complex fires; according to authorities, the fire was set to cover up the aforementioned murder. Arson has also been suspected as the cause of the Ranch 2 Fire in Los Angeles County. Obstacles to fire control Rumors about political extremist involvement In Oregon, rumors spread that Antifa activists allegedly involved in arson and rioting accompanying the nearby George Floyd protests in Portland, Oregon, were deliberately setting fires and were preparing to loot property that was being evacuated. Some residents refused to evacuate based on the rumors. Authorities urged residents to ignore the rumors and follow evacuation orders, noting that firefighters' lives could be endangered rescuing those who remained. QAnon followers participated in spreading the rumors, with one claim that six antifa activists had been arrested for setting fires specifically amplified by "Q", the anonymous person or people behind QAnon. False rumors also circulated that members of far-right groups such as the Proud Boys had started some of the fires. However, authorities labelled the claims as false, saying that people needed to question claims they found on social media. There have been a number of arrests for arson surrounding the wildfires, but there is no indication that the incidents were connected to a mass arson campaign, according to multiple law enforcement officers. For example, a man allegedly set fires in Glide, Oregon, after a Douglas Forest Protection Association member refused to give him a ride to town. COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges for firefighters fighting wildfires due to measures intended to reduce the transmission of the disease. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL Fire) implemented new protocols such as wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing while resting, and reducing the number of occupants in the pickup trucks used to transport firefighters. California relies heavily on inmate firefighters, with incarcerated people making up nearly a quarter of CAL FIRE's total workforce in 2018–2019. Coronavirus measures within the prison system, such as early release and quarantine policies, have reduced the number of inmate firefighters available, necessitating the hiring of additional seasonal firefighters. Impacts Fire In Oregon, wildfires throughout the whole year, with most occurring in September, charred a record of , destroying a total of 4,800 structures, including 1,145 homes, and killing 9 people. The towns of Phoenix and Talent were mostly destroyed in the Almeda fire on September 8. In Washington, 2020 wildfires burned , with 418 structures, including 195 homes, burned. In California, about burned from wildfires in 2020, the highest burned acreage ever recorded in a fire season. About burned in the August lighting wildfires and more in September. 4,200 structures were destroyed the whole year in California, and 25 people were killed. Smoke and air pollution The fires resulted in worsened air pollution across much of the western U.S. and Canada, from Los Angeles to British Columbia. Alaska Airlines suspended its flights from Portland, Oregon, and Spokane, Washington, due to poor air quality. Some cities in Oregon recorded air quality readings of over 500 on the AQI scale, while readings of over 200 were recorded in major cities. Smoke from the fires were carried to the East Coast and Europe, causing yellowed skies but having little impact on air quality. The heavy smoke had resulted in several smoke-related incidents. In California, for example, a San Francisco resident was hiking through Yosemite National Park on September 5 when suddenly the sky turned a dark, ugly color and the temperature dropped greatly, reminiscent of a thunderstorm. Ash and smoke started falling, and this erratic weather was caused by the nearby Creek Fire. In another incident, on September 14, an Oakland A's player was at a game at the Seattle Mariners' stadium, when suddenly in the middle of the game he started gasping for air. It is estimated that as many as 1,200 to 3,000 indirect deaths have been caused by the adverse effects of smoke inhalation. Red skies appeared over many cities over the West Coast, including on Orange Skies Day, due to smoke from the wildfires blocking lighter colors, created from light infraction. Due to the complex oxidative chemistry occurring during the transport of wildfire smoke in the atmosphere, the toxicity of emissions was suggested to increase over time. Ecological effects The unique sagebrush scrub habitat of the Columbia Basin in Washington was heavily affected by the fires, devastating populations of the endemic Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit and endangered, isolated populations of greater sage-grouse and Columbian sharp-tailed grouse. About half of the pygmy rabbit population and over 30-70% of the grouse population may have been lost to the fires, reversing decades of conservation work. Aside from climate change, the spread of the fires may have been assisted by the intrusion of invasive cheatgrass into the habitats. Fires in old-growth forests of Oregon may negatively affect the populations of the endangered northern spotted owl and pine marten, and the resulting ash from the fires may be washed into streams and threaten endangered salmon. Climate change also reduces the likelihood of forests re-establishing themselves after a fire. The Cassia Crossbill may lose half its population due to the pending consequences of the wildfires, one of which engulfed a large portion of the South Hills, one of the only two strongholds for the bird. See also 2020s in environmental history Other wildfires 2020 wildfire season 2020 Brazil rainforest wildfires 2019–20 Australian bushfire season 2019 Amazon rainforest wildfires 2019 Siberia wildfires List of California wildfires General 2020 in the environment and environmental sciences Emergency evacuation procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic References External links Current fire information —California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) SDSC WiFire Interactive Map—San Diego Supercomputer Center Active Fire map of United States at nwcg.gov Washington wildfires, Washington State Department of Natural Resources 2020 wildfires in the United States Wildfires in California Wildfires in Oregon Wildfires in Washington (state) Wildfires in Arizona Wildfires in Utah Wildfires in Montana 2020 California wildfires Effects of climate change Western United States wildfire season, 2020 2020 2020 in Oregon 2020 Oregon wildfires 2020 Washington (state) wildfires Wildfires 2020 Articles containing video clips 2020 disasters in Canada 2020 in British Columbia West

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020%20Brazil%20rainforest%20wildfires

2020 Brazil rainforest wildfires

The 2020 Brazil rainforest wildfires were a series of forest fires that were affecting Brazil, with 44,013 outbreaks of fires registered between January and August in the Amazonas and Pantanal. Within the Amazon, 6,315 outbreaks of fire were detected in the same period. Within the Pantanal, the volume of fires is equivalent to those of the past six years and there have been actions by NGOs and volunteers to save endangered animals, such as the jaguar. It was expected that the health systems of the Amazon region, already overloaded by the COVID-19 pandemic, would be even more overloaded due to respiratory diseases due to smoke emitted by the wildfires. Expertise carried out points out that the fires in the Pantanal were started by human action and the Environmental Police Station investigates who are possibly responsible. Douglas Morton, head of NASA's Biospheric Sciences Laboratory, considers fires to be "unprecedented". Although the Brazilian government has instituted a 120-day ban on burning in the Amazon, an analysis led by NASA indicates that this was of little effect. Between May 28 and August 25, 516 fire points were detected covering an area of 376,416 hectares. In August, President Jair Bolsonaro's response was that "the media and foreign governments are presenting a false narrative about the Amazon". The same month Brazil's National Institute for Space Research reported that satellite data shows that the number of fires in the Amazon increased by 28% to ~6,800 fires in July compared to the ~5,300 wildfires in July 2019. This indicated a, potentially worsened, repeat of 2019's accelerated destruction of one of the world's largest protectable buffers against global warming in 2020. Satellites in September recorded 32,017 hotspots in the world's largest rainforest, a 61% rise from the same month in 2019. In September INPE reported that 1,359 km2 of the Brazilian Amazon have burned off in August, which may put the effectiveness of the contemporary response against the deforestation – such as considerations of economic interventions and the current military operation – into question. The 6,087 km2 of lost rainforest in 2020 as of early September – ~95% of the period in 2019 – is about the size of Palestine. In the Pantanal, part of the fire started in private areas or legal reserves (which is protected by law) and spread to indigenous territories. On 13 September preliminary data based on satellite images, indicate that 1.5 million hectares have burned in the Pantanal region since the start of August, surpassing the previous fire season record from 2005. On September 15 it was reported that 23,500 km2 – ~12% of the Pantanal – have burned off in 2020, killing millions of vertebrates. See also 2020 wildfire season 2019 Amazon rainforest wildfires 1967 Rio Doce State Park wildfire Deforestation of the Amazon rainforest References 2020 wildfires 2020 in Brazil Amazon rainforest Fires in Brazil Natural disasters in Brazil Wildfires in South America

65428932

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020%20Colorado%20wildfires

2020 Colorado wildfires

The 2020 Colorado wildfire season was a series of significant wildfires that burned throughout the U.S. state of Colorado as part of the 2020 Western United States wildfire season. With a total of burned, and the 3 largest fires in state history, it is Colorado's largest wildfire season on record. During this season, the Cameron Peak Fire burned 208,913 acres, making it the largest wildfire recorded in the state of Colorado after it surpassed the Pine Gulch Fire, which earned the title seven weeks prior. Also surpassing the Pine Gulch Fire in size was the East Troublesome Fire, which, when fully contained on November 30, had burned a total of 193,812 acres. In total, the suppression costs for the fires during the 2020 season amounted to at least $266 million (2020 USD). Throughout the year thousands of people were forced to evacuate, including the whole town of Estes Park during the East Troublesome fire. Air quality was poor as well through much of the fire season, especially during the Cameron Peak and East Troublesome fires. List of wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than , or produced significant structural damage or casualties. See also 2020 Western United States wildfire season Colorado State Forest Service List of Colorado wildfires Wildfires in the United States References External links Colorado wildfire information & resources, Colorado Tourism Office Hazard Mapping System: Fire and Smoke, Fort Collins Coloradoan 2020 Colorado wildfires Wildfires in Colorado Colorado, 2020

65471413

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020%20C%C3%B3rdoba%20wildfires

2020 Córdoba wildfires

The 2020 Córdoba wildfires are a series of wildfires burning through the Córdoba Province in Argentina. are estimated to have been affected by the fires. 51 fires had been registered as of October 2020. Residents of several towns had to be evacuated. At least two persons died as a consequence of the fires. Provincial Justice started an investigation on the wildfires, suspecting they were started intentionally in some areas. Argentina was affected by several wildfires in 2020, during a pronounced drought, such as the 2020 Delta del Paraná wildfires. Background The center Argentine region, primarily the Córdoba Province, has a temperate climate with a low-humidity winter. Rainfall season is limited to the spring and summer, while winters usually lack rains. This has been changing to a more humid climate, according to some opinions, due to climate change. During August 2020, the center region of Argentina experienced a drought, aggravated by an increase in winds, which favored the spread of wildfires. Particularly, the Sierras de Córdoba Mountains Range went by over 100 days without rains, with temperatures reaching . The El Niño–Southern Oscillation phenomenon was, by September 2020, in a neutral phase, with an increase of a La Niña phenomenon likelihood. The Córdoba vegetation cover is composed of "native mount" species (trees such as Prosopis (Spanish: algarrobos), Pepper trees (molles), Desert hackberries (talas), espinillos, quebrachos), thorny shrubs, and in mountain areas grasslands with dry grasses. This vegetation is a big combustion risk during the dry season. Winter months usually harbor the most wildfires, with August being the month with the largest number of fires. In the 1999-2017 period, 5,528 fires stroke the Córdoba Mountains, affecting . In the 21st Century, the largest number of fires was registered in 2003, with 364 fires, and the biggest affected areas being recorded in 2013, with . 95% of wildfires in Argentina are a consequence of human action, some intentional and others caused by neglect or carelessness after bonfires, the dropping of cigarette butts, or the burning of trash getting out of control. Some intentional fires are believed to have been started by ranchers to clean pastures for further agricultural or husbandry usage of lands, and others for real state use, such as the construction of gated communities. Area Affected Firefighting Park rangers volunteered to help fight the fires. As of 1 October, seven planes were being used (6 hydrant and 1 for support), and 200 brigadiers were deployed to fight the fires. Authorities had to insist on advising residents to not try to control the fires themselves, as they sometimes blocked roads while trying to do so, disturbing the firemen's work. Some volunteer firefighters claimed neighbors should be trained to help fight the fires. Effects The environmental damage of the fires was deemed "unmeasurable", citing a biodiversity loss as well as a lowered catchment capacity of soils. As the fires extend, an increased likelihood of future fires is expected in areas burnt in 2020. Wildlife was also affected. As the Córdoba Mountains' vegetation is of slow growth, between 5 and 20 centimetres a year, about 30 years are expected to be needed for the forests to recover. Up to a 48% decrease in water capture is expected to hit the basins surrounding the burnt areas. Mountain creeks are used for human water consumption, and are already affected by droughts. They could drag ashes and burnt material, affecting drinkable water quality. An agricultural state of emergency was declared in the affected areas, and relief packages were established. See also 2020s in environmental history 2020 Delta del Paraná wildfires References 2020 wildfires Wildfires in Argentina 2020 disasters in Argentina 2020 fires 2020s fires in South America

65484595

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildfires%20in%202016

Wildfires in 2016

The 2016 wildfire season involved wildfires in multiple continents. Below is a partial list of articles on wildfires from around the world in the year 2016. Asia 2016 Uttarakhand forest fires, India November 2016 Israel fires 2016 Southeast Asian haze Europe 2016 Portugal wildfires North America 2016 California wildfires, United States 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire, Canada Baker Canyon Fire, United States Strawberry Fire (2016), United States Hayden Pass Fire, United States 2016 Washington wildfires, United States 2016 Great Smoky Mountains wildfires, United States 2016 Southeastern United States wildfires Anderson Creek Fire, United States Oceania 2016 Tasmanian bushfires, Australia 2015–16 Australian bushfire season 2016–17 Australian bushfire season References External links NWCC 2016 annual fire report 2016 wildfires 2016 2016-related lists

65674484

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Like%20Wildfire

Like Wildfire

Like Wildfire is a 1917 American silent comedy drama film directed by Stuart Paton and starring Herbert Rawlinson, Neva Gerber and L.M. Wells. Cast Herbert Rawlinson as Tommy Buckman Neva Gerber as Nina Potter L.M. Wells as John S. Buckman John Cook as Phillip Potter Howard Crampton as William Tobias Burton Law as Brown Willard Wayne as Phil References Bibliography Robert B. Connelly. The Silents: Silent Feature Films, 1910-36, Volume 40, Issue 2. December Press, 1998. External links 1917 films 1917 drama films 1910s English-language films American silent feature films American black-and-white films Universal Pictures films Films directed by Stuart Paton 1910s American films Silent American drama films

65726099

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020%20Turkey%20wildfires

2020 Turkey wildfires

The 2020 Turkey wildfires were a series of forest fires that broke out in several areas across Turkey throughout 2020. In the first ten months of the year, a total of of forestland was destroyed in 2,957 recorded wildfires. For comparison, the figures for the previous year were of forestland destroyed by 2,668 wildfires. , figures for 2020 fire starting have not yet been published by the General Directorate of Forestry. Timeline September A wildfire broke out at Gevenez of Yatağan district in Muğla Province, southwestern Turkey on 29 September. The fire destroyed of forest, of agricultural land, haylofts, and some unused, old houses. October A forest fire started at Sarımazı neighborhood of Belen district in Hatay Province, southern Turkey, on 9 October. Within two days, the fire burnt of forest. The fire spread over to İskenderun and Arsuz districts, affecting many residences, factories, and nearly 100 people. According to an investigation, the fire was a result of arson masterminded by İzzettin İnan, alias "Seyfettin", and Suvar Derweş, Kurdish militants in Afrin Region, northwestern Syria. Two suspects were arrested as arsonists. See also 2021 Turkish wildfires References Fires in Turkey Natural disasters in Turkey Wildfires in Asia Arson in Turkey Wildfires caused by arson 2020 wildfires History of Muğla Province History of Hatay Province Firefighting in Turkey September 2020 events in Turkey October 2020 events in Turkey 2020 disasters in Turkey

66020445

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildfire%20%282020%20film%29

Wildfire (2020 film)

Wildfire is a 2020 Irish drama thriller film directed by Cathy Brady. It is about two reunited sisters (Nora-Jane Noone, Nika McGuigan) who discover secrets from their mother's past. It was acquired by Modern Films for distribution in the UK. Martin McCann and Kate Dickie also star in supporting roles. The film has received critical praise for its direction, writing, and performances, particularly that of the late McGuigan. The film holds approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The critical consensus on Rotten Tomatoes reads, "Anchored by the believable bond between its leads, Wildfire tells a heartfelt and realistic story of sisters peering into their family's past." It was in the Great 8 Showcase at the Cannes Film Festival and debuted in the Discovery Showcase at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival. It won the IWC Schaffhausen Filmmaker Bursary Award at the London BFI Film Festival. The award is worth £50k, for outstanding first or second time UK writer, director or writer/director presenting work at the BFI London Film Festival. McGuigan was posthumously honoured with the Lead Actress - Film award at the Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) Film & Drama Awards on for her final performance in this film. References External links 2020 films 2020 thriller films English-language Irish films 2020s English-language films

66145602

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020%20Lassen%20County%20wildfires

2020 Lassen County wildfires

The 2020 Lassen County wildfire season included seven large wildfires that burned entirely or in part in Lassen County. A total of (or ) of land was burned in Lassen County, making it one of the larger clusters of fires in the 2020 California wildfire season. The fires Hog Fire The Hog Fire was a wildfire that broke out on July 18, 2020, from an unknown cause near Susanville, the county seat of Lassen County, California. Within the first few days, the fire quickly spread to over 8,000 acres. Hog grew to a mere 9,564 acres, before it was fully extinguished on August 17, 2020. Gold Fire The Gold Fire was a wildfire that burned south of Adin along Highway 139. Igniting on Monday, July 20, on the east side of Highway 139 in rural landscape, the fire expanded to and destroyed thirteen structures while also damaging an additional five. North Fire The North Fire burned in Washoe and Lassen counties. The fire triggered evacuations in Washoe County, and shut off roads in California including US 395. Loyalton Fire The Loyalton Fire was a wildfire burning in Lassen, Plumas, and Sierra counties, caused by lightning strikes in August 2020. During the fire, the National Weather Service issued the first ever fire whirl warning in US history. Sheep Fire Ignited by lightning on August 17, the Sheep Fire burned in Lassen and Plumas counties. Originally part of the North Complex, it burned , mostly in the Plumas and Lassen National Forests, before being fully contained on September 9, 2020. W-5 Cold Springs fire The W-5 Cold Springs was a lightning-sparked fire burning in Lassen, Modoc and Washoe counties. The fire grew up to before it was contained on September 14, making it the largest 2020 Lassen County fire. Laura 2 Fire The November 17th Laura 2 Fire was the most destructive fire in the 2020 Lassen County fire season, despite its relatively small size. It burned and destroyed 48 structures before its containment on November 24. Table and Map References 2020 California wildfires Wildfires in Lassen County, California July 2020 events in the United States August 2020 events in the United States

66292107

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020%E2%80%9321%20Dz%C3%BCko%20Valley%20wildfires

2020–21 Dzüko Valley wildfires

The 2020–21 Dzüko Valley wildfires occurred in the states of Nagaland and Manipur in North-east India, beginning on 29 December 2020. The wildfire resulted in widespread environmental damage in the ecologically sensitive region of the Dzüko Valley, destroying 200 acres of old-growth forest. On 9 January 2021, Nagaland government officers stated that the fire had been brought under control and it was confirmed to have been doused by 11 January 2021. Overview Environmental factors The Dzüko Valley is an environmentally sensitive zone located in the north-eastern state of Nagaland, and bordering the state of Manipur, in India. It is located at 2452 meters above sea level, and hosts a large variety of flora and fauna, including the Dzüko lily, which is indigenous to the valley and not found elsewhere. The valley is also home to the endangered Blyth's tragopan, the state bird of Nagaland. It is popular for tourism and trekking. The valley borders Mount Tempü, in Manipur, which is covered in a large area of old-growth forest called Kezol-tsa. The valley has experienced several wildfires before. In 2006, a wildfire damaged an area of 20 kilometers in the southern part of the valley. In 2018, a previous wildfire believed to have been caused by some tourists damaged part of the valley. The valley is disputed territory, with both states of Nagaland and Manipur claiming it as part of their land. Cause The fire is believed to have begun on 28 or 29 December 2020. After unsuccessful attempts to control the fire on the ground, it spread southwards and to the west, across the valley towards the neighboring state of Manipur, and engulfed Mount Tempü in Manipur. On 2 January, the wildfire spread to the state of Manipur and the Manipur State Government began firefighting efforts as well. The presence of dry grass and climatic factors, including strong winds, encouraged the spread of the wildfire. Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority reported that "heavy gusty winds" were not only causing further spread of the wildfire, but were hindering firefighting efforts. The Deccan Herald reported that the wildfire had spread to the extent that it was visible from the Nagaland state capital, Kohima, which was situated 30 kilometers away. The exact causes of the fire have not yet been determined. Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority officials have suggested that the fire occurred naturally, and was a product of the dry weather. Damage Local tribal council leaders reported that areas of old-growth forest around Mount Tempü, as well as flora and fauna in the Dzüko Valley, had been damaged. Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh reported after an aerial survey of the fire that it had "...spread quite extensively and caused serious damage on this part of mountain range." State officials from Nagaland and Manipur both confirmed that areas of old-growth forest had been destroyed by the wildfire, causing possible harm to local biodiversity. Manipur government officials stated that as of 4 January 2021, 200 acres of forest had been destroyed by the fire. Casualties On 4 January 2021, a member of the National Disaster Relief Force deployed for fire-fighting efforts was reported as having died at a base camp established near the Valley. The cause of death is yet to be established. Response Control and Dousing The initial response to the wildfire was led by local residents, and a group of 130 volunteers, accompanied by forest officials attempted to control the fire before it reached Mount Tempü across the state border, in Manipur, and damaged the old-growth forest in that region. Manual attempts to control the fire were not successful because of the steep terrain, which required firefighters to trek for several kilometers before they could reach the site of the fire. Following unsuccessful attempts to contain the fire locally, the state of Nagaland deployed 200 firefighter and sought assistance from the Indian Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The NDRF airlifted a team of firefighters, along with helicopters containing fire-fighting equipment, to the Dzüko Valley. In total, seven NDRF teams were deployed, with four in Manipur and three at Nagaland. Firefighting efforts were assisted by 300 local volunteers. By 2 January 2021, the wildfire had spread across the state border of Nagaland and into Manipur, and the Manipur Government deployed air and ground forces to fight the fire. On 2 January 2021, police and military officials, along with state government officials stated that the fire had been brought under control. However, on 4 January 2021, Nagaland government officials confirmed that the wildfire had not been controlled and that they were hoping to have it under control in a few days. Strong winds inhibited firefighting efforts during this period, and access to areas of the wildfire was difficult to obtain because of the mountainous terrain. On 3 January 2021, four Indian Air Force helicopters were deployed to assist in firefighting operations, and reported that the fire had been partially controlled in the Dzüko Valley but continued to spread in Manipur, and around Mount Tempü. A fireline of five kilometers had been cut by volunteer forces in the Dzüko Valley, which helped contain the fire within Nagaland. On 9 January 2021, Nagaland State Forest Department officials reported that the fire had been brought under control after ten days of fire-fighting, and that firefighting teams would continue operations to ensure that the fire was completely extinguished, for a few more days. The Indian Air Force continued with the aerial survey. On 12 January 2021, two weeks after the fire began, the Nagaland government confirmed that the fire had been completely doused. Impact On 12 January 2021, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority announced that they would conduct an investigation into the damage caused to the Dzüko Valley as a result of the fire. An estimated 200 acres of forest were damaged by the fire. References 2020 wildfires 2020 natural disasters Natural disasters in India 2021 natural disasters 2021 wildfires 2020 fires in Asia 2021 fires in Asia Fires in India Wildfires in Asia

66599038

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%20California%20wildfires

2021 California wildfires

The 2021 California wildfire season was a series of wildfires that burned across the U.S. state of California. By the end of 2021 a total of 8,835 fires were recorded, burning across the state. Approximately 3,629 structures were damaged or destroyed by the wildfires, and at least seven firefighters and two civilians were injured. The wildfire season in California experienced an unusually early start amid an ongoing drought and historically low rainfall and reservoir levels. In January 2021 alone, 297 fires burned on nonfederal land according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, which is almost triple the number of fires and more than 20 times the acreage of the five-year average for January. The January fires were exacerbated by unseasonably strong Santa Ana winds, and some of them burned in the same areas as previous fires like the CZU Lightning Complex. The long term trend is that wildfires in the state are increasing due to climate change in California. The 2021 wildfire season was exceptionally severe in California, although it did not approach the extent of the previous year's wildfire season, which was the largest season in the state's recorded history. As of July 11, more than three times as many acres have burned compared to the previous year through that date, with drought, extreme heat, and reduced snowpack contributing to the severity of the fires. The state also faces an increased risk of post-wildfire landslides. As of August 18, 2021, the state of California was facing "unprecedented fire conditions" as multiple fires including the Dixie Fire, McFarland Fire, Caldor Fire, and others, raged on. The USDA Forest Service temporarily closed all of California's national forests at the end of August to mitigate the impact of potential fires. On October 18, 2021, much of the state—particularly Northern California, where the majority of the significant fires had been located—received its first major precipitation since the start of the wildfire season. This significantly lowered wildfire risk in the region. Impact PG&E and other utility companies preemptively spent billions of dollars to reduce the risk of wildfires and avoid an year similar to the previous year's fire season. Firefighters have also set prescribed fires to prevent other fires burning. During evacuations from the Lava Fire, an illegal marijuana farmer was shot and killed by police after brandishing a firearm at authorities, while "defending his farm". List of wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than , or produced significant structural damage or casualties. Wildfires listed by month See also List of California wildfires References External links Current fire information — California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Effects of climate change California, 2021 2021

67107703

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%20Argentine%20Patagonia%20wildfires

2021 Argentine Patagonia wildfires

The Argentine Patagonia wildfires begun on Sunday March 7, 2021 when a focus of fire appeared at kilometer 21 of Provincial Route 6 of Río Negro Province, Argentina. Subsequently, the fire spread to Las Golondrinas, Lago Puelo, El Hoyo, El Maitén and Cholila in Chubut Province, following the 42nd parallel south. The fire would spread aided by the wind reaching populated areas where there have been reports of burned vehicles and the destruction of hundreds of houses. Servicio Nacional del Manejo del Fuego helped people evacuate the area. Various causes have been proposed for the fire, including the fall of a trees on electrical transmission cables, given that the fires follow the electrical wiring. Intentional fires have also been proposed as a cause. National minister of Ambiente y Desarrollo Sostenible, Juan Cabandié, called for an investigation through a criminal complaint about the causes of the fire. As of March 12, 2021, 11 people were missing. Chronology March 7 a fire appears at the kilometer 21 of Provincial Route 6 of Río Negro Province. March 9 a new fire appears in Las Golondrinas y en Cerro Radal (northwestern Chubut Province). The fire spreads greatly due to high wind speeds and elevated temperatures. March 10 there where actives fires at El Boquete (Bariloche, Río Negro), Tehuelches, Solís and in Población Carril (Chubut). The fires in Futaleufú and Cushamen where by then under control. See also Drought in Chile References March 2021 events in Argentina Wildfires in Argentina Chubut Province Río Negro Province Argentine Patagonia 2021 disasters in Argentina 2020s fires in South America 2022 fires

67171263

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%20Texas%20wildfires

2021 Texas wildfires

The 2021 Texas wildfires were a series of wildfires in Texas in 2021. List of wildfires A total of 20,478 acres has been burned in the 2021 Texas wildfires References Tex

67549771

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildfires%20in%202021

Wildfires in 2021

The 2021 wildfire season involves wildfires on multiple continents. Even at halfway through the calendar year, wildfire seasons were larger than in previous history, with increased extreme weather caused by climate change (such as droughts and heat waves) strengthening the intensity and scale of fires. Below is a partial list of articles on wildfires from around the world in the year 2021. Africa 2021 Algeria wildfires 2021 Table Mountain fire, South Africa Asia 2021 Limassol wildfires, Cyprus 2020–21 Dzüko Valley wildfires, India 2021 Simlipal forest fires, India 2021 Israel wildfires 2021 Russian wildfires 2021 Turkish wildfires Europe 2021 France wildfires 2021 Greece wildfires 2021 Italy wildfires North America 2021 British Columbia wildfires, Canada 2021 Nuevo León wildfires, Mexico 2021 Arizona wildfires 2021 California wildfires 2021 Colorado wildfires 2021–2022 Boulder County fires 2021 Kansas wildfires 2021 New Mexico wildfires 2021 Oregon wildfires 2021 Texas wildfires 2021 Washington wildfires Greenwood Fire, Minnesota, United States Snake River Complex Fire, Idaho, United States Oceania 2020–21 Australian bushfire season South America 2021 Argentine Patagonia wildfires 2021 Chilean Patagonia wildfire See also Weather of 2021 2021 Eurasia winter heatwave References 2021 2021-related lists

67937799

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildfire%20%28Crowder%20song%29

Wildfire (Crowder song)

"Wildfire" is a song performed by American contemporary Christian music singer Crowder. It was released as one of the first singles from his third studio album, I Know a Ghost (2018), alongside "Red Letters" on September 19, 2018. Crowder co-wrote the song with Rebecca Lauren Olds and Solomon Olds. "Wildfire" peaked at No. 43 on the US Hot Christian Songs chart. "Wildfire" won the GMA Dove Award for Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year at the 2019 GMA Dove Awards. Background Crowder released "Wildfire" alongside "Red Letters" in September 2018 as the first singles from his studio album I Know a Ghost, which was slated for release on November 9, 2018. Composition "Wildfire" is composed in the key of G♯ minor with a tempo of 91 beats per minute, and a musical time signature of . The song has a swamp rock sound, which also incorporates funk, dance and R&B, and is "complete with a chorus of crickets, frogs & other creatures interspersed throughout the track," as Crowder "relays to us the notion that wildfire from Jesus set us free from sin." Reception Critical response Robert Crawford of Rolling Stone praised the single, describing it as "a loud, club-worthy banger doubling as a church anthem." Joshua Andre of 365 Days of Inspiring Media gave a review of "Wildfire", describing the song as being "experimental as ever," and concluding "It's a bit from left field to hear Crowder half-screaming in the chorus, yet I am sure that this song will grow on me in the future." Accolades Commercial performance "Wildfire" debuted at number 43 on the US Hot Christian Songs chart dated November 24, 2018. Music videos Crowder released audio video of "Wildfire" showcasing the single artwork through YouTube on September 19, 2018. Crowder published the lyric video of "Wildfire" via YouTube on October 12, 2018. On March 13, 2019, Crowder released the official music video for "Wildfire" on YouTube. Track listing Charts Release history References External links 2018 singles 2018 songs Crowder (musician) songs Sparrow Records singles

67951873

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%20Washington%20wildfires

2021 Washington wildfires

The 2021 Washington wildfire season officially began in March 2021. By late April, all of Eastern Washington had been classified by the United States Drought Monitor as "abnormally dry" with moderate to severe drought conditions. The state had more than 630 wildfires by the first week of July, on par with the state's record 2015 wildfire season. Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reported the end of the fire season by October 12, and the DNR and the Northwest Interargency Fire Center reported zero fires in the state on October 14. Fires List of notable fires The following is a list of fires that burned more than 1,000 acres (400 ha), or produced significant structural damage or casualties. Timeline of events The month of April had more fires than the previous year, and a year-to-date record 410 fires occurred on state-managed lands by the second week of June. The Joseph Canyon Fire burned on both sides of the Oregon–Washington border during June. It was ignited by lightning during the night of June 3–4. The Hair Road Fire in Walla Walla County south of Lower Monumental Dam grew to 10,000 acres before being contained on June 21. A brush fire near Lind in Adams County was ignited on the morning of June 27 and grew to 20,000 acres the same day. It resulted in the closure of Washington State Route 21. By June 29, it was 100% contained. The Cedar Hills Fire began on June 28 near the Seattle suburb of Issaquah and grew to over 30 acres, involving Eastside Fire and Rescue and state firefighting resources. Smoke from British Columbia fires that occurred during the 2021 Western North America heat wave began to enter Washington in early July. The Batterman Fire in Douglas County near East Wenatchee () began on Independence Day in the hills above Pangborn Memorial Airport. By July 6, it had burned , and many residents had been ordered to evacuate. Batterman Road and Rock Island Grade Road along Rock Island Creek were closed. The fire was reported fully contained on July 12, with a revised burned area of . The governor declared a state of emergency on July 6. The 300+ acre Andrus Road fire in the Spokane suburbs drew firefighters from as far away as Thurston and Lewis County in Western Washington, hundreds of miles away. Lightning on July 7 ignited many fires in Eastern Washington including the Asotin Complex Fire near Clarkston which grew to several hundred acres before the end of the day. The Dry Gulch Fire, part of the complex, grew to over 38,000 acres by July 10 and was burning in rugged terrain with heavy fuels. By July 12, it had reached 55,055 acres. The Lick Creek and Dry Gulch fires were administratively merged on July 12, with a combined reported July 14. By July 22, the Lick Creek Fire was 76,167 acres in size. By July 26, it was 90% contained. On July 12, the Burbank Fire burning around Burbank Creek in the Yakima River Canyon and extending into the Yakima Training Center reached . It was declared contained on July 14 after 13,000 acres burned. A portion of the North Cascades Highway was closed due to the Cedar Creek Fire on July 12. It was to remain closed for at least several days as the Varden Fire nearby grew to several hundred acres. The fires merged and reached 2,900 acres on July 15. The fire grew to 18,634 acres by July 21, to 20,806 acres by July 23, and had grown to 52,030 acres by August 4. Until July, no heavy smoke events had impacted ground-level air quality in the state's largest cities of Seattle and Spokane in Western Washington and Eastern Washington respectively, but there was the possibility of smoke entering the state from large Western fires like the Oregon Bootleg Fire. On July 13, Spokane media reported smoke had begun to affect the air, becoming "unhealthy for some". The Summit Trail Fire was started by lightning on the Colville reservation on July 12 and grew to over by July 19. By July 22, it was almost 6,000 acres, and by July 26, it was 11,256 acres. Seven homes were lost in the Chuweah Creek Fire at Nespelem, Washington on July 12–13, which caused evacuation of the town and burned over . The fire grew to 22,900 acres by July 15, and over 37,000 acres by July 16; the town of Keller, Washington was also evacuated. The fire was 97% contained by August 9. The Red Apple Fire, caused by an illegal burn around in Cashmere, prompted evacuation of hundreds of residents in the Wenatchee area July 13–14, including "leave now" orders for some. U.S. Route 97 Alternate was closed on July 14 due to the fire. The fire grew to 9,000 acres on July 14 and people in over 1,000 homes were told to evacuate. On July 15 it was 11,000 acres, and evacuations were ordered for 1,500 homes. It was 90% contained by July 19. The Cub Creek 2 Fire broke out north of Winthrop in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and Washington DNR lands on July 16. Evacuations were ordered around Winthrop on July 17. It grew to 4,690 acres by the end of the day on July 18, affecting air quality in Twisp and elsewhere in the Methow Valley. The air quality index in Twisp was rated hazardous on July 19. On the morning of July 20, the fire had grown to 32,473 acres and was 5% contained. The National Weather Service posted images of pyrocumulus clouds generated by Cub Creek, visible from the agency's Seattle office over away. Two dwellings were destroyed by July 20. The fire grew to over by July 23, and over 44,000 acres by July 26, 52,387 acres by July 28, and 58,793 acres by August 3. All state forest lands in Eastern Washington were closed to the public on July 20 due to fire danger. Due to ongoing and widespread PM particulate content in the air from multiple wildfires, children, the very old or pregnant, and other residents with respiratory conditions in parts of Okanogan County were advised in July to leave the area for their health. Air quality in the Methow Valley was the unhealthiest in the nation at several points in July. The U.S. National Weather Service Spokane office tweeted that Methow Valley's air quality could be the worst anywhere on the Earth on July 23. The Schneider Springs Fire rose near Naches, Washington during a thunderstorm on August 4. It caused poor air quality across Eastern Washington and in Puget Sound region around August 12. By August 18 it had grown to 31,868 acres. The Twenty-Five Mile Fire started near Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park on August 15. References External links Earth from Orbit: Record Heat and Drought is Raising Wildfire Risk, NOAA National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service External links Washington wildfires Washington State Department of Natural Resources Wildfires 2021

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%20Oregon%20wildfires

2021 Oregon wildfires

The 2021 Oregon wildfire season began in May 2021. More than 1,000 fires had burned at least across the state as of July 21, 2021. As of August 1, it was expected that the fires might not be contained for months. The wildfire season in Oregon experienced an early start due to an abnormally dry spring coupled with low snowpack levels amid an ongoing drought. The 2021 season has been outpacing the destructive previous season, with nearly 10 times as many acres have burned as of July 20 compared to the previous year through that date, according to the NIFC's Northwest Coordination Center. Background Oregon has been experiencing increasingly large fire seasons over the last few decades, with the preceding 2020 wildfire season being one of the most destructive in the state's history. As with much of the rest of the Western United States, fire officials were predicting another above-average season in 2021 due to expected low precipitation and high temperatures. The state's declaration of the start of wildfire season in mid-May marked the earliest start to a fire season in the state in over 40 years. In preparation for the wildfire season, forest officials performed prescribed burns and state lawmakers worked on wildfire-mitigation legislation designed to create wildfire risk maps, update building codes, and create new rules related to defensible space around homes in the wildland–urban interface. List of wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than , or produced significant structural damage or casualties. Response At the end of July 2021, Governor Kate Brown signed a bill to invest $220 million in wildfire prevention, preparedness, and response. See also 2021 Western North America heat wave List of Oregon wildfires References External links Wildfires 2021 2021 Oregon wildfires

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%20Arizona%20wildfires

2021 Arizona wildfires

The 2021 Arizona wildfire season was a series of wildfires that burned across the state of Arizona, United States. Wildfires across the state burned of land in at least 1,773 fires throughout the state, fueled in part by a drought, hot temperatures, and thunderstorms producing dry lightning. At one point in late June, over 20 active wildfires were burning across the state. The total acres burned between the start of the year and the end of June was 22% more than during the same period of the preceding season, which itself was the most active in nearly a decade. The spike in wildfires in Arizona during the summer was due to an ongoing megadrought that is occurring in the Southwestern United States, as well as a heat wave with many western cities hitting record-breaking temperatures. Background The Arizona wildfire season usually begins in May and lasts through mid-July, when the North American Monsoon provides the Southwestern U.S with heavy rainfall to slow down fire activity throughout the region. But in June 2021, the Telegraph Fire became the 6th largest wildfire in Arizona history. Wildfires in Arizona at the time were making headlines due to a ridge of high pressure hovering over much of the southwest and severe drought also playing a major role in the Arizona wildfire season with more than 50% of the state being in 'Exceptional Drought'. The drought in the southwest was making the job of fighting wildland fires difficult because of water shortages in the region. At the time, Arizona was also seeing record-breaking temperatures with Phoenix hitting a high of 118 °F (47 °C) on June 17. Earlier on June 9, governor Doug Ducey issued Declarations of Emergency in response to the Telegraph and Mescal fires. The declarations provided up to $400,000 (USD) for efforts of response to wildfires. From June 14 to June 20, dry thunderstorms rolled into Arizona and produced dry lighting which spawned a larger outbreak of wildfires throughout the state. The outbreak got so bad that at one point, five out of six national forests had to be closed to the public in late June. These national forests included the Coconino, Kaibab, Prescott, Tonto and Apache-Sitgreaves national forests. The only people who were allowed in the forests were firefighters and people who owned property in the forests. List of wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than 1,000 acres (400 ha), or produced significant structural damage or casualties. Evacuations Margo Fire: Dudleyville Flag Fire: Pine Lake Tussock Fire: Fort Misery and Horsethief Basin Spur Fire: Bagdad Telegraph Fire: El Capitan, Dripping Springs, Miami, Top-of-the-World, Government Springs, Wind Spirit, Hagen Ranch, and Slash S Ranch Pinnacle Fire: Klondyke and Aravaipa Cornville Fire: Parts of Cornville (East of Page Springs Road) Backbone Fire: Strawberry and Pine Rafael Fire: Areas around Sycamore Canyon Wyrick Fire: Antelope Valley and portions of Heber West Chev Fire: Woods Canyon Lake Walnut Fire: Residents near Dragoon Tiger Fire: Horsethief Basin See also List of Arizona wildfires List of natural disasters in the United States References External links Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention – Wildfire News Southwest Coordination Center (SWCC) National Interagency Fire Center 2021 heat waves 2021 in Arizona June 2021 events in the United States Arizona, 2021 Wildfires in Arizona 2021 Arizona wildfires

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%20New%20Mexico%20wildfires

2021 New Mexico wildfires

The 2021 New Mexico wildfire season began in February 7, 2021. As of July 7, there have been at least 363 fires across the state that have burned at least . Early outlook In line with general predictions of a ‘very active wildfire season’ for the Western United States, state and local officials in New Mexico expect a particularly severe wildfire season for the state, citing effects of the ongoing drought conditions that make vegetation more susceptible to fires. Southwest Coordination Center Predictive Services forecasted an 'above normal' risk for significant wildland fires for May and June for the entire state, with fire potential returning to 'normal' by July with the timely arrival of a normal to above-normal monsoon. List of wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than , or produced significant structural damage or casualties. See also 2021 Arizona wildfires 2021 Colorado wildfires References 2021 New Mexico wildfires New Mexico

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%20Colorado%20wildfires

2021 Colorado wildfires

The 2021 Colorado wildfire season was a series of wildfires that burned throughout the U.S. state of Colorado. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, as of July 1, 2021, at least of land had burned in at least 337 wildland fires across the state. Hundreds of homes were burned, and the cities of Louisville and Superior were evacuated, during the Boulder County fires in late December. List of wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than or produced significant structural damage or casualties. See also Colorado State Forest Service List of Colorado wildfires References 2021 in Colorado Wildfires in Colorado Colorado, 2021

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%20British%20Columbia%20wildfires

2021 British Columbia wildfires

The 2021 British Columbia wildfires burned across the Canadian province of British Columbia. The severity of the 2021 wildfire season is believed to have been caused by a "perfect storm" of environmental factors exacerbated by human-caused climate change. As of August 16, over 1,500 fires had been recorded according to the BC Wildfire Service. The Sparks Lake Fire was the largest fire burning in the province, having burned an estimated 95,980 hectares (237,172 acres) of the Bonaparte Plateau northwest of the city of Kamloops. Development A heat dome gripped the province of British Columbia, and much of Western North America, from June 25–30, 2021, increasing the risk of wildfires. On June 30, the town of Lytton was evacuated due to a fire that destroyed most buildings and grew to over and sent people fleeing for their lives. By July 1, 2021, almost 500 wildfires were burning across British Columbia. On July 20 the B.C. government declared a state of emergency. Wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than , or produced significant structural damage or casualties. More up to date information is available using this interactive map; BC Wildfire Service Map References See also List of disasters in Canada 2021 Western North America heat wave 2021 wildfires in Canada Wildfires Wildfires in British Columbia June 2021 events in Canada July 2021 events in Canada

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lytton%20wildfire

Lytton wildfire

A wildfire began on June 30, 2021 just south of the village of Lytton in the interior of British Columbia, Canada. The fire destroyed much of Lytton and caused two civilian fatalities, announced July 3. Several missing residents, still unaccounted for at that time, were later located. The fire, one of the 2021 British Columbia wildfires throughout the province, was facilitated by the 2021 Western North America heat wave. At the time of the fire, Lytton had a population of about 250 with another 1,500 to 2,000 First Nations residents living nearby on reserves affected as well. Overview The wildfire started in the early evening of June 30, 2021. The village had been setting Canadian temperature records in the previous days, including reaching the previous day, the highest temperature ever recorded in Canada. Under hot, dry conditions, winds of up to pushed the fire north into the community, and the fire may have been moving at 10 to 20 km/h. Volunteer firefighters tackled the fire and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) began to evacuate residents near the fire. As the fire advanced, propane tanks exploded. Winds thwarted firefighting efforts by blowing hose water away from the fire. The fire swept through the village within minutes, forcing the hasty evacuation of its residents without any time to collect belongings. Mayor Jan Polderman issued an evacuation order at 6:00 PM. Some residents notified local shop owners of the impending danger so they could flee. Lytton First Nation had an evacuation plan and quickly carried it out on short notice without assistance from provincial authorities. There were three evacuation routes from the village: northwest on Highway 12 to Lillooet, north on the Trans-Canada Highway to Spence's Bridge then southeast to Merritt, and north on the Trans-Canada Highway to Cache Creek, then east to Kamloops. Both the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 12 were closed to non-evacuee traffic minutes prior to Lytton's evacuation order being issued. By July 2, the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (Kamloops First Nation) had opened their powwow grounds to assist in accounting for band members fleeing from the fire. Damage The fire destroyed 90 percent of the village, killed two people and forced the evacuation of nearby First Nations communities. On July 1, local MP Brad Vis made a Facebook post stating that there were reports of several injuries in addition to the two deaths. Nearly every house within the village was destroyed. Some houses across the highway from the village were spared, but were cut off from electricity, sewer and water services. The village's watershed may have been contaminated by chemicals used to fight the fire, and the ruins may pose the risk of toxic chemical exposure. The fire largely leveled Lytton's Main Street, burning the post office, ambulance station, health centre, RCMP detachment, Lytton Hotel, and the Lytton Village Office. The Lytton Chinese History Museum was lost, along with 1,600 artifacts, museum archives and library. Residents of the village and its surrounding area lost their homes. The railway and highway were also damaged. The Insurance Bureau of Canada reported $78 million of insured damage. St. Barnabas Anglican Church had minor damage but was not burned. Cause As of October 2021, the cause of the wildfire was undetermined and disputed. The suspected causes were a lightning strike, train activity or activity inside the community. Multiple residents blamed CN and its mainline through the community, "saying that they saw sparks coming from a passing train at the same time the fire started." Some indigenous leaders publicly said that sparks from a passing train might have started the fire. The Nlaka'pamux Nation Tribal Council (NNTC) is a tribal association three of five First Nations affected by the fire, including Lytton First Nation. While affiliated with the NNTC, Lytton First Nation directly provides and administers all services to its members. Investigations began, by the RCMP and the Transportation Safety Board (TSB). Railways are required to inform the TSB of any fires along their rail lines, and the TSB received no such report. The BC Wildfire Service said the fire appeared to have been caused by humans rather than lightning, but did not specify a cause. The TSB opened an investigation into whether a train had caused the Lytton wildfire. In 2020, Canadian National Railway lost an appeal and had to pay $16 million in costs and penalties for causing the Cisco Road fire 10km south of Lytton in June 2015. An investigation of the Cisco fire concluded that rail workers cutting a line, at a time when the fire danger rating in the Lytton area was "extreme", had sparked the blaze, which burned for months and caused multiple evacuations. The RCMP also started an investigation of the Lytton fire, focusing on two areas. One area is a 2km area in nearby Boston Bar. In Lytton, police are focusing on a 1km radius containing a parking lot and park area, near a combined foot and rail bridge across the Fraser River, seeking to identify movements of people, vehicles and trains. CN Rail responded to a video that showed one of its trains on fire by saying that the train in that video was 45 kilometres south of Lytton and the smoke seen in the video was from a different fire, one that was already burning. They said in a statement that the train in the video had passed through Lytton uneventfully several hours before the fire. Initially, Transport Canada did not impose any additional restrictions on railways in the area, saying it was up to the railways to ensure safety. However, on July 11, Transport Canada imposed new restrictions to remain in effect until October 31, 2021. Railway speed was to be reduced in areas of extreme fire risk in order to reduce the risk of sparks from wheel friction and train brakes. Also, railways had to implement additional fire protection measures such a 60-minute response time for dealing with track-side fires, 10 fire-spotting patrols per day and making train conductors responsible for spotting fires. By mid October 2021, the Transportation Safety Board ended its investigation concluding that it had found no evidence that the wildfire was caused by railway activity. However, the TSB also says that the lack of evidence does not 100 percent rule out a train being the cause. The BC Wildfire Service and the RCMP indicated they were continuing to investigate. By May 2022, the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction released a report indicating that the Lytton fire department had no realistic chance of stopping the fire because the village was full of combustible material lying within of structures. Although the report did not specify how the fire was ignited, it said a number of ground fires spread out from near the CN railway tracks creating a swarm of burning embers. The combination of dry fuel in the village and high winds made the wildfire catastrophic. The town's buildings, including combustible sheds and outbuildings, were too close together, thus facilitating the spread of the fire. Criticism of response Nlaka'pamux Nation Tribal Council chair Chief Matt Pasco told media outlets that the provincial government and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District had failed to co-ordinate evacuations and resources with the First Nations threatened by the fire. When the government contacted Pasco, he said, it was about the health of cattle on his ranch, rather than of First Nations residents who had had to flee. British Columbia Premier John Horgan had to answer criticism about the province's response to the crisis. First Nation leaders complained that the province hampered evacuation due to poor communications and by not providing sufficient support for evacuees. Chief Janet Webster of the Lytton First Nation said that the province should have immediately declared a state of emergency. First Nations objected to the resumption of railway service in the area due to speculation that a spark from a train caused the fire. They threatened a blockade of local rail lines. On July 5, Canadian Pacific Railway had resumed rail service through Lytton First Nation, but Canadian National Railway had not as its line was more heavily damaged by the fire. Recovery By October 2021, volunteers associated with the British Columbia Heritage Emergency Recovery Network (HERN) had combed through the burnt ruins of the Lytton Chinese History Museum to recover artifacts. Of the 1,600 artifacts stored in the museum, 200 were recovered including 40 in good condition. HERN also examined the site of the Lytton Museum and Archives where a pile of magazines survived the fire with their edges charred but contents still readable. Bulldozers were expected to raze the remains of the buildings in late October. In November 2021, the provincial government gave a $1 million grant to the Village of Lytton as it had no tax base with the village mostly destroyed. The grant was to pay municipal staff and to restart the local economy. The November 2021 Pacific Northwest floods have stalled reconstruction efforts in Lytton by cutting off most highway access to the village. The business district was still lined by fenced-off, burnt-out establishments. In May 2022, Lytton Mayor Jan Polderman hoped that the village could start rebuilding in September 2022. He planned to enact new bylaws to require fire-resistant materials in new buildings such as non-flammable siding and roofing materials, and to keep combustibles such as vegetation, sheds and wood piles at a safe distance from buildings. The federal government promised $6 million to rebuild to fire-resistant standards. However, many residents balked at the extra estimated $5,000 to fireproof houses. Also some fireproof materials would be harder to source. Thus, Denise O’Connor, Polderman's successor as mayor, along with city councilors decided to relax standards to facilitate rebuilding. See also White Rock Lake fire – a 2021 B.C. wildfire that destroyed Monte Lake, another community Camp Fire (2018) – a wildfire that burned 95% of Paradise, California, in a similar quick-moving fashion to the Lytton fire References External links , published by the Globe and Mail on July 9, 2021 2021 meteorology 2021 wildfires in Canada 2021 in British Columbia June 2021 events in Canada July 2021 events in Canada Fraser Canyon Thompson Country

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%20Chilean%20Patagonia%20wildfire

2021 Chilean Patagonia wildfire

The Chilean Patagonia wildfire was a wildfire affecting Patagonia Park in Aysén Region, southern Chile. The fire begun on Friday July 2, 2021 around 22:00 local time. Radio Cooperativa reported in the night of July 2, 2021 that the fire could be observed away in the town of Cochrane. It was expected that incoming rain would help mitigate the fire. , have burnt. National Office of Emergency of the Interior Ministry declared the fire a "red alert" emergency on July 3, 2021. By July 7 the fire was "under control but not yet extinguished". An investigation found out that the fire started when strong winds (120 km/h) caused the chimney flue of a stove to collapse. This happened in a centre for Darwin's rhea reproduction. Two rheas suffered injuries as a result of the fire. See also 2017 Chile wildfires Drought in Chile References 2021 disasters in Chile July 2021 events in South America Wildfires in Chile History of Aysén Region Chilean Patagonia July 2021 events in Chile 2020s fires in South America 2022 fires

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%20Limassol%20wildfires

2021 Limassol wildfires

On 3 July 2021, wildfires broke out near the Cypriot village of Arakapas during a week-long heat wave that saw temperatures surpass 40 °C (104 °F). The fires spread throughout the Limassol District before being put out two days later with assistance from Greece, Israel, Italy, and the United Kingdom. They were described as the worst fires in the country's history. Four Egyptian men were killed, and a 67-year-old farmer was arrested in relation to the starting of the initial fire. References 2021 in Cyprus Fires in Cyprus Limassol District 2021 wildfires 2021 fires in Europe 2021 disasters in Cyprus

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List%20of%20Oregon%20wildfires

List of Oregon wildfires

There have been many notable wildfires in Oregon history. List 1902 Yacolt Burn 1933–1951 Tillamook Burn 1933, 1939, 1945 Bandon Fire (1936) 1996 Simnasho Ashwood-Donnybrook fire 2000 Jackson Fire 2001 Lakeview Complex 2002 Biscuit Fire Toolbox Complex fires 2003 B&B Complex fires 2006 South End Complex 2007 Egley Complex 2009 Tumblebug Complex Fire 2011 High Cascades Complex 2012 Barry Point Fire Lava Fire Long Draw Fire Holloway Fire Miller Homestead 2014 Buzzard Complex 2015 2017 Chetco Bar Fire Cinder Butte Fire Eagle Creek Fire High Cascades Complex fires Jones Fire Milli Fire Nash Fire Whitewater Fire 2018 Boxcar Fire Graham Fire Jack Knife Fire Klamathon Fire Klondike Fire Long Hollow Fire Miles Fire South Valley Fire Substation Fire Whitewater Fire 2020 (Western U.S.) Holiday Farm Fire Santiam Fire Slater and Devil fires 2021 Bootleg Fire Jack Fire Joseph Canyon Fire 2022 Cedar Creek Fire References Wildfires Wildfires in Oregon Oregon

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%20Russia%20wildfires

2021 Russia wildfires

From June 2021, the taiga forests in Siberia and the Far East region of Russia were hit by unprecedented wildfires, following record-breaking heat and drought. For the first time in recorded history, wildfire smoke reached the North Pole. Events Siberia In Yakutia, according to the Republic of Sakha's emergencies ministry, more than 250 fires were burning across roughly 5720 square kilometers of land on July 5. NASA's Aqua satellite also captured images of large fires raging in Kamchatka. In the city of Yakutsk, toxic smoke produced by the fires blanketed the city, reducing air quality to levels described as an "airpocalypse". Fires and smokes forced the Kolyma highway to be closed. A state of emergency was declared, and military planes and helicopters were used to douse the fires and to seed clouds to bring down rainfall. Boats along the River Lena were suspended. Aisen Nikolayev, head of the republic, said the fires were mainly an effect of climate change, and that there had been unusually low rainfall. The Aerial Forest Protection Service said in July that more than half the fires were not being fought. On August 4, smoke originating from the Siberian wildfires was reported in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, over 2,000 kilometers (around 1,200 miles) south-west from the place where the fires originated. The hourly average concentration, measured at 3pm that same day, reached 103 μg/m³ for the PM2.5 particles, while the one for PM10 particles hit 168 μg/m³. The average daily concentration for PM2.5 was found to have been somewhere between 38 and 69 μg/m³, exceeding the WHO's 24-hour mean air quality guidelines by 1.5 to 2.8 times. Smoke coming from the Siberian fires invaded the capital city again on August 10, albeit less intensely. The national meteorological institute stated on one of the articles on their website that the particle concentration was expected to decrease on August 12. As of August 12, the Siberian fires were larger than all other fires ongoing across the world combined. NASA also noted that the wildfire smoke had travelled more than 3,000 km (1,864 mi) from Yakutia to reach the North Pole, a feat that "appears to be a first in recorded history." Karelia Fires were unexpected. Causes Causes of the fires include monitoring difficulties, the shifting patterns of the jet stream and climate change in Russia. The fires were one of several extreme weather events that occurred globally in 2021. Activists and experts say that fires are often set deliberately to cover up evidence of illegal lumbering or to create new places for timber harvesting under the false pretext of clearing burned areas. Activists in Siberia and the Far East allege such arson is driven by strong demand for timber in the colossal Chinese market, and they have called for a total ban on timber exports to China. Officials have acknowledged the problem and pledged to tighten oversight, but Russia's far-flung territory and regulatory loopholes make it hard to halt the illegal activity. Long-term effects Large amounts of carbon may be released from formerly frozen ground under the fires, especially peatlands which continued burning from the previous year. See also 2019 Russian wildfires 2018 Russian wildfires 2015 Russian wildfires 2010 Russian wildfires 1987 Black Dragon fire List of wildfires § Russia List of heat waves References 2021 disasters in Russia 2021 wildfires 2021 Russia June 2021 events in Russia July 2021 events in Russia August 2021 events in Russia

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%20Turkey%20wildfires

2021 Turkey wildfires

In July and August 2021, a series of more than two hundred wildfires burnt 1,700 square kilometres of forest in Turkey's Mediterranean Region in the worst-ever wildfire season in the country's history. The wildfires started in Manavgat, Antalya Province, on 28 July 2021, with the temperature around . As of 9 August 2021, two fires were still burning, both in Muğla. The fires are part of a larger series of wildfires, including those in neighbouring Greece, originating from a heatwave made more likely by climate change. Background Since the 1940's the number of fires per year had increased from around 1000 to around 3500. In 2007, the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report said that "Warmer, drier conditions will lead to more frequent and prolonged droughts, as well as to a longer fire season and increased fire risk, particularly in the Mediterranean region." The fires were some of several extreme weather events around the world in 2021. Wildfires in the forests of Turkey are common in summer, principally in the Mediterranean and Aegean Regions, however, May 2021 was the hottest May for over 50 years and followed a drought, made more likely by climate change. This was followed by near to above average June temperatures with positive temperature anomalies below and ample rainfall, however, this did not impede the fires in Kaş, Tarsus and Marmaris on 26 and 27 June. Much stronger heat followed in the second half of July, as some regions reached positive temperature anomalies of up to , and a temperature reading of was recorded as far north as Istanbul, where seasonal daytime temperatures would have been around . The fires Copernicus satellites measured the maximum daily heat intensity at about 20 gigawatts, four times the previous record in Turkey, and EFFIS estimates placed the total area burnt at almost ten times the average for early August. Nine people died in the wildfires, at least two of them firefighters. Three deadly casualties were reported from the fire in Manavgat. 18 villages in Antalya and 16 villages in Adana and Mersin were evacuated. Most injuries were due to smoke inhalation. More than 4,000 tourists and staff in 2 hotels in Bodrum were evacuated by sea, by the Turkish Coastguard helped by private boats. Minister of Environment and Urban Planning Murat Kurum said that over 100 art museums would have to be demolished. The president declared parts of 5 southern provinces disaster zones. By 2 August 2021, it was estimated that about 160'000 acres of forests have fallen victim to the fires. During the first few days of August new fires broke out in the west, and the Kemerköy power plant in Muğla Province was evacuated on 4 August as a fire entered the plant. The same day some other people near Milas were evacuated by sea. Nearby Yeniköy power plant was also threatened by a fire. Rare summer rain in Antalya on 7 August helped bring the fires there under control, but those in Muğla remained serious, with 13 fires continuing in 5 provinces. On 14 August, a Russian Navy Beriev Be-200 fire-fighting plane, one of two hired since July to help those affected by the fires in Kahramanmaraş, crashed just before it was due to land. There were five Russian servicemen and three Turkish citizens on board, all of whom perished in the accident. Most of the burnt forest was Turkish pine (Pinus brutia - in Turkish "Kızılçam" literally "red pine" – so sometimes mistranslated), which can generally regrow naturally. Reactions Domestic Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said in July that three planes, 38 helicopters and about 4,000 firefighters had fought the fires. Drones were also used, along with 485 water tenders and 660 bulldozers. He also stated that more than 2,000 farm animals had died. The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said on 29 July that 58 people were still in hospital. Ten people trapped at Oymapinar Dam were rescued. However, firefighting planes could only operate in daylight, and fallen trees blocked access to certain roads. On 3 August the Radio and Television Supreme Council warned media in Turkey not to be too negative in their coverage. Government loan repayments were postponed for the injured, and damage payments were made and interest-free credit promised to small businesses. Public access to various forests was banned until autumn. Opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu argued that an adequate supply of planes is essential as most fires broke out on the steep foothills of the Taurus Mountains where planes would have been more efficient at keeping the fires under control, and criticised the government by claiming that it limited the ability of the Turkish Aeronautical Association to bid. Later on, he said that the president had been ignoring the climate crisis and drought in Turkey. The mayors of the eleven CHP governed metropolitans made a joint statement offering to finance the costs of firefighting planes. Other opposition parties also criticised the ministry: Selahattin Demirtaş of the Peoples' Democratic Party called the government incompetent, and Good Party leader Meral Akşener said she had warned the ministry about the lack of planes the previous year. Pakdemirli said the ministry would buy firefighting planes before the end of 2021. The Turkish Aeronautical Association said that the 5000 liter capacity limit for tenders for firefighting aircraft should have been lower so they could have bid, but the president said they should have updated their technology. The president said that municipalities are also responsible for firefighting, but mayors said they had not been invited to crisis coordination meetings. In August, President Erdoğan, while busing through disaster areas, threw tea bags at citizens, which was criticized by several opposition politicians, including Ali Babacan who said the act was shameful. International assistance The following countries responded: – 750 firefighters, 93 trucks, helicopter and plane – 45 firefighters and 6 trucks – airplanes – airplanes – offer refused by Turkey – airplanes – airplanes – In August 2021, the Astana Times reported that helicopters from Kazakhstan helped extinguish forest fires in southwest Turkey. – airplanes – airplanes – airplanes – airplanes – S-70i helicopter – airplanes – 2 water dropping CH-47 Chinook helicopters International Organizations: – 3 Canadairs from the fleet Seedling donation movement Specifically for 2021 Turkish wildfires, a non-governmental organization in Turkey, Çevre Kuruluşları Dayanışma Derneği ÇEKUD, has initiated seedling donation movement. Following the defeat of Turkey women's national volleyball team by South Korea women's national volleyball team in quarterfinal at the 2020 Summer Olympics with set scores of 3 – 2, most of the players in Turkey women's national volleyball team bursted out their tears. After the reason of their sorrow has been known throughout the Internet, South Korean netizens initiated voluntary seedling donation movement through ÇEKUD in the name of Kim Yeon-koung or Korea Volleyball Federation to help Turkey for 2021 Turkish wildfires. ÇEKUD began their work to establish Turkey-Korea Friendship Forest Areas in several damaged areas, beginning on 18 November 2021 in Antalya Province. On 1 April 2022, Turkey completed planting operation. According to ÇEKUD, six zones of "Turkey-Korea Friendship Forest" are made: 30,000 in Antalya, 40,000 in Nevşehir, 25,000 in Kilis, 15,000 in Istanbul, 30,000 in Muğla and 10,000 in Osmaniye, thus 150,000 donated trees among 580,000, in total. Investigation of causes , figures for 2020 fire starting have not yet been published by the General Directorate of Forestry, but in 2019 no fires were known to have been caused by terrorism, and in 2018, out of the 2167 total fires 6 are known to have been started by terrorists according to official statistics. However, what started almost half of the 2688 fires in 2019 was unknown: the most common known fire starters were lightning (372) and intentional stubble burning (184). Boğaziçi University climatologist Levent Kurnaz said that the extremely hot and dry weather helped to start the fires. Some meteorologists also mention the foehn effect. Hikmet Özturk, forestry expert working with the Turkish Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion, said that although wildfires are almost always started by people, effects of climate change on wildfires are making their spread worse. The state-run TRT World, among others, wrote quickly about the possibility of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK, which is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey and many other countries) being behind the fires. One article by TRT called the PKK the "prime suspect" because "environmental destruction is one of the methods of vengeance used by the group." This was denied by the PKK, as well as the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK). According to some reports, there were racist attacks on Kurds after it was reported that the PKK was behind the fires. Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu stated that they had "no security intelligence" yet to support the claim that wildfires were being caused by arson attacks. official investigation concerning the causes of the fires continues, including possible arson or negligence. Gallery See also 2009 Mediterranean wildfires 2021 Greece wildfires 2021 Turkey floods References External links Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS): Turkey 2021 disasters in Turkey 2021 fires in Asia 2021 in Turkey Turkey wildfires Aegean Region Articles containing video clips July 2021 events in Turkey August 2021 events in Turkey Firefighting in Turkey Mediterranean Region, Turkey Fires in Turkey Natural disasters in Turkey Wildfires in Asia Climate change in Turkey Effects of climate change

68413740

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%20Greece%20wildfires

2021 Greece wildfires

The 2021 Greece wildfires were multiple wildfires in Greece in August 2021, which killed 3 people, injured at least 20 others and burned dozens of homes, after a historic heatwave for the country, with the highest temperatures reaching . Authorities evacuated several villages and towns. According to BBC News, Greece experienced the worst heatwave since 1987. These fires were the worst fires in Greece since the 2007 Greek forest fires which burnt more than double the area (270,000 hectares) of the 2021 fires (125,000 hectares). The largest wildfires were in Attica, Olympia, Messenia, and the most destructive in northern Euboea from which ferries evacuated about 2000 people. In 2021, approximately 125,000 hectares of forest and arable land were burnt during the worst fire season since 2007, with over 50,000 hectares burnt in northern Euboea alone. The World Meteorological Organization connected the fires with the regional heatwave and wildfire season made worse by climate change. A fire had also broken out in the island of Rhodes a few days before the mass outbreak and resulted in a mass evacuation as well as leaving many people without power or water. Although many farms were destroyed, there were no casualties or burned homes. Several wildfires were also reported in multiple parts of the island of Crete. Investigation of causes As of the 8th August, 5 people have been arrested for arson in the respective areas of Perama, Kalamata, Messenia, Petroupoli and Philopappou. On the 9th August, the prosecutor of Greece's Supreme Court, Vassilios I. Pliotas, called for an investigation into a possible organized arson plot on the part of a "deliberate organized criminal activity" that may have been behind the fires which torched several regions of Greece. As of the 9th of August, police has arrested 19 people in different places in Greece for attempted arson. As of the 10th of August, 3 suspected arsonists have been remanded in custody: two Greek men, one for an arson at Petroupoli and the other for an arson at Kryoneri and an Afghan woman for an arson at the Pedion tou Areos. As of the 12th of August, the number of arrests made by Hellenic Police for arson and negligence causing these wildfires had increased to 118. Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis said the special prosecutor was "already cooperating closely and regularly" with the fire department and the police "for the in-depth investigation of the causes of all the large fires which have broken out this year." Commenting on another fire that had started south of Athens, the minister added, "And all this because, according to witnesses, the fire was due to the use of a flare by one or more" people. In mid August, a 14 year old boy was arrested by police after they had tracked his movements through video footage. He confessed to police of starting 9 devastating fires in the Phthiotis region, however police suspect him of starting a total of 14. He travelled from location to location starting these fires on his bicycle from the 5th August to the 17th August. In 2007, the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report said that "Warmer, drier conditions will lead to more frequent and prolonged droughts, as well as to a longer fire season and increased fire risk, particularly in the Mediterranean region." The fires were some of several extreme weather events around the world in 2021. Reactions The Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis lamented the situation, underlining that Greece's priority is that of saving lives and attributed the fires to the climate change. Mitsotakis also apologized on Monday, 9 August, "for any weaknesses" in containing the massive wildfires that have destroyed swathes of forest land and forced hundreds of people to evacuate numerous settlements over the past week. The Deputy Minister of Civil Protection, Nikos Hardalias, stated: "The resignations of all the government officials are in the Prime Minister's drawer. Mine is at the very top of the drawer. [...] The state apparatus did what was humanly possible. But, of course, we are not satisfied with such a catastrophe. The Prime Minister is shocked. We all need to apologize to the people who lost their lives and we will evaluate if we could have done something different." The World Meteorological Organization highlighted the Greek wildfires in its press release response to the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report Working Group I report, noting the wildfires as an example of the extreme weather being caused by climate change. International assistance The following countries offered assistance: – 4 helicopters – 35 firefighters and 11 vehicles – 1 aircraft – 40 firefighters and 2 aircraft – 34 firefighters and 13 vehicles – 3 airplanes – 243 firefighters, 59 vehicles and 3 airplanes – 216 firefighters and 44 vehicles – 16 firefighters and 3 airplanes – 45 firefighters, 6 trucks and firefighting equipment – 25 firefighters and 4 vehicles – 286 firefighters and 46 trucks – 66 firefighters, 3 vehicles and 1 Search and Rescue team – 254 firefighters and 23 trucks – 2 aircraft and 2 helicopters – 37 firefighters, 14 members of the Helicopter Unit, 3 helicopters and 13 vehicles – 75 firefighters and 30 vehicles – 2 aircraft – 2 airplanes – 3 helicopters – 2 airplanes (EU airplanes originally sent to Turkey) – 100 firefighters – 1 group of firefighters and firefighting equipment – 21 firefighters – 1 airplane The following International Organizations offered assistance: – 1 person at the headquarters of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection – 20 helicopters See also List of Wildfires 2007 Greek forest fires 2009 Greek forest fires 2009 Mediterranean wildfires 2012 Chios Forest Fire 2018 Attica wildfires 2021 Turkish wildfires References Wildfires 2021 wildfires 2021 fires in Europe 2021 disasters in Greece August 2021 events in Europe 2021 2021 wildfires

68448710

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%20Algeria%20wildfires

2021 Algeria wildfires

The 2021 Algeria wildfires were multiple wildfires that happened in the Kabylia region of Algeria since 9 August 2021, which have killed 90 people, including 57 civilians and 33 soldiers. The soldiers died after being trapped in the blaze during rescue operations. On 9 August, many fires started up in the Kabylia region and elsewhere, and Algerian authorities sent soldiers to help citizens with the blazes and evacuations. On 10 August, multiple fires have burned Mediterranean trees, destroying olive trees and killing cattle and chickens. Many distant villages have very limited water. Some villagers fled, while others tried to hold back the flames themselves, using buckets, branches and rudimentary tools, due to the unavailability of firefighting aircraft. On 12 August, president Abdelmadjid Tebboune said in a live speech on state television that "criminal hands were behind most" of the fires and that 22 people have been arrested. After 7 days following the appearance of the wildfires, Civil Protection units have successfully extinguished 41 forest fires in nine provinces in the past 24 hours, and complete extinction of fires in Annaba was reported. On 17 August, all forest fires in Jijel and Sétif were extinguished. On 18 August, president's office said that "ultimate responsibility" for fires lay with the Islamist Rachad group and MAK, an ethnopolitical autonomy organization that aims to split the ethnic Berber region of Kabyle from the rest of Algeria, with "support and help from foreign parties, particularly Morocco and the Zionist entity", referring to Israel. The 2021 Algerian-Israeli naval incident took place during these wildfires on 27 September. Casualties A total of 610 km of electricity network and no less than 710 stations were destroyed by the fires that ravaged several municipalities in Tizi Ouzou Province, according to a report released during an inspection visit of the CEO of the Sonelgaz group, Chaher Boulkhras. Some 5,193 hectares of fruit trees and 19,178 farm animals burned in the fires, according to a nondefinitive report from the Local Direction of Agricultural Services (DSA) and a total of 1,705 homes burned were appraised by engineers from the Technical Construction Control body (CTC). According to a report made public in May 2022 by the Algerian Directorate General of Forests (DGF), the total area of vegetation cover affected by fires during the summer of 2021, amounts to more than 100,000 hectares through 1,631 fire outbreaks recorded in 21 wilayas. A total of 260,135 hectares of forests (26% of the total area), 21,040 hectares of bushes (21.5%), 16,415 hectares of scrub (16.5%), 16,160 hectares of fruit trees (36%) and 352 hectares of esparto (0.5%) were ravaged by the fires. Killing of Djamel Bensmail Djamel Bensmail, an artist and social activist from Miliana, was reported by the local media to be brutally killed days after the fires in Tizi Ouzou appeared, by a group of people that set him on fire. He was initially charged, baselessly, with incendiarism. Later, a video showing the assault against Djamel Bensmail went viral online, showing his final minutes as he was burned alive and killed for his alleged role. However, social media users identified him as a prominent artist who was present in the area to help residents put out the fires. In the video, Bensmail was pleading with the mob and repetitively insisting that he had no role in the wildfires that were spreading. Furthermore, several members of the group were shouting racist and insulting slang at the victim, such as sale arabe, which is French for dirty Arab. It is believed that several members of this mob appearing in the footage are affiliated with the MAK. The MAK is also accused by Algerian authorities as having separatist aims and an anti-Arab sentiment. Due to this, it is strongly believed that Bensmail was in fact guiltless. The Director of the Judicial Police at the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), Mohamed Chakour, affirmed the arrest of 36 defendants including 3 women, involved in the assassination and lynching of Bensmail in Larbaâ Nath Irathen in Tizi Ouzou. On 17 August, The DGSN released a new video including the confessions of new suspects arrested in connection with the case. References See also 2022 Moroccan wildfires 2021 meteorology 2021 wildfires 2021 fires in Africa Arson in Africa Arson in the 2020s August 2021 events in Africa Crime in Algeria Fires in Algeria Natural disasters in Algeria 2021 disasters in Algeria

68491372

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%20Israel%20wildfires

2021 Israel wildfires

The 2021 Israel wildfires were multiple wildfires that happened in the vicinity of Jerusalem. Timeline On 16 August 2021, a large wildfire outside Jerusalem has begun to spread again as the wind picks up, leading police to evacuate some residents of Sho'eva as the blaze nears the community. The Israeli Defense Forces dispatched several transport helicopters to assist in the evacuation of Giv'at Ye'arim due to the massive forest fire raging outside Jerusalem. Israel Fire and Rescue Services chief Dedi Simchi said that the massive forest fire outside Jerusalem was on the same scale as the 2010 Mount Carmel fire. During the night, the Fire and Rescue Services chief Didi Simchi had deployed large force to protect Jerusalen’s Hadassah Hospital. Reactions The Prime Minister Naftali Bennett gave the go-ahead for Israel to consider seeking international assistance to help battle a large wildfire raging outside Jerusalem. The Foreign Ministry Yair Lapid requested assistance from Greece, Cyprus, Italy, France, and other regional countries for help in fighting a massive forest fire outside Jerusalem. On 16 August 2021, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid spoke with his Greek counterpart, Nikos Dendias, asked him to send firefighting planes, Dendias said Greece would help as much as it can, and with his Cypriot counterpart, Nikos Christodoulides, who says Cyprus is prepared send firefighting planes to help battle a large forest fire outside Jerusalem. See also 2021 in Israel List of wildfires Wildfires in 2021 References Wildfires 2021 fires in Asia 2021 wildfires August 2021 events in Asia 2021 2021 wildfires 2021 disasters in Israel

68498031

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%20France%20wildfires

2021 France wildfires

The 2021 France wildfires are multiple wildfires happening in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France, mainly in Saint Tropez. Two people died during the fires. Timeline August On August 17, 2021, a devastating forest fire broke out, with a flame as high as 20 meters, in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur near Saint-Tropez. Thousands of people were evacuated, in particular the villages around Cavalaire, Saint-Tropez, Grimaud and La Môle were evacuated. The Var prefecture also confirmed the evacuation of several campsites and urged people to avoid the roads adjacent to the Gulf of Saint-Tropez so as not to hinder rescue. About 750 firefighters are fighting the fires that destroyed a wooded area of 3,500 hectares. References 2021 fires in Europe 2021 wildfires 2021 wildfires 21st century in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Wildfires Saint-Tropez Fires in France Natural disasters in France Wildfires in Europe

69017133

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%20Nuevo%20Le%C3%B3n%20wildfires

2021 Nuevo León wildfires

The 2021 Nuevo León wildfires were a series of wildfires that broke out in late March and early April 2021 in the Mexican state of Nuevo León. The wildfires in Nuevo León were fueled mostly by drought, high winds, and high temperatures. Media in Mexico had reported that 12 out of the 61 fires burning across the country were located in 8 protected natural areas, including the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park in the state of Nuevo León. Most of the wildfires that were burning in the state were near the city of Monterrey. On March 25, 1,100 residents had to be evacuated in at least 14 communities because of a major wildfire that was burning in the Sierra de Santiago region. The fire began in the neighboring state of Coahuila near the city of Arteaga on March 16. The fire was previously at 70% containment days later, but due to wind gusts reaching 90 kilometers per hour, the fire spread quickly over state lines into Nuevo León and authorities issued residents to evacuate immediately. Background The Mexico wildfire season mostly starts from March and ends in May. But the 2021 wildfire season in Mexico is one of the worst fire seasons the country has faced in more than a decade, the major wildfires mostly being in Nuevo León. The wildfires in the state are mostly blamed for the ongoing drought in North America that is fueling hundreds of wildfires across the continent. A DC-10 Air Tanker was used to battle the wildfires in the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park. Smoke from the wildfires affected the state's air quality. The smoke from the fires could also be visible from the U.S. state of Florida. Aftermath References Nuevo León Natural disasters in Mexico 2021 disasters in Mexico March 2021 events in Mexico April 2021 events in Mexico

69147549

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020%20Maricopa%20County%20wildfires

2020 Maricopa County wildfires

The 2020 Maricopa County wildfires were a series of major and non-major wildfires that took place in Maricopa County, Arizona, from the month of May to the month of October. In the year 2020, Arizona saw one of its worst fire seasons in the states history. Due to the lack of precipitation needed in Arizona, the state fell into an ongoing drought from late 2020 and 2021. High winds were also present during the summer when fire season is mostly active in the state. These factors led to the wildfires in Maricopa County to be destructive and costly. Out of all the counties in Arizona, 200,000+ acres (80,937 ha) burned in Maricopa County alone, which is almost 20% of the acreage burned in Arizona in 2020. The wildfires in the county of Maricopa destroyed approximately 44 structures and there were no reported deaths or injuries. In addition, the Bush Fire would become one of the worst wildfires to ever scorch parts of Maricopa County since the Cave Creek Complex Fire in the summer of 2005. Background The wildfire season in the U.S. state of Arizona usually begins in the month of May and ends in the month of July due to the North American Monsoon, which brings enough rainfall to prevent any major wildfires that could happen in the future without any precipitation. But in the year 2020, this year's monsoon season was the driest on record in Arizona history. The average rainfall in the 2020 Arizona monsoon season was 1.51 inches across the state. Because of the unusual amount of rainfall Arizona obtained, this led them to a drought which has not just affected Arizona, but most of the Western United States. In the city of Phoenix, Arizona, they got approximately 0.46 inches of rain during the monsoon season, which gives wildfires the advantage to spread quickly due to dry fuel. These components of having the absence of rainfall, high winds, and drought led the way for 2020 being one of Arizona's worst fire seasons ever recorded. COVID-19 pandemic During the fight to contain wildfires in Maricopa County, there was also another obstacle that would make wildland firefighting even more difficult, the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time during the months of June and July, Arizona was experiencing a huge spike in coronavirus cases, which made the job of wildland firefighting difficult because of firefighters having to go into quarantine due to a suspected case of the disease. Maricopa County had the most confirmed coronavirus cases since it was the most populous county in the state of Arizona. Wildfire smoke also increased the risk for firefighters to get COVID-19. Wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than , or produced significant structural damage or casualties. Bush Fire The fire started around 2:00 p.m. (MST) on June 13 near Bush Highway and Highway 87 where they both intersect. The fire sparked from a vehicle fire on the intersection. By June 16, the fire had already grew to more than 64,513 acres (26,100 ha) due to gusty winds and low humidity and was 0% contained. Later on that day, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office issued an evacuation order for residents living near the Apache Lake area. At the time, it was the largest wildfire burning in the United States. Forecast across Arizona throughout the week showed humidity below 10% in Phoenix, with gusty winds reaching over 20 mph. On June 17, due to dry brush and high winds, the wildfire doubled in size with an additional 20,000+ acres burned, putting the total acres burned by the Bush Fire at 89,059 acres (36,041 ha). Road closures were put in effect for State Route 87 and State Route 188. Evacuation centers were opened to evacuees from the American Red Cross in Tucson, Payson, and Miami. On June 18, the fire had reached 104,379 acres, surpassing the size of the city of Mesa 22 miles away. Evacuations were still in place for the areas of Apache Lake, Sunflower, and Punkin Center. Containment status of the blaze was still out of control and at 5% containment. Earlier on that day by 2:00 a.m., the fire had already reached near Highway 188. During the spike in coronavirus cases in June, many people were arriving at evacuation centers due to the Bush Fire, so to prevent any mass infections to take place in the evacuation centers, people would be required to stay 6-feet away from each other and wear masks. The following weeks went on with firefighters making progress on the east side of the Bush Fire along Highway 188. By June 19, the Bush Fire had already scorched . Winds did begin to moderate at about 5-10 mph, which allowed firefighters to have a good advancement against the immense blaze. The only poor factor into fighting the wildfire was high temperatures, which reached over 100°F (37.78°C). On June 23, the Bush Fire was at 61% containment with the help of calm winds and 587 total resources used including 30 engines, 3 bulldozers, 8 helicopters, and 18 water tenders. Later that day on June 23, residents who evacuated from Apache Lake and Sunflower were allowed to go back home. Evacuation status was still in "Set" just in case if weather throughout the week gives wildfires across the state an advantage to spread quickly. At 3:15 p.m. on June 26, the Tonto National Forest gave an update on Twitter that the Bush Fire had burned and was at 90% containment. People received news about high winds moving into the area where the fire is burning. Due to the strong winds, a red flag warning was issued for portions of Maricopa County, including where the Bush Fire was burning. Residents around the blaze were told to expect hazy skies caused by smoke throughout the weekend. On June 28, the massive fire spread to and increased in containment by 8%. Many days passed by with the wildfire still being at 98% containment, but finally on July 6, the wildfire reached 100% containment with 193,455 acres (78,288 ha) burned. Fortunately no injuries or deaths were reported and no structures were destroyed in the fire's path. Over 400 fire personnel responded to the inferno in the Tonto National Forest, where most the flames were most present. The Bush Fire would become and still is the 5th largest wildfire in Arizona history, surpassing the Woodbury Fire which burned northwest of Superior in 2019. Central Fire The fire started around 11:00 a.m. (MST) on June 20, 4 miles northeast of New River and quickly spread into the Tonto National Forest on same day it was first reported. In 24 hours, the fire had already grew to caused by hot temperatures, strong winds, and dry fuel. The fire eventually enlarged and expanded along the Top River Mesa. Multiple agencies quickly responded to the fast-moving inferno which was still moving northeast. They had also called air tankers since the fire was moving quickly due to strong winds and dry brush. By midnight on June 22, the fire had scorched . In the evening on the same day, it was announced that the fire was human-caused, but no specific cause was said. By June 26, the fire had reached 80% containment and Burned Area Emergency Response assessments were conducted. During the blaze, the smoke had an effect on Phoenix's air quality, mostly in the eastern portions of the city. On June 30, the fire had finally reached 100% containment. No injuries or deaths were reported and no structures were damaged or destroyed. Ocotillo Fire On May 30, at around 1:00 p.m., a fire sparked and broke out near Ocotillo Road a mile away from Cave Creek. Residents of Cave Creek expected hot temperatures and high winds in the forecast on May 30, not knowing that they would have to be forced to evacuate from their homes later on due to the fast-moving Ocotillo Fire. 2-3 hours later, over 500 residents of Cave Creek were ordered to evacuate immediately. Winds fueled the fire and eventually the blaze went on to scorch 20 structures, including 8 homes in Cave Creek. By then, the blaze had already grew to over and was still 0% contained. Evacuation orders still remained in place. On May 31, the inferno had scorched and was 10% contained. An evacuation shelter was set up from the Red Cross at Cactus Shadows High School. On June 1, progress was made on the raging wildfire with the blaze reaching 67% containment and still steady on 980 acres burned. On the same day, it was said that evacuation orders will be lifted on June 2. On the same day where evacuations were lifted, the Ocotillo Fire had finally reached 100% containment and the total acreage burned was 980 acres. Residents going back home were told to be careful because of engines patrolling throughout the burn scar monitoring for hot spots. As a result, the Ocotillo Fire burned 20 structures, including 8 homes. Fortunately, there were no injuries or deaths reported. Over 200 firefighters battled the blaze. More than 500 homes with 1,000 residents had to be evacuated. The wildfire was human-caused, but the specific source of the human-caused fire was still under investigation. Aquila Fire The Aquila Fire started around 2:30 p.m. near Carefree Highway north Phoenix on June 23. The fast-moving wildfire made the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office force residents of 200 homes to evacuate. An evacuation center was set up nearby. Over 120 firefighters quickly responded to the immense wildfire. Due to dry vegetation, the Aquila Fire was able to spread into neighborhoods and destroy 6 structures in its path. More than 100 residents had to be evacuated and the fire was at 5% containment. Three days later, the Aquila was quickly "under control" and was 100% contained. As a result, a total of 6 structures were destroyed and no injuries or deaths were reported. Painted Wagon Fire The Painted Wagon Fire started on June 25 near the Painted Wagon Trail and was 20 miles east of Wittman and quickly enlarged to due to high winds and dry grass and brush. Residents who lived near the Painted Wagon Trail were evacuated and in the fire's path, the flames claimed 5 structures. The fire kept moving northeast towards more dry brush, which could make the wildfire even more immense and destructive and threaten even more communities. On June 26, residents were able to go back home and the evacuation status was still in "Set", but later changed to "Ready" status. On June 27, the Painted Wagon Fire was fully contained. The blaze claimed a total of 5 structures and no injuries or deaths were reported. Sears Fire The Sears Fire started at approximately 2:45 p.m. on September 25 near the Sears Kay Ranch. Evacuations were announced for residents living near Bartlett Lake hours later. By then, the fire quickly spread into the Tonto National Forest. In 24 hours on September 26, the fire had already grew to and temporary closures were put in for Bartlett Lake as a precaution. On September 27, the blaze grew an additional 3,500+ acres, making the acreage burned by the Sears Fire at . At around 1:30 p.m., because of powerful and strong winds, the fire grew to with 0% containment. According to the Tonto National Forest, the fire had scorched and destroyed 8 structures and smoldered several vehicles. Air tankers and helicopters had entered in the fire zone and dropped several gallons of fire retardant to keep that fire at ease. By 11:00 a.m. on September 28, the blaze had rapidly grew to and 5 more structures were destroyed. Later on that day, progress was made on the fire with containment on the blaze increasing by 15%, but the fire also increased in size with acreage burned at On October 2, the size of the Sears Fire increases with burned and containment rises to 60%. A closure was still in effect throughout areas close to the Sears Fire. Days passed by with the fire still steady at 14,476 acres and still within the 60% containment mark. Residents of nearby communities were notified that they still may see smoke for a couple of days, due to the wildfire burning dry grass and brush inside the fire perimeter. Many roads are reopened to the public and residents of evacuated communities are allowed to go back home. Firefighters over the next several days would still monitor the Sears Fire for any change in direction of the wind and monitor any hotspots that might appear near the wildfire. Finally on October 11, the Sears Fire would extend to 100% containment. Thus, the Sears Fire approximately burned 14,476 acres of land and destroyed 13 structures in its path. No injuries or deaths were reported. Aftermath Causes of the fire were mostly due to human activity, dry vegetation, high winds, and the lack of rain obtained during the monsoon season between July and September. Due to these causes, 2020 became Arizona's worst fire season. Most the acres burned in Maricopa County was caused by the Bush Fire. Over 1,000 people had to be evacuated from their properties due to the wildfires burning in the county. 200,000+ acres were scorched in the area and left noticeable burn scars around northern Maricopa County. Fortunately, no deaths or injuries were announced. Approximately 44 structures were destroyed and the cost of the wildfires reached well over $17 million (2020 USD). See also List of Arizona wildfires 2020 Arizona wildfires List of natural disasters in the United States References Wildfires in Arizona 2020 Arizona wildfires Fires in Arizona

69591320

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%20Kansas%20wildfire%20outbreak

2021 Kansas wildfire outbreak

On December 15, 2021, the Midwestern U.S. state of Kansas was met with strong and damaging winds caused by the December 2021 Midwest derecho and tornado outbreak, which produced dust storms and multiple wildfires. An estimated burned on the first day wildfires spawned due to dry fuel and strong wind gusts reaching up to . The western and central portions of Kansas were mostly affected by the fires. Before December 15, forecasters had predicted that dry air, gusty winds, and warm temperatures could be present throughout the following days, creating conditions favorable for wildfires to spread quickly through the area. The largest wildfire, the Four County Fire, burned numerous buildings and killed hundreds of cattle along the way with a scorched area of . Due to gusty winds that were in attendance in the area, the toppling of power lines started to take place, sparking a few wildfires. Drought conditions also played a role in the wildfire outbreak, in which the western and central portions of Kansas were "Abnormally Dry" and in "Severe Drought". The drought and wildfires significantly impacted Kansas agricultural operations by not being able to produce livestock. Background The Kansas wildfire season usually begins and progresses through the spring. But unusual drought conditions started to emerge in Western Kansas; the drought eventually advanced into parts of Central Kansas in the autumn as a result of no recorded rainfall since November 3, 2021. Due to drought in the region, farmers were unable to grow crops such as wheat. Before December 15, the Wichita, Kansas National Weather Service had warned citizens in Kansas to be cautious about an upcoming windstorm that could produce winds up to , and the storm could eventually spawn wildfires and fling debris. The weather forecast showed relative humidity on Wednesday, December 15, being at 10 to 15 percent. The forecast also showed winds being at their strongest peak in the afternoon on December 15. The National Weather Service had recommended residents of Western and Central Kansas to stay inside their homes due to a high risk of blowing dust. Wildfire outbreak After the windstorm had passed over Kansas, more than 10 wildfires were present in the western and central portions of the state, which burned more than on the first day they were first reported. At the time, wind gusts reached up to as expected. Two major grass fires were being monitored until both of them had merged into one large wildfire, being named the Four County Fire. By 3:06 a.m. (CST) on Thursday, December 16, the Four County Fire had reached a burned area of approximately and satellites had detected heat from the wildfire seven miles away near Russell, Kansas. Due to the wildfires and strong winds, 24 out of the 105 counties in Kansas issued local disaster declarations. Most of the wildfires ravaged the counties of Ellis, Osborne, Rooks, and Russell. In Russell County, wildfires prompted evacuations of 500 to 600 residents for the areas of Waldo, Paradise, and Fairport. Wildfires burned and destroyed multiple homes and businesses in their path, mainly in the city of Paradise. Many families in Paradise lost their homes, ranches, and cattle due to the wind-driven wildfires. To assist firefighters in battling the raging wildfires, on December 16, the Kansas National Guard mobilized UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to help firefighters get a hold of the fires burning in Western and Central Kansas. No other firefighting aircraft was able to take to the air in the area where wildfires were nearby because of winds reaching up to . Earlier on the evening of December 15, while firefighters were trying to get the fast-moving fires under control, smoke from the Four County Fire had traveled for miles, and smoke was eventually seen from Lincoln, Nebraska. Later that day, on December 16, aircraft were ultimately able to fly over wildfire-ravaged areas because of wind speeds having to decrease. On December 17, several wildfires were still burning, but not as intensely as they were on December 15. Winds for the city of Russell on December 17 decreased to . Throughout the following days, relative humidity had dropped into the mid-20s, which made efforts for firefighters to put out the blazes difficult. Two days later, on December 17, the North Wichita Fire was fully contained, with a burned area of 7,572 acres (3,064 ha). The wildfire destroyed five structures and cost approximately $46,000 (2021 USD). Another but smaller wildfire, the Wichita County Fire, was contained a day later on December 18 with a burned area of . The wildfire also destroyed five structures and cost approximately $25,000. On December 23, the largest wildfire, the Four County Fire, was fully contained and had scorched an area of and destroyed 32 structures. The cost of the wildfire is still unknown. Fatalities A total of two fatalities were confirmed of an 84-year-old rancher who lived near the city of Leoti, Kansas, and of a 36-year-old man whose remains were found near his vehicle, which was also burned. Both men were killed due to sustained burn injuries caused by the wildfires. The 84-year-old man named Richard Shimanek was badly injured in the wildfires while trying to save his home. He was later taken to a hospital in Denver, Colorado, where he later died due to his injuries. The second fatality, a 36-year-old man named Derrick Kelley, who was first reported missing by his fiancée on Wednesday, December 15, during the wildfire outbreak. Derrick Kelley was reportedly last seen in Hays, Kansas, on December 15, soon before his fiancée reported him missing. On the morning of December 17, his body was found next to his burnt vehicle. Cause Dry grassland due to abnormally dry and severe drought conditions in Western and Central Kansas helped the December 15 wildfires to spread quickly into nearby cities and towns, destroying numerous structures. High winds also contributed to the development of the wildfires. In some cases, the wind toppled power lines, sparking new major fires. At the time, warm temperatures and low humidity were also present, making conditions even more favorable for the fires burning near the cities of Paradise and Waldo. Aftermath The wildfire outbreak resulted in a burned area of more than in portions of Western and Central Kansas, leaving the deaths of two individuals and injured three more civilians. Mainly in the cities of Paradise and Waldo, more than 42 structures were destroyed. The windstorm and wildfires caused more than $2.3 million (2021 USD) worth of damage. The wildfire outbreak also had an impact on Kansas agricultural operations and also had an impact on the company, Midwest Energy. Approximately 700 power poles belonging to Midwest Energy were toppled during the wind and wildfire event. Because of the drought and wildfires, the production of livestock and crops grew slim due to an impact on Kansas agricultural operations. Disaster assistance was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to Kansas ranchers and farmers who were mostly affected by the disaster. Producers who lost livestock such as cattle were entitled to the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). Gallery See also Wildfires in 2021 Wildfires in the United States List of natural disasters in the United States 2021-2022 Boulder County fires – Another wildfire outbreak that occurred 15 days later on December 30, 2021, in Boulder County, Colorado. Notes References History of Kansas 2021 wildfires in the United States December 2021 events in the United States Fires in Kansas Natural disasters in Kansas 2021 in Kansas

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%20Colorado%20wildfires

2022 Colorado wildfires

The 2022 Colorado wildfire season was a series of wildfires that burned throughout the U.S. state of Colorado. List of wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than , or produced significant structural damage or casualties. See also Colorado State Forest Service List of Colorado wildfires 2022 New Mexico wildfires References 2022 in Colorado Wildfires in Colorado 2022 wildfires in the United States

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildfires%20in%202022

Wildfires in 2022

The 2022 wildfire season involves wildfires on multiple continents. Below is a partial list of articles on wildfires from around the world in the year 2022. Africa 2022 Moroccan wildfires Asia 2022 Kazakh wildfires 2022 Mongolian wildfires 2022 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa wildfires, Pakistan 2022 Siberian wildfires Europe 2022 European and Mediterranean wildfires North America 2022 Arizona wildfires June 2022 Flagstaff wildfires 2022 Colorado wildfires 2022 California wildfires 2022 Oregon wildfires 2022 New Mexico wildfires 2022 Texas wildfires 2022 Washington wildfires Mullica River fire Oceania 2021–22 Australian bushfire season South America 2022 Corrientes wildfires, Argentina 2022 Araucanía wildfires, Chile 2022 Tierra del Fuego wildfire, Chile See also Weather of 2022 References 2022 2022-related lists

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%20California%20wildfires

2022 California wildfires

The 2022 California wildfire season was a series of wildfires burning throughout the U.S. state of California. By the end of the year, a total of 7,667 fires had been recorded, totaling approximately across the state. Wildfires killed nine people in California in 2022, destroyed 772 structures, and damaged another 104. The 2022 season followed the 2020 and 2021 California wildfire seasons, which had the highest and second-highest (respectively) numbers of acres burned in the historical record, with a sharp drop in acreage burned. Drastic climatic and ecological conditions, including climate change and long-term drought, had led to the anticipation of another potentially above-average wildfire season on the heels of two previous such seasons in 2020 and 2021. However, while the number of fires to date in 2022 was only slightly below the 5-year average (7,641 fires versus 8,049 fires), the total acreage burned was well below the 5-year average; 363,939 acres burned in 2022 thus far versus the 5-year average of 2,324,096 acres (though that average includes several of California's most significant fire seasons). Peak fire season in California typically occurs in late summer and/or fall, and effectively ends when significant precipitation occurs across the state. Governor of California Gavin Newsom officially marked "the end of peak wildfire season” in most of the state in mid-November. The quieter fire year was received gratefully by state officials and was highlighted by multiple news outlets, which attributed the downturn in severity largely to fortunate weather patterns, such as well-timed precipitation and favorable wind conditions. Officials were also quick to suggest that a contributing factor might have been several billion dollars invested in wildfire resilience projects, such as prescribed burning and community outreach. Despite the 'quiet' year as measured in acreage, a number of significant wildfires burned in California in 2022; these include the Oak Fire in Mariposa County, which burned over 180 structures, the McKinney Fire in Siskiyou County, which caused 4 fatalities, and the Mosquito Fire in Placer and El Dorado counties, which was California's largest wildfire of the year. Early outlook Seasonal fire risk After a wet October and December in the beginning of the 2022 water year, California experienced the driest January–February period on record in the state, with similar conditions continuing in March. This dry stretch follows a period of severe drought in the state that began in 2020, in part due to climate change in California, and which contributed to severe wildfire seasons in both 2020 and 2021. In its April monthly seasonal outlook, the National Interagency Fire Center forecast above normal significant fire potential for the Bay Area, Mid Coast-Mendocino, and Sacramento Valley/Foothill areas beginning in May, due to the lack of seasonal precipitation, early start to the growing season, and long-term drought. It also noted that "A further expansion of above normal significant fire potential is forecast across most elevations during June and July." The Northern California Geographic Coordination Center (commonly called 'North Ops') forecast stated that "Confidence is moderate to high for an early start to the significant large fire season." In Northern California, peak fire season begins in the early summer (June-July) and runs until late fall, varying year to year. In Southern California, the peak fire season begins in late spring (May-June) and runs until fall. The precise timing varies according to annual and seasonal precipitation, as well as the occurrence of offshore wind events, such as the Santa Anas, Diablo winds, or sundowner winds. However, fires are possible at any time of year in the state, particularly in drier Southern California. Preparation In anticipation of the 2022 California wildfire season, the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) increased its planned wildfire mitigation plan spending for 2022 to $5.96 billion, from $4.8 billion in 2021 and $4.46 billion in 2020. The mitigation plan includes the 'undergrounding' of at least 175 miles of power lines in high-fire risk areas, the installation of 98 additional wildfire detection/monitoring cameras and 100 additional weather stations, the expansion of safety settings that cut off power when objects (such as trees or branches) contact power lines, and the continued implementation of public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) as a last resort during extreme fire weather conditions. These moves came after the company declared bankruptcy in 2019 over its liability for wildfire damage costs from the 2018 Camp Fire and 2017 Tubbs Fire, among others. PG&E pleaded guilty to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter in the Camp Fire, shortly before the company exited bankruptcy in June of 2020. In January of 2022, Cal Fire determined that the Dixie Fire, the largest fire of the 2021 California wildfire season and largest non-complex fire in recorded California history, was caused by a tree contacting PG&E electrical distribution lines. Firefighter shortages The lead-in to the 2022 Western United States fire season was also marked by concerns about firefighting staffing. On March 15, 2022, Politico reported that United States Forest Service (USFS) officials had warned California employees that there had been "50 percent fewer applications submitted for GS3 through GS9 firefighting positions" compared to 2021, in part because of low pay, housing issues, and high cost of living. The San Francisco Chronicle similarly reported that between 2019 and 2021, the number of U.S. Forest Service firefighters stationed in California dropped by more than 20%, or over 1,000 firefighters. Testifying for the Senate Appropriations Committee on May 4, USFS Chief Randy Moore noted that in some areas, the USFS had only reached 50% of the staffing goal for wildland firefighters so far. Chief Moore cited competition in the labor market, including with private, county, and state organizations, such as Cal Fire, as a major reason for the hiring challenges. During the peak of fire season, representatives of California's private timber industry called for firefighting reserves to be augmented by the U.S. military and the National Guard, but were resisted by federal and state officials who noted the cost of such efforts and the lack of extreme resource needs during the season so far. The state has been forced to seek military assistance in the past during severe fire seasons. Causes Climate change Anthropogenic climate change is partially responsible for driving increased wildfire severity in California. For instance, background warming has led to weather and vegetation conditions more favorable for wildfire activity even at night, which has typically been a period of reduced activity that allows crews to intensify efforts to suppress fires. Drought The state of California is experiencing drought conditions on a number of timescales. The state saw very little precipitation in the January to March time period, with much of the state experiencing its driest such period. As of March 22, 2022, the National Drought Mitigation Center's U.S. Drought Monitor saw the entire state in moderate to extreme drought conditions. In February, their Drought Severity and Coverage (DSCI) index, which measures cumulative dryness, was at 275, or nearly twice the 20-year average of approximately 146, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. This dry period is part of an ongoing 22-year spell of drought in the North American West that marks the driest such period in at least 1,200 years, according to scientific research based on analysis of soil moisture deficits and tree rings. The drought has impacted wildfire risk and severity in a number of ways. Increased dryness of fuels, driven by increased vapor pressure deficit (VPD), a measure of the aridity of the atmosphere, is behind an eightfold increase in the area burned by wildfires in the summer in California since 1972, according to scientific research. Drought and overcrowding have also made forests more vulnerable not just to wildfires but bark beetle infestation, which has further weakened and killed forests. Total tree mortality since 2010 exceeds 172 million, providing plentiful fuel for wildfires. Forest management and fire suppression Scientists believe that prior to European colonization, far more area—between 4.4 and 11.8 million acres—was burned on an annual basis in California than in modern history, as a combination of wildfires and indigenous controlled burning. Beginning with the advent of the U.S. Forest Service's '10 AM policy', in which it sought to extinguish all fires by 10 AM the morning after their report, the primary method of wildfire management in California has been suppression. The success of this approach has led to a surfeit of fuel, resulting in larger and more extreme fires. Wildland-urban interface development California, as with other areas of the United States and the world, has experienced a growing amount of human development into the wildland-urban interface, or WUI. This area consists of developed areas either adjacent to, or intermingled with, wildland vegetation and fuels. Such areas are more prone to wildfire ignitions and structure losses, increasing the risk and severity of fire seasons in California. The 2018 Camp Fire and 2017 Tubbs Fire are two examples of recent California wildfires that resulted devastating losses in WUI communities. List of wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than 1,000 acres (400 ha), produced significant structural damage or casualties, or were otherwise notable. Acreage and containment figures may not be up to date. See also List of California wildfires 2022 Arizona wildfires 2022 Colorado wildfires 2022 New Mexico wildfires 2022 Oregon wildfires 2022 Washington wildfires References External links Current fire information — California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) SDSC WiFire Interactive Map — San Diego Supercomputer Center 2022 wildfires in the United States 2022 California, 2022

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%20Tierra%20del%20Fuego%20wildfire

2022 Tierra del Fuego wildfire

The 2022 Tierra del Fuego wildfire is a fire affecting the Chilean commune of Timaukel in the west of Tierra del Fuego Island in southernmost South America. The fire was discovered on January 20 but since no flames could be found it was reportedly believed that it was already extinguished. It began in land owned by the forestry company Forestal Russfin. Days later the fire was envigorated and consumed various hectares of forest. By February 7 the fire had consumed 1,357 hectares of forest. The same day personnel from National Forest Corporation (Conaf) declared that the wildfire had been contained but that a reemergence was possible. Senator Guido Girardi called for cooperation with Argentina, European countries and the United States in facing to face emergency. By February 12 the wildfire continued to burn and was affecting peatlands. It was also closing in toward Karukinka Natural Park. During the weekend of February 12 and 13 winds reactivated various focii of fire, but as of February 16 the fire was largely either contained or "under control". Aída Baldini, manager of the wildfire division of the National Forest Corporation, declared in late February that peatlands had largely escaped the fire given that they were humid. The National Forest Corporation ended its works in the fire on March 16, 2022, declaring the fire to be extinguished. In total the wildfire lasted almost 50 days. References 2022 disasters in Chile Tierra del Fuego 2022 meteorology January 2022 events in Chile February 2022 events in Chile March 2022 events in Chile Wildfires in Chile History of Magallanes Region History of Tierra del Fuego 2020s fires in South America 2022 fires

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%20Corrientes%20wildfires

2022 Corrientes wildfires

The 2022 Corrientes wildfires were a series of wildfires burning throughout the Corrientes Province in Argentina. It began in January of that year and continued to be active in many parts of the province, having consumed more than 800,000 hectares, which is equivalent to approximately ten percent of the province. The fire advanced over fields, mountains, wetlands and nature reserves, including the Iberá Wetlands, and has caused material damage estimated at between 25 and 40 billion pesos. The reasons for the fires include a natural disaster caused by high temperatures, water stress and lack of humidity in the environment, as well as man-made actions, either by starting intentional or negligent fires. Affected areas The fires occurred throughout the province, identifying various different scopes and magnitude in the departments and municipalities of Concepción, San Miguel, Curuzú Cuatiá, Ituzaingó, Santo Tomé, Loreto, Gobernador Virasoro, Bella Vista, San Martín, General Paz, San Antonio de Itatí, Villa Olivari, Mercedes, Monte Caseros, San Luis del Palmar, Goya and Saladas. The advance of the fire even caused cuts in inter-jurisdictional circulation routes such as National Route 14 and Provincial Route 5, and generated interruptions in fiber optic internet connectivity in Caá Catí. According to a survey carried out by the Natural Resources Group of INTA in Corrientes, the Ituzaingó Department has the largest area affected by the fires, exceeding 138,000 hectares burned. In turn, considered proportionally to the total surface, it is the San Miguel Department that presents the highest percentage of its affected surface, with more than 30%. Between 7 and 16 February, the rate of growth of the fire was 30,000 hectares per day, an area 33% larger than Buenos Aires. Response Governor Gustavo Valdés issued Decree 200/22 declaring the entire province of Corrientes in a state of agricultural emergency and, later, the province was established as an ecological and environmental disaster zone. In this context, tax and credit benefits and the possibility of direct assistance for rural producers were provided. Valdés also said that Juan Cabandié, the nation's minister of environment and sustainable development, called him concerning about political positioning to complain about criticism made by Mauricio Macri. More than 2,600 firefighters and brigade members were deployed throughout Corrientes. The provincial governments of Mendoza, Jujuy, Córdoba, Chaco, Buenos Aires, Misiones, Santiago del Estero, San Juan and Entre Ríos sent personnel and equipment, as did the national government and that of the City of Buenos Aires. The head of the Buenos Aires government, Horacio Rodríguez Larreta, and the Buenos Aires Minister of Security, Sergio Berni, personally attended the coastal province as part of the assistance provided by their districts. At the international level, the president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, announced that the federal government of the neighboring country would send firefighters to fight the flames. Similarly, the Bolivian government arranged a delegation of brigadistas to collaborate with the tasks of fighting against fire. For his part, Valdés announced that he had requested help from the United States government through its ambassador in Argentina, Marc Stanley. Different well-known personalities from the media called for solidarity donation campaigns such as influencer Santiago Maratea who, in less than 20 hours, raised more than 100 million pesos. At the judicial level, although the existence of intentional fires was made known, few actions were initiated and, in most cases, those responsible have not been identified. In this context, a group of local producers in Loreto criminally sued the alleged perpetrators of fires that arose in the area of National Route 118. On 1 March 2022, Valdés announced that there were no active outbreaks. Consequences According to official organizations and private entities, the material losses are estimated at a sum of at least 25,000 million pesos, although the calculations of the Ministry of Production of the Government of Corrientes foresee that the amount is around 40,000 million. The regional economies were strongly affected in the areas of livestock, agriculture, forestry and ecotourism. In terms of environmental and ecological damage, the consequences have not yet been measured, but there is knowledge of a great impact on the ecosystem and biodiversity, especially in the Iberá area. The native flora and fauna was seriously damaged by the fire, which caused the death of wild animals such as capybaras, maned wolves, alligators, marsh deer and other species, as well as their flight from the areas where they usually live. See also 2020s in environmental history References 2022 disasters in Argentina 2022 wildfires Wildfires in Argentina Corrientes Province January 2022 events in Argentina 2020s fires in South America 2022 fires

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%20Araucan%C3%ADa%20wildfires

2022 Araucanía wildfires

The 2022 Araucanías wildfires are a series of wildfires in the Chilean region of Araucanía. By February 26 57,000 ha had been burnt by fires. The commune of Traiguén and China Muerta National Reserve were on February 26 the places were most resources being used to fight fires. By February 25 180 haa had been consumed in China Muerta and the fire had not yet reached Conguillío National Park. According to Aída Baldini, manager of the wildfire division of the National Forest Corporation, many fires in Araucanía are intentional given that firefighters are often hindered to approach the fires. This hindrance is in some cases a large tree that has been felled over a road, or by firefighting personnel being threatened at gunpoint. See also Mapuche conflict References 2022 disasters in Chile Araucania Araucania Araucania Wildfires in Chile History of Araucanía Region 2020s fires in South America 2022 fires

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%20Arizona%20wildfires

2022 Arizona wildfires

This article is a summary of the 2022 Arizona wildfire season, comprising the series of significant wildfires that burned in the U.S. state of Arizona during the calendar year 2022. According to statistics published by the Southwest Coordination Center (an interagency government organization providing logistical and other support for wildland fire incidents), a total of 1,263 fires burned a total of in Arizona in 2022. On 20 April 2022, the Tunnel Fire, the biggest incident of the year in Arizona, burned thousands of acres north of Flagstaff. This included the entirety of Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. More than 700 homeowners were forced to evacuate, and at least 30 structures were destroyed. A state of emergency was also declared. List of wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than 1,000 acres (400 ha), produced significant structural damage or casualties, or were otherwise notable. References Wildfires 2022 wildfires in the United States Arizona, 2022 Wildfires in Arizona

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%20New%20Mexico%20wildfires

2022 New Mexico wildfires

The 2022 New Mexico wildfire season is an ongoing series of wildfires burning throughout the U.S. state of New Mexico. , had burned across the state. The burned acreage figure for 2022 is well above the 1995-2015 average of approximately 270,000 acres burned annually. with the fire season in the state expected to continue until the advent of the regular North American Monsoon weather pattern throughout the Southwestern United States in the summer. A number of factors contributed to the severe wildfire season. The majority of the state is experiencing extreme to exceptional drought conditions as part of a broader severe drought in the North American west, fueled by climate change. A reduced 2021-2022 winter snowpack, long periods of higher-than-normal temperatures, and sustained strong winds have resulted in extreme fire conditions and a number of major incidents. The season has seen a large number of significant wildfires. In early April 2022, the McBride Fire destroyed over 200 structures and killed two people. Since April 2022, the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire grew to become the largest fire in New Mexico history. It destroyed over 900 structures. Starting in May the Black Fire (2022), and ending in late July, burned in the Gila National Forest northeast of Silver City. The fire consumed some 325,000 acres and became the second-largest wildfire in state history. Thousands of state residents were forced to evacuate for extended periods of times, and the fires produced smoke plumes with severe effects on air quality and health throughout New Mexico. List of wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than 1,000 acres (400 ha), produced significant structural damage or casualties, or were otherwise notable. See also 2022 Texas wildfires Wildfires in 2022 2023 New Mexico wildfires References Wildfires 2022 meteorology Lists of wildfires in the United States 2022

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%20Siberian%20wildfires

2022 Siberian wildfires

The 2022-2023 Siberian wildfires are a series of ongoing wildfires in Russia that began in Siberia in early May 2022. Fires are concentrated in the Krasnoyarsk, Altai, Irkutsk, Kemerovo, Omsk, Kurgan regions, Khakassia and Sakha republics. The total area of the fires, 10 May 2023, was estimated at 5.2 million hectares. Overview Possible causes of fires are careless handling of fire during picnics on May holidays, short circuits of power lines and substations or fires of dry grass. Three employees of the power distributor Krasnoyarskenergo have been arrested and charged with manslaughter. As of 11 May, 1,298 buildings in 60 settlements burned down, including 200 homes, and at least 13 people died, including one child. In the city of Krasnoyarsk, the authorities had found that the fine particle concentrations in the air has exceeded levels considered hazardous to human health due to the smoke from wildfires. An Omsk civil association account stated on Twitter that the governor of the region is busy holding pro-Putin festivals and there is no clear action from the regional Emergency Situations Ministry. President of Russia Vladimir Putin urged authorities to take stronger actions to prevent further spread of wildfire. It is argued that they are uncontrolled due to resources diverted for the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Smoke from the wildfires reached the western United States and worsened air quality on the coast of California. On 3 July 2023 a state of emergency was declared in Russia's far east. More than 110 forest fires were burning across 62,000 hectares. See also 2022 Russian mystery fires 2022 Western Russia attacks References 2022 wildfires Wildfires in Russia 2022 disasters in Russia May 2022 events in Russia Natural disasters in Siberia

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%20Texas%20wildfires

2022 Texas wildfires

The 2022 Texas Wildfires are a series of wildfires occurring in 2022 in the state of Texas. They include 371 individual fires occurring throughout Texas. A total of 210,045 acres have been burned in the 2022 Texas wildfires according to the Texas A&M Forest Service, with the largest fire being the Eastland Complex fire. Early outlook Seasonal fire risk High alerts are included in March of the year and it is estimated South Texas and Central Texas will be severely affected in this fire season Notable fires Eastland Complex On March 17, 2022, a fire complex formed around SE of Romney. It was claimed to have been started by drought condition and is now 90% contained. The biggest fire so far is the Kidd fire, burning about 42,333 acres. Smoke from the fires reached as far as Houston. Crittenberg Complex A fast wildfire near Fort Hood burning about 1,000,000,000 acres and is 55% contained. Borrega Fire Borrega Fire is the largest Texas fire since the Iron Mountain Fire in May 2011 and currently, 60,000 acres have been burned and is 20% contained. List of wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than 1,000 acres (400 ha), produced significant structural damage or casualties, or were otherwise notable. See also 2022 New Mexico wildfires Wildfires in 2022 References 2022 meteorology Texas, 2022 Wildfires in Texas 2022 in Texas 2022 wildfires in the United States

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherani%20District%20wildfire

Sherani District wildfire

On 18 May 2022, a wildfire killed at least 3 people and destroyed thousands of pine-trees in Sherani District of Balochistan, Pakistan. There are forests of Chilgoza in this area and these forests have been engulfed in fire. The fire spread over an area of about five to six kilometers and efforts are being made to extinguish it. Three people were killed and three were injured when locals tried to put out the blaze. The dead and injured have been shifted to Zhob Civil Hospital. According to the forest department, the fire started due to lightning or negligence of the local nomads. Due to the dry weather, the fire is spreading rapidly, while the fire has damaged wildlife, including chilgoza and olive trees. References 2022 in Pakistan May 2022 events in Pakistan Fires in Pakistan Natural disasters in Pakistan Wildfires in Asia 2022 wildfires 2022 meteorology Sherani District

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%20Khyber%20Pakhtunkhwa%20wildfires

2022 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa wildfires

From the end of May to mid June 2022, more than 200 forest fires in different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa damaged 14,430 acres of forests and pastures. While 402 incidents of forest fires were reported in one month. The highest number of 129 forest fires was reported in Abbottabad District. According to the report, forest fires broke out at 55 places in Mansehra District, 29 in Lakki Marwat District, 39 in Dera Ismail Khan District and 24 in Swat District. Haripur wildfire On 16 May 2022, hundreds of acres of forest trees were uprooted and hundreds of large trees and shrubs were reduced to ashes in 70% of the forest area, in the hilly area of Makniyal in the Khanpur Tehsil of Haripur District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Shangla District wildfire On 4 June 2022, a forest fire broke out in Ali Jan Capri area of Chakesar, a remote area of Shangla District, Pakistan, as a result of which a girl, two children and a woman were burnt to death while collecting firewood. Some people have also been injured and they have been shifted to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Chakesar. Rescue operation is still going on. References 2022 in Pakistan Fires in Pakistan Natural disasters in Pakistan Wildfires in Asia 2022 wildfires May 2022 events in Pakistan June 2022 events in Pakistan 2022 disasters in Pakistan

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/June%202022%20Flagstaff%20wildfires

June 2022 Flagstaff wildfires

The June 2022 Flagstaff wildfires was a series of wildfires burning near the city of Flagstaff, Arizona. At least three wildfires were reported near Flagstaff and caused hundreds of people to evacuate. However, two of the three reported fires, which are the Haywire and Double fires, combined on June 13. Before the merger of both of the fires, the Double Fire burned . The first wildfire to be discovered was the Pipeline Fire on June 12 at around 10:15 AM (MST); By Monday evening on June 13, the fire burned . As of June 13, 2022, no injuries or deaths have been reported, and one structure has been destroyed. Wildfires References 2022 Arizona wildfires 2022 meteorology Wildfires in Arizona June 2022 events in the United States Events in Coconino County, Arizona

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%20Washington%20wildfires

2022 Washington wildfires

The 2022 Washington wildfire season officially began in March 2022. As of August 4, 2022, there have been four large wildfires that have burned across the US state of Washington. This season started quieter than normal due to unusually colder weather that kept Eastern and Southeastern Washington burning index's largely below normal into July. As of October 2022, a total of of land in the state was burned – the fewest number of acres burned since 2012. Season narrative Monsoon-driven thunderstorm activity started several wildfires in August. One of these located south of Lind in Adams County was ignited on the morning of August 4 and grew to more than . It resulted in 10 homes burned and the evacuation of the town. Smoke from the Cedar Creek Fire in central Oregon moved into Southwest Washington then the Puget Sound region on September 10; on that day Seattle recorded the worst air quality of any major city in the world. The Bolt Creek Fire, a human-caused wildfire on the western slopes of the Cascades September 10–11, caused the closure of U.S. Highway 2 for over a week in September, and the evacuation of Skykomish, Washington. By early October the fire was 36 percent contained and continuing to spread northwards into the Wild Sky Wilderness, causing poor air quality in western Washington. Highway 2 was closed again on October 5 and 9–10 to remove burned trees threatening road safety, and intermittent closures were expected to continue later in October. On the weekend of October 15–16, easterly winds over the Cascades brought dry, subsiding air and record temperatures to the Puget Sound area. The weather conditions contributed to the initiation and expansion of fires on the west slopes of the Cascades, and the worst air quality of the season so far occurred in Seattle that weekend. Fires included the Nakia Creek Fire in Southwest Washington and one on private timberland near Loch Katrine in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness 30 miles east of Seattle. Flames from the Loch Katrine fire could be seen from Seattle. On October 18 and 19, due to wildfire smoke, Seattle had the worst air quality of any major city in the world. List of wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than , produced significant structural damage or casualties, or were otherwise notable. It may not be complete or reflect the most recent information. Costs are in 2022 USD. Further reading References External links Washington wildfires Washington State Department of Natural Resources Wildfires 2022 2022 meteorology

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%20European%20and%20Mediterranean%20wildfires

2022 European and Mediterranean wildfires

In June through August 2022, parts of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa were affected by wildfires. The bulk of the fires affected Mediterranean Countries, with the main areas affected being Algeria, France, Greece, Portugal and Spain. By country Albania In Krasta and Krujë, more than of forest were destroyed by wildfires. There were also large fires reported in Lezhë County. Algeria Wildfires which broke out in August have killed at least 38 people, 24 in the city of El Tarf, and injured at least 200 others. They caused 350 people to be evacuated, according to Minister of Interior Kamel Beldjoud. Croatia Three large wildfires in the Zadar and Šibenik area destroyed around 20 homes in the village of Raslina by Lake Prokljan. The fire was extinguished by 18 July. Cyprus On 23 June, a wildfire destroyed at least of forest on the foothills of the Kyrenia Mountains. Czech Republic A forest fire occurred in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park on 24 July 2022. It has been burning during large heatwaves, in the difficult-to-access terrain of the Malinový důl gorge in the national park area near Hřensko. Firefighters have been working since Sunday morning, they also evacuated dozens of tourists, 60 people from the camp in Dolský mlýn and residents of the village of Mezná. Firefighters and helicopters from Poland, Slovakia, Sweden and Germany also responded to the fire. On 26 July, the smell of smoke from a forest fire was noticed as far away as Vysočina, Prague, Ústí nad Orlicí District, Svitavy District and Dresden. As of 26 July, the fire affected of forest. France July Gironde Fires In July, estimated total of more than were burnt by the wildfires in Gironde, causing a total of 36,750 people to be evacuated. The fire at La Teste-de-Buch started at around 15:00 on 12 July. The mayor of La Teste-de-Buch, Patrick Davet, said that the cause of the fire may have been a vehicle that could have had electrical problems and ignited a fire on the side of a road near the Dune of Pilat. In the evening, authorities evacuated five hamlets and the village of Guillos near Landiras as a precautionary measure. Five hundred people were evacuated and no casualties were reported from this fire. The D115 and D125 roads were closed to traffic. On 13 July, in the area close to the fire, an evacuation of five campsites began, with around 6,000 holidaymakers fleeing as a cautionary measure. They were sent to the exhibition centre and the Leclerc shopping centre in La Teste-de-Buch. The D218 road was cut off by the fire between Pilat and the beach at Biscarosse. No injuries were reported. At the La Teste-de-Buch fire, in the district of Arcachon had been burnt since 12 July. By midday, the fire in this area had increased to . At the Landiras fire, had been burnt since 12 July and no injuries were reported. The prefecture activated two operational command posts manned by the SDIS of the Gironde to coordinate operations. Nearly six hundred firefighters were engaged to fight the fire. Two Canadair water bombers were deployed and two Dash aircraft, with additional reinforcements allocated from other areas of France. By midday, the fire in this area had increased to . By the morning of 14 July, had been burnt in Arcachon near La Teste-de-Buch with no injuries reported. The fire was not under control and was difficult to access. From 5 a.m., sixty people were evacuated from an area north of Cazaux. The D218 road remained cut between the roundabout at Pilat and the beach at Biscarosse remained closed. By the early evening, had been destroyed as two houses and campsites near the lake were under threat. Further evacuations took place in the afternoon around Cazaux and 4,000 evacuees were now being housed as a reception centre at La Teste-de-Buch. In Landiras, had burnt near Langon by the morning with no injuries reported. The fire was not under control and the D115, D125 and D220 roads were closed. Guillos and the hamlets of Lahon and Hil et Petit-Hil were evacuated and by the evening, the fire had burnt through . Nearly one thousand firefighters, four Canadairs and two Dash aircraft had been mobilised. The prefect, Fabienne Buccio placed the Gironde department on Orange alert due to the weather conditions and the risk of other forest fires. By the morning of 15 July, had burnt at the La Teste-de-Buch, the fire having reached the lake at Cazaux while 10,000 people had been evacuated so far. The fire was still not under control and at Cazaux three houses and two restaurants had been destroyed. Bulldozers were brought in to attempt to build firebreaks ahead of the fire. Around a thousand firefighters, three Canadairs and one Dash aircraft were being deployed to fight the fires in both areas that morning. Evacuees from the campsites around La Teste-de-Buch, evacuated since 12 July, returned on 15 July, with individuals allowed to return to the sites to pack up their camping gear and luggage. Most inhabitants of Cazaux were not allowed back to check on their homes and pets. had been destroyed near Landiras, but increased to by the evening. Further evacuations had been carried out throughout the day at Louchats, Origne, Balizac and La Broque with around 1,900 evacuated. One house at Guillos had been destroyed and more roads closed in the fire area. Greece and Italy made two Canadair water bombers available for France. They arrived in France that morning, being mobilised to the south of France. President Emmanuel Macron visited the Ministry of Interior's crisis centre in Paris to be briefed on the progress to fight the fire. On 16 July, some inhabitants of Cazaux were allowed through to retrieve belongings and pets while others could not go due to the road to the town being overrun again by fire. The fire at La Teste-de-Buch fire was contained but still burning with the possibility of becoming out of control if the temperatures stayed high and the winds rise again. The town of Cabanac-et-Villagrains was evacuated as were 1,900 people from the Hostens. At Hostens, an evacuation order was issued but residents were not obliged to leave and if they chose to stay, they had to declare that position. The amount of vegetation and forest burnt in the two fires now stood at under . Two new accommodation centres were opened in Saucats and Belin-Béliet. Aerial water bombers dropped of fire retardant on the fire fronts to stop the progress of the fire. It had been reported that so far only four firefighters were injured, one fire appliance overturned and one was burnt. Three thousand buildings had been saved. President of the Gironde Departmental Council, Jean-Luc Gleyze pleaded for more Canadair and Dash aircraft on site to fight the fire as some Canadair water bombers had been moved to other areas in France. Some, he complained, had arrived too late and made containing the fire harder. He said if the fire at La Teste-de-Buch could be contained between the coast and Lac de Cazaux, then more resources could then be moved to the Landiras. Jean-Marc Pelletant, mayor of Landiras said a team of prosecutors from Bordeaux had arrived and were investigating if there was any criminal activity responsible for the fire, a situation he was not aware of. On 17 July, the evacuation of 2,100 people in Cabanac began during the day with more than 16,000 people evacuated since 12 July. The prefecture announced at midday that around had been burnt in the two fires. 1,500 firemen from all over France were fighting the fire. At the La Teste-de-Buch fire, had burnt while at the Landiras fire, had been lost. The fire at Landiras was said to have a perimeter of by with several fire heads. Midday at the La-Teste-de-Buch fire, saw the construction of firebreaks continued with the fire fought on left and right flanks to protect campsites and dwellings. During the day at the Landiras fire, the DFCI (Défense des Forêts Contre les Incendies) continued to build firebreaks in front of the fire. By evening, had burnt at La-Teste-de-Buch and at Landiras after the fire situation deteriorated during the afternoon, with fire at the former having reached the ocean at Banc d'Arguin and turned south. And at Landiras, the fire had several fronts when the wind changed. Resources to fight the fire had been increased but were still to deploy with an additional three aircraft, two hundred firefighters and eleven more fire appliances allocated. In the Landiras region, two new shelters were opened in Langon while one was closed at Saucats. On 18 July, in the La Teste-de-Buch and Landiras areas, more than 16,000 people were evacuated as fires continue to spread across Gironde. In Brasparts, Monts d'Arrée, Finistère, a large moorland fire started, forcing the evacuation of 300 people while more than 1700 hectares burned. It was caused by two distinct fires a few kilometers apart, both of human origin, one obviously criminal according to Quimper prosecutor Carine Halley. August Gironde Fires more than 1,000 firefighters were fighting a megafire in Gironde, which has destroyed about of forest and forced 10,000 residents to flee. Firefighters from Poland, Romania, Austria and Germany and helicopters from Greece, Italy and Sweden helped extinguish the fires. Germany On 25 July, a forest fire covering an area of led to the evacuation of 700 people in the villages of Rehfeld and Kölsa in the state of Brandenburg. Seven firefighters suffered injuries. Wildfires in the Czech Republic crossed the border to the Saxon Switzerland on 25 July 2022 with fires near Großer Winterberg and Kirnitzschtal. On 4 August, a fire broke out at an explosives disposal site in Grunewald, a forest in Berlin. Due to the fire, the Bundesautobahn 115, a highway located approximately from the explosives disposal site, remained closed for all traffic until the evening of 10 August, when it was confirmed that the safety of travellers would not be compromised by any remaining explosives inside the forest. Greece Wildfires broke out on 14 July, affecting areas near Preveza. Seven villages near Rethymno were evacuated because of fires. On 19 July, a wildfire broke out near the Pantokratoros Monastery. The villages of Drafi and Pallini were evacuated. Italy A wildfire broke out on 15 July in a corn field in Bibione, San Michele al Tagliamento.On the evening of 18 July a large fire breaks out in Massarosa (Province of Lucca), which in 5 days has destroyed beyond 900 hectares (at 22 July) until it reaches the Province of Pisa. Lebanon On 9 July, a large wildfire engulfed a pine forest near Nabatieh. Malta On 18 July, a wildfire broke out in grassland in Mriehel. Morocco In July 2022, at the same time as wildfires across Europe, Morocco was affected by large wildfires as a result of historic heatwaves. The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and firefighters have struggled to get the situation under control. The forests of Taza, Tetouan and Larache have been burning. 500 families were evacuated from the provinces of Larache and Taza. 1,331 families were evacuated from 20 villages, and around 170 houses were destroyed south of the port of Tangier. One person was killed during the fires, and of forest have been destroyed. Portugal The Algarve region and the districts of Leiria and Santarém have been most affected by wildfires. One fireplane pilot was killed when the plane crashed. In July, a total of were burnt by wildfires. In Leiria, a fire blocked a part of the A1 which runs from Porto to Lisbon. In Algarve, a fire broke out in the city of Faro, which spread to the Quinta do Lago resort. A fire in the municipality of Palmela in the Lisbon metropolitan area burned of bush and caused 12 injuries. According to the Civil Protection Authority, at least 135 people have been injured since wildfires began, and about 800 people have been evacuated from their homes. On 31 July, firefighters battled a large wildfire in the municipality of Mafra near the town of Venda do Pinheiro. On 21 August, a wildfire broke out in the Vila Real District. A fire tornado was filmed in the area. Romania On 5 July, a wildfire destroyed 100 hectares of a wheat field in Timiș County. Slovenia On 17 July, wildfires broke out in the Karst region on the Italy–Slovenia border and more than 300 firefighters were battling the flames. The Karst wildfires continued to spread until 20 July, causing evacuations of a number of villages. There were several foreign aircraft that assisted the domestic ones in battling the flames and monitoring the affected areas. Approximately of land were burnt, making it the most extensive spread of wildfires ever recorded in Slovenia. On 22 July, when the Karst wildfires started to spread again, there were more than 800 firefighters and 260 foresters on location. In the early morning of 24 July, there were rain showers in the Karst region, but precipitation only occurred in part of the areas affected by the Karst wildfires, which continued to burn due to strong winds and high temperatures. By the end of the day, approximately 2,000 people and several domestic as well as foreign aircraft succeeded in stopping these wildfires from spreading further. On 25 July, they were confirmed to be under control, but not yet fully extinguished, after burning an estimated of land in the municipalities of Miren–Kostanjevica and Renče–Vogrsko. At that time, many of the people who fought the flames the previous day already left the affected areas and all foreign aircraft returned to their home countries. As strong winds and slow-burning flames could still start a new spread, a total of 518 people, including approximately 325 firefighters, kept monitoring the situation in the most critical parts of the affected areas. Although there were periods of rain in the Karst region on 26 July, precipitation in the areas affected by the Karst wildfires was low. As it was assessed that strong winds could still contribute to flames igniting in natural environments, a total of 143 firefighters remained on location during the day and their number was reduced to 58 during the night. In the early morning of 27 July, a wildfire broke out at a previously unaffected location in the municipality of Komen, but it was soon put under control by a total of 180 firefighters and only an estimated of land were burnt. A number of smaller fires also broke out in the previously affected areas as firefighters and helicopter crews continued to monitor the situation. In the days that followed, they only reported minor fires that burned without spreading and did not register any significant changes on the Slovenian side of the border. However, a new wildfire started to spread on the Italian side of the border on 28 July, which caused up to 60 Slovenian firefighters and one helicopter to relocate there and assist in the efforts to put it under control. After new periods of rain in the Karst region on 30 July, the Karst wildfires were under control on both sides of the border. However, they were not yet considered fully extinguished and the affected areas on the Slovenian side of the border were monitored by up to 60 firefighters. On 1 August, it was announced that 10 firefighters would continue to monitor these affected areas as long as it would be assessed that flames could ignite in natural environments. The estimation in regard to the land area affected by the Karst wildfires on the Slovenian side of the border was updated to that day, of which approximately 82% were in the municipality of Miren–Kostanjevica. The blazes mostly affected forests and grasslands, but also olive groves and vineyards. They destroyed a mountain hut and several small agricultural buildings, but did not cause any damage to residential buildings and only around 60 cases of minor injuries were recorded. On 3 August, it was reported that the areas affected by the Karst wildfires on the Slovenian side of the border would be cleared of burnt wood within three weeks. On 1 August, a wildfire broke out on a hill in the vicinity of Lake Bled, a popular tourist destination, affecting a forest and burning above a railway tunnel, but it was extinguished within hours. On 9 August, a wildfire broke out in a previously unaffected area on the Italy–Slovenia border, burning in a shrubland in the hills near Socerb in the municipality of Koper, further south from the areas affected by the July wildfires in the Karst region. After the blaze was noticed during the night, approximately 80 firefighters and two helicopters were activated to stop its spread. It was thought to be under control by noon, but it started spreading again during the afternoon, when approximately 120 firefighters and several aircraft from both sides of the border were battling the flames. In the evening, the wildfire was reported to be under control, but the location was still closely monitored due to the blowing of the bora. On the morning of 11 August, it was reported that the wildfire was extinguished. The affected area, which encompassed an estimated of land, was watered and monitored by approximately 150 firefighters and several aircraft the previous day. On 10 August, there were three smaller forest fires near Radovljica, which were extinguished within hours. They broke out next to a railway and were confirmed to have been caused by the braking of a train. In the early afternoon of 17 August, a forest fire broke out in the hills near Zalog, a neighbourhood on the outskirts of the capital Ljubljana. Two helicopters and more than 110 firefighters were activated to stop its spread. As the night fell, around 60 firefighters stayed on location and successfully put the blaze under control. The area it affected is accessible only by foot and no residential buildings were in danger. On 19 August, a warning of heightened risk of fires breaking out in natural environments, which was issued for several municipalities on 20 July, was lifted in the municipalities of Miren–Kostanjevica, Renče–Vogrsko and Komen, which were affected by the July wildfires in the Karst region, as well as in the municipality of Koper, which was affected by the wildfire near Socerb earlier in August. On 6 September, the ARSO confirmed that a total of of land were burnt by wildfires in Slovenia in 2022. Spain Wildfires broke out in the Sierra de Mijas mountains, which forced 2,300 to flee near the Costa del Sol. In July, Extremadura experienced wildfires which spread to Salamanca in Castile and León and burnt more than . In Aragon, on July 18 a fire started in Ateca, burning 14,000 hectares. On August 13 another fire starts, in the Moncayo Range, burning 6,000 hectares. On 14 August, more than 1,500 people were evacuated from Zaragoza, Spain, due to wildfires. Tunisia On 19 June, a wildfire broke out in Jebel Boukornine near the capital Tunis. Turkey On 24 June, a wildfire raged in the Bördübet region, near Marmaris on the Aegean Sea coast. On 13 July, a wildfire broke out on the Datça Peninsula. 450 houses and 3,530 people were evacuated from the area. United Kingdom There were nearly 25,000 wildfires across the United Kingdom. See also 2022 European heat waves 2022 United Kingdom heat waves Climate change in Europe Climate change in the Middle East and North Africa References European and Mediterranean 2022 meteorology 2022 fires in Africa 2022 fires in Asia 2022 fires in Europe July 2022 events in Africa July 2022 events in Asia July 2022 events in Europe August 2022 events in Europe 2020s fires in the United Kingdom 2022 disasters in the United Kingdom

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%20Oregon%20wildfires

2022 Oregon wildfires

The 2022 Oregon wildfire season was a series of wildfires burning in the U.S. state of Oregon. On August 28, 2022, Governor Kate Brown declared a statewide emergency because multiple wildfires, including the Rum Creek Fire. That same month, Governor Brown invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act because of the Miller Road/Dodge Fire. List of wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than , or produced significant structural damage or casualties. References Wildfires 2022 meteorology 2022 wildfires in the United States 2022

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wennington%20wildfire

Wennington wildfire

The Wennington wildfire was a wildfire that took place in Wennington, east London, on 19 July 2022 during the 2022 United Kingdom heatwave. No-one was killed, but the wildfire destroyed about 18–19 houses, including all the possessions of many residents. One resident said her house burned down "within two minutes". The wildfire began when a compost heap spontaneously combusted. It took place on the hottest day since British records began, and has been described as an indication of the threat posed by global warming in the UK, a country in which wildfires have historically been rare and mostly seen on isolated grassland and moorland areas rather than in urban areas. Background Wennington is a village in the east of London, on the edge of the built up area. The area is surrounded by grassland. Wildfires are a known risk in the UK, however, they are most associated with isolated moorland and heathland areas, rather than built-up areas. The fire occurred during the 2022 United Kingdom heat waves, and 19 July was predicted by forecasters in advance to be extremely hot. Advance predictions were made that the UK's all-time temperature record could be broken, which it was, with the highest temperature recorded in the country in Coningsby, Lincolnshire, breaking the previous record set in 2019 by . A long period of little rain before 19 July had also left vegetation very dry. Although one of the most destructive fires of 19 July, many other fires were reported on the same day. The Mayor of London reported that the number of fire brigade emergency calls was seven times the normal. Events By 10 a.m., London temperatures had gone over . The fire reportedly started around 1 p.m. from a compost heap in the southeast of the village which spontaneously combusted, with flames spreading along a garden fence. Although a fire station is located in the east of the village, the crews had been called out to other fires. The fire brigade was called at 13:06, and a fire engine arrived seven minutes later, by which time the fire had expanded. One firefighter told LBC News that "it felt apocalyptic, just crazy, we were chasing it and we had no chance of stopping it". Residents took shelter in the nearby St Mary and St Peter's Church. The church filled with smoke while they were sheltering and the fire burned through the graveyard around the building, but the church itself was not damaged. Parish churchwarden Tim Stock said that his family had "lost everything" but had managed to evacuate his family and pets. Claire Taylor said that her house burned down "within two minutes" and that she lost almost all her family's possessions. One resident said that grass fires in the area were quite common "but it's nothing like this...this is like the apocalypse." Stock commented that "it was like a warzone...all the windows had exploded out, all the rooves had caved, it was like a scene from the Blitz". Aftermath Andy Roe, head of the London Fire Brigade, described the events as "unprecedented": "I saw stuff this week that I had not expected to see as a London firefighter." Experts commented that climate change was increasing fire risk. Guillermo Rein, Professor of Fire Sciences at Imperial College London, said that "the UK will start to see fires which are much larger". Dr Rory Hadden, Senior Lecturer in Fire Investigation at the University of Edinburgh, commented that "as the climate changes, the UK will be susceptible to these kinds of fires which can be extremely devastating...we should expect more and larger wildfires". Nigel Arnell, professor of climate system science at the University of Reading, commented that "while we might not see the sorts of forest fires sweeping through Spain, Portugal and France, we are increasingly prone to fires in grassland and moorland that have the potential to affect people, property and infrastructure as well as the environment...climate change is increasing fire danger across the UK, and we need to be prepared for it." Graham Beers, Station Commander of Wennington Fire Station, who had been attending another fire when the fire started, commented "These sorts of fires are not going to be the last...That's just due to climate change. Twenty years in the fire service and I've never really seen devastation like it." Paul Davies, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, commented that the heatwave would have been "impossible in the pre-industrial era". LFB Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Smith commented "we are increasingly being challenged by new extremes of weather as our climate changes and we're developing long-term strategies to deal with more incidents like this in the future." Another grass fire began burning in the area three days later, and another in August. Three Conservative Party councillors elected to Havering Council for the Rainham & Wennington ward subsequently switched to Havering Residents Association as they felt unsupported following the wildfire. See also 2022 European and Mediterranean wildfires References External links London Fire Brigade report Drone footage, 19 July 2020s fires in the United Kingdom 2022 disasters in the United Kingdom 2022 fires in Europe 2022 in London 2022 wildfires Fires in London History of the London Borough of Havering July 2022 events in the United Kingdom Wildfires in the United Kingdom

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%20Mongolian%20wildfires

2022 Mongolian wildfires

In 2022, Mongolia has suffered a historic number of wildfires. By August, it was reported that over one million hectares of land has been burned. The number of wildfires is 73% higher than the 2021 period. References See also 2022 wildfires 2022 meteorology 2022 fires in Asia 2022 natural disasters 2022 in Mongolia 2022 disasters in Mongolia

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%20Kazakhstan%20wildfires

2022 Kazakhstan wildfires

The 2022 Kazakh wildfires are a series of wildfires in Kazakhstan that initially began in Kostanay Region in the beginning of September 2022 and had quickly spread over large swarths of land with about 9,400 hectares being impacted by the night of 3 September. References 2022 wildfires Natural disasters in Kazakhstan 2022 in Kazakhstan 2022 disasters in Kazakhstan

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%20Washington%20wildfires

2023 Washington wildfires

The 2023 Washington wildfire season officially began in March 2023 in the US state of Washington. Conditions going into the season were low-risk for fire, with higher than average precipitation over the prior winter and spring. Some experts anticipate a later peak, possibly into November, for the Pacific Northwest due to El Niño effects. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources planned to ignite controlled burns on over to prevent larger fires from developing during the season. The Northwest Coordination Center upgraded the region's preparedness level (referring to the availability of firefighting resources) from PL 1 to PL 2 on July 3, PL 3 on July 23, PL 4 on August 12, and PL5—the highest level—on August 19. , the Washington State Department of Natural Resources dashboard reported that 1,515 fires have burned a total of in Washington during the year to date. Fires The 10th Street fire at East Wenatchee resulted in level 1 evacuations on May 27 and burned of grass and sagebrush. The Old Naches Highway fire incident was reported on June 7. It had burned almost 645 acres by June 8. The 10,000 acre Hat Rock Fire in Oregon crossed into Walla Walla County on June 13, where it burned more than 1,000 acres before being contained. Three fires in grass and sagebrush in Benton County burned 7,000 acres by June 16. A wildfire under near Lake Sutherland outside Olympic National Park was visible on June 18 from Victoria, British Columbia on the other side of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The Oasis Fire near Touchet grew to over by June 19, bringing evacuation orders by Walla Walla County emergency managers. State firefighting resources including tanker aircraft were mobilized to fight it. The Tunnel Five Fire started near Underwood in Skamania County on July 2. It burned and was 80% contained by July 10. The McEwan Fire started near Mason Lake, in Western Washington southwest of Seattle on July 2. , it had caused evacuations of hundreds of homes, had burned over , and was uncontained. The Eagle Bluff Fire near Oroville in Okanogan County reached 10,000 acres by July 30, with 15 aircraft were fighting it. The fire crossed into Canada on July 30–31 and Level 3 evacuations (leave now) were downgraded to level 1 and 2 evacuations. The fire approached to kilometers of Osoyoos, British Columbia on July 31, and the entire town of Osoyoos was on evacuation alert. The North Cascades Highway was closed for several days due to the Sourdough Fire. Trailheads, trails, and camping in North Cascades National Park remained closed after the road reopened on August 9. The highway was closed again due to the fire's growth as well as the formation of the Blue Lake Fire. Smoke from this fire and other fires in inland Washington and British Columbia was pushed towards Western Washington and rapid convective mixing caused unhealthy air quality in Seattle on August 20–21. The Gray Fire was ignited on August 18 near Medical Lake in Spokane County and grew to over within a day. It prompted the evacuation of Medical Lake and parts of Cheney and shut down portions of Interstate 90 and State Route 902. One death was determined to be from the Gray Fire while another was caused by the nearby Oregon Road Fire. The Oregon Fire began on the same day as the Gray Fire, August 18. Driven by hot, dry, gusty winds the fire grew rapidly. 126 homes were lost and one person was killed. List The following is a list of Washington wildfires in 2023 that have burned more than , have resulted in casualties or significant damage to structures, or have otherwise been notable. Acreage and containment figures may not be up to date. References Further reading External links Washington wildfires Washington State Department of Natural Resources Wildfires 2023 2023 Washington (state) wildfires 2023 meteorology

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver%20Fire%20%281987%20Oregon%20wildfire%29

Silver Fire (1987 Oregon wildfire)

The Silver Fire was a 1987 wildfire in the Siskiyou National Forest (now part of the Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest) in Oregon. It burned , of which was located in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness. Parts of its burned area were re-burned in the Biscuit Fire and the Chetco Bar Fire. It was started by a lightning strike near Silver Creek on August 30, and was contained on November 2 after a dry summer in the area, with relative humidity as low as 4% at times in certain places (very low for the area), was ended by heavy rain. Firefighters from across the country, as far away as Virginia, went to Oregon to fight the fire. Nearly 4,000 people were involved in the effort. Timeline August 30, 1987: A "severe dry lightning storm" in southern Oregon and northern California starts the Silver Fire, along with several other fires. Lightning and smoke are reported by fire lookouts. August 31: A bomb threat is made against a United States Forest Service office, delaying mobilization efforts. No bomb is found after a thorough investigation. September 1: Firefighting response begins in the early morning, but is assigned relatively low priority, as other fires started by the storm posed a more immediate threat to life and property. Initial response includes smokejumpers, surveillance aircraft, and fire retardant dumpers. The smokejumpers were quickly overwhelmed and had to be evacuated, leaving aircraft as the primary means of fighting the fire September 3: The Silver Fire combines with another fire sparked by the storm, the Lazy Fire, and rapidly expands by drawing air into the Silver Creek canyon. The combined fire reaches . September 4: The fire is directly north of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness. It is less than one mile from the Illinois River. It is not possible to see much of the fire, because old-growth forests of Douglas fir trees are burning and blocking the view of other areas. A meeting is held to form task forces for evacuation, public information, intelligence and strategy, and logistics. September 5: The Forest Service uses aerial infrared photography to obtain a better view of the fire than was previously possible. The fire was determined to have burned acres. The fire is too hot for significant firefighting efforts, but major preparation work is being done. It is burning approximately from Agness, Oregon and from Grant's Pass. Town meetings were held in both of these places, informing the public of what the dangers were and how they were being handled. September 6: The Longwood and Galice fires, which had been given higher priority than the Silver Fire, are mostly contained, allowing the use of more resources to fight the Silver Fire. Approximately acres within the Kalmiopsis Wilderness are burning. No structures are threatened; the most significant hazard is heavy smoke in Gold Beach and Brookings. September 7–11: The fire continues to spread, despite heavy firefighting efforts. Steep, rocky terrain hinders ground-based efforts. September 8: Progress has been made. 9,000 firefighers are working on the Silver Fire, which has burned , and the Galice Fire, which has burned . September 10: Military firefighters who had been working on the Longwood Fire are reassigned to the Silver Fire. The fire is primarily a crown fire at this point. September 12: The fire has burned , but still has not destroyed any structures or caused any fatalities. However, the fire continues to spread unpredictably due to changing wind, which made it very difficult for firefighters to work safely. Aerial water drops and firebreaks are used to help fight the fire; unlike in previous days, the fire does not burn past the lines made this day. September 13: The Galice Fire is contained. September 14: The fire reaches ; 1,800 firefighters are currently fighting it. Firebreaks have been made around about a quarter of the fire. Rain and cooler weather on this day aids firefighting efforts. September 16: The fire has been spreading less than usual for the last few days, so more progress is made on firelines. A "heavy duty Vertol helicopter" is made available for firefighting, and is soon a "major factor in the rising hopes towards full-containment." East winds cause the fire to spread faster than it has the last few days, but progress is still being made by firefighters. Permission to use fire retardant near and, if necessary, in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness is obtained from the Forest Service. September 19: The fire has burned . It still has not caused any fatalities or serious injuries. References 1980s wildfires in the United States 1987 fires in the United States 1987 natural disasters in the United States Wildfires in Oregon 1987 in Oregon August 1987 events in the United States September 1987 events in the United States October 1987 events in the United States November 1987 events in the United States

72660456

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%20California%20wildfires

2001 California wildfires

The 2001 California wildfire season was a series of wildfires that burned throughout the U.S. state of California during 2001. According to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) statistics, 9,317 fires burned a total of . The largest wildfire of the year in California was the Observation Fire in Lassen County, which burned 67,700 acres, and the most destructive was the Poe Fire in Butte County, which burned 133 structures. Cal Fire wildfire suppression costs for fires that burned within the agency's jurisdiction amounted to US$109 million. Damages for the same amounted to $87.3 million, with a total of 389 structures lost. At least two fatalities occurred, both of them on the Bell Fire in San Diego County. Season narrative An unusually warm, dry, and windy May prompted Cal Fire to declare May 22 the beginning of fire season throughout the state, the point in the year at which the agency hires seasonal staff to be at the ready round-the-clock in California forest districts. The pattern continued through June, with fires active weeks in advance of the 'usual' beginning of fire season. The National Interagency Fire Center declared that the country had reached National Preparedness Level 5 (the point at which incidents across the country had the "potential to exhaust all agency fire resources") on August 15, 2001, with the bulk of the fires in California Oregon, and Nevada. Cal Fire firefighting aircraft were temporarily grounded on September 11 by the ground stop order issued nationwide by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in response to the deadly September 11 attacks in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania. The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) eventually instructed firefighting agencies to apply for exemptions as needed, and the restriction (which began at about 10:00 a.m.) was lifted after about three hours, when the FAA granted Cal Fire's request for exemption. The restriction affected aircraft on the Poe Fire in Butte County, among others. All Cal Fire units were declared "off season" by December 3. List of wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than , produced significant structural damage or casualties, or were otherwise notable. It is excerpted from Cal Fire's 2001 list of large (≥ 300 acres) fires, and may not be complete or reflect the most recent information. See also List of California wildfires References External links California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), Statistics and Events California, 2001 Wildfires in California by year 2001 wildfires in the United States

72710682

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000%20California%20wildfires

2000 California wildfires

The 2000 California wildfire season was a series of wildfires that burned throughout the U.S. state of California during 2000. According to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) statistics, 7,622 fires burned a total of . Cal Fire wildfire suppression costs for fires that burned within the agency's jurisdiction amounted to US$109 million. Damages for the same amounted to $87.3 million, with a total of 389 structures lost. The largest wildfires of the year in California were the Manter and Storrie fires, which burned 74,000 and 55,000 acres in Tulare and Plumas counties respectively. List of wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than , produced significant structural damage or casualties, or were otherwise notable. It is excerpted from Cal Fire's 2001 list of large (≥ 300 acres) fires, and may not be complete or reflect the most recent information. See also List of California wildfires References External links California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), Statistics and Events California, 2000 Wildfires in California by year 2000 wildfires in the United States

72920018

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%20California%20wildfires

2023 California wildfires

The 2023 California wildfire season is a series of significant wildfires that have burned in the U.S. state of California since the beginning of the calendar year. According to statistics published by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), , a total of 6,001 fires have burned a total of . This is below the state's five-year average of burned during the same period. The 2023 fire season follows the 2022 season, during which the number of fires and the resulting burned acreage were both below average. Season outlook Climate California saw a series of powerful atmospheric rivers between December 2022 and March 2023, which much improved drought conditions in the state and boosted the snowpack in the Sierra Nevada to more than 200% of average for the date. Some researchers noted that the resulting vegetation growth could prove dangerous if dry and warm conditions return during spring and summer, obviating the gains from early storms, but in general, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), increased precipitation reduces the risk of a worse wildfire season. Cal Fire predicted that "critically dry fuel moisture alignments are not likely to be reached for any great length of time or over a larger area" between March and June 2023. Critical fuel moisture refers to the point at which fuel characteristics—like vegetation mortality or dryness—are favorable for large fire growth. Timing of peak fire season In Northern California, fire season typically peaks in the summer with increasingly warm and dry conditions and aided by occasional dry cold frontal passages that may bring winds and/or lightning. Activity usually continues until late fall brings Pacific moisture to the northern portion of the state, though northeast wind events may pose a threat. In Southern California, fire season typically peaks in late spring through early fall, when Pacific moisture recedes. Offshore wind events such as Santa Ana winds mean that large fires are possible year-round, but their frequency is most heightened in the fall, when fuels are also driest. Preparation In January, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the allocation of $930 million in funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act to ten western states, including California, for fuel reduction programs and other measures to curtail wildfire risks. The allocation was reported to represent a significant increase in funding for programs like tree clearing, brush thinning and removal, and controlled burns in Southern California, whose four National Forests previously received about $1.2 million annually for those purposes. On January 31, California senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla (as well as senators Steve Daines of Montana and Ron Wyden of Oregon) introduced a bill to the U.S. Senate entitled the Wildfire Emergency Act, recognizing the "threat of wildfire" as an emergency in the Western United States. The proposed bill would provide at least a quarter of a billion dollars in funding for forest restoration and wildfire resilience in 20 locations of more than each, coordinated by the Forest Service. It would also create a program at the Department of Energy to "ensure that critical facilities remain active during wildfire disruptions". Further funding would be provided for prescribed fire implementation, firefighter training, and wildfire detection. On March 20, Vice President Kamala Harris announced $197 million in federal grants through the administration’s wildfire defense grant program. California-based authorities and organizations were slated to receive 29 grants; they include money for counties to conduct home defensible space inspections, prescribed burn training, and fuels reductions, as well as increased funding for U.S. Forest Service and Department of Interior wildfire prevention efforts. Impacts Casualties While fighting the Broadway Fire near Cabazon in Riverside County on August 6, two helicopters (a Bell 407 and a Sikorsky S-64E) collided in mid-air. The Sikorsky helicopter landed safely, while all three occupants of the Bell helicopter—a contract pilot, a Cal Fire division chief, and a Cal Fire captain—were killed. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the accident. List of wildfires The following is a list of fires that have burned more than , produced significant structural damage or casualties, or otherwise been notable. Acreage and containment figures may not be up to date. See also List of California wildfires 2023 Arizona wildfires 2023 New Mexico wildfires 2023 Oregon wildfires References External links Cal Fire 2023 Incidents Overview page California, 2023 2023 2023 wildfires in the United States 2023 meteorology

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%20Chile%20wildfires

2023 Chile wildfires

Starting on 30 January 2023, a series of wildfires began in the South American country of Chile. By early February, the fires had developed into a large outbreak of at least 406 individual fires, several dozen of which were classified as "red alert fires". The fires burned more than and resulted in the loss of 24 lives, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency in multiple regions of the country. Background and cause Chile has been suffering from a megadrought since 2010 – the worst for a thousand years. These drought conditions exacerbate summer fires because the vegetation becomes more flammable. Since 30 January 2023, the Ñuble region has maintained a preventive early warning due to the threat of forest fires as a result of high temperatures. The fires coincided with an unprecedented heat wave in the south of the country, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius in southern areas. René Garreaud from the University of Chile said the extremely high temperatures are driven by warm, naturally-recurring Puelche winds blowing from the east, superimposed on a warmer climate. The interior minister, Manuel Monsalve, confirmed that 17 people had been arrested for possibly starting fires by such activities as welding or burning wool. While the wildfires may have been directly caused by human elements, the underlying drought conditions which have contributed to the severity of the wildfires have been attributed to a mix of worsening climate change conditions and the Pacific weather pattern known as La Niña. Though South America has a long history of drought, Chile is among the most vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather events, changes in seasonal temperatures and rainfall, wildfires, and sea-level rise (flooding). Poor territorial planning has been blamed for the ease of spread of the wildfires. In late August 2022, Christián Little, director of National Forest Corporation (CONAF), explained in the Chilean Congress that there was a major risk of wildfires, large and simultaneous, from October 2022 to January 2023. It was argued that while 2022 had been a year with significant rains this had contributed to growth of grass that could produce fires in the dry season. The agriculture committee of the congress was updated by CONAF with a new harsher forecast in January 2023. According to an estimate of CONAF about 41% of the wildfires in Ñuble, Biobío and Araucanía regions, from July 2022 to late February 2023, have been man-made and intentional. On a national level during the same period 25% of wildfires are thought by CONAF to be intentional. The eventual spread of fires by wildlife such as rabbits-on-fire has been mentioned by officials but knowledge about this is mainly based on anecdotes and forest experts doubt the efficiency and relevance of this method of spread as rabbits-on-fire are likely move only a few meters before perishing or going out. As of 18 February, 256 fires were burning across the country while a further 151 were under control. After a period of reprieve, fires began reigniting on 18 February in south-central Chile. By 20 February, the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) announced that 173 foci had been extinguished, but that 70 were still active. Various specialists have pointed out the "human" and political causes of the fires that recurrently strike Chile. In 1974, the military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet signed a decree designed to subsidise the intensive forestry industry and the monoculture of eucalyptus - a highly inflammable species - in the centre and south of the country. The NGO Bosque Nativo deplores "the great deficiencies in the management of these monocultures. The majority of plantations are in the hands of two large industrial companies" and points to "a lack of control over these forestry companies. This would allow the state to guarantee sustainable management of these plantations, taking into account economic, social and environmental aspects. The regulation of the real estate sector, accused of taking advantage of the fires to develop, is also demanded by several NGOs. President Gabriel Boric has asked parliamentarians to urgently examine a draft law aimed at banning construction on burnt land for at least 30 years. In 2017, central and southern Chile had already been hit by very large fires, with eleven deaths and 467,000 hectares burnt. Following these fires, the Centre for Climate and Resilience Sciences (CR2) published a report in 2020 recommending regulation of the forestry industry: "In a climate change scenario that favours an increase in the frequency, extent and intensity of fires, [...] it is very important to generate policies aimed at the control of invasive alien species [mainly pines and eucalyptus] and the restoration of native ecosystems to reduce the probability of catastrophic events." Impacts Casualties The Chilean government has reported at least 24 fatalities from the February wildfire outbreak, at least 11 of them in the town of Santa Juana in Biobío. Two of the other fatalities occurred when an emergency services helicopter crashed on 3 February, killing its pilot and a mechanic, and a third occurred when a firefighter was struck by a truck while working an incident. At least three people were severely injured by a fire on 18 February. Political response In February, Chile's interior ministry declared states of emergency in three regions: La Araucanía, Biobío, and Ñuble. Chilean President Gabriel Boric requested aid from neighboring countries Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. President Gabriel Borić declared a national emergency, addressing the nation: "The protection of families is our priority. We are working in coordination with local and national authorities to fight the forest fires that affect the Maule, Ñuble, Biobío and La Araucanía regions." Government spokesperson Camila Vallejo called on the private world to continue collaborating in dealing with the catastrophic situation resulting from the fires that are taking place in the Ñuble, Bío Bío, and La Araucanía regions. Damage At least 800 homes have been destroyed by the fires, according to the Chilean government. Almost 300,000 hectares burned in the regions of Maule, Ñuble, Biobío and Araucanía. Per a report from Health Minister Ximena Aguilera, air quality in the affected areas has significantly deteriorated due to the smoke from the fires. On 7 February 2023, smoke from the fires drifted over the capital, Santiago. Chile's massive pulp and paper company CMPC confirmed that over 10,000 hectares of its plantations have been affected by the fires and some of its processing plants' operations had been halted. Chilean pulp and wood panel maker Arauco estimates a $50 million hit due to the fires. Firefighting A total of around 5,600 firefighters and volunteers are fighting against fires across multiple regions, and a DC-10 air tanker from the United States arrived in the country to join the firefighters. The craft is capable of dropping 36,000 liters of water. In Chile, paid, professional firefighters called "brigadistas" concentrate on forest fires while the rest are all volunteers, including those who fight city blazes. Several countries provided assistance to Chile to fight against the wildfires: : Sent 40 brigade members, 15 trucks and a helicopter. : Logistical support through brigade members. : sent a plane and a contingent to put out the forest fires. : Logistical support through brigade members. : The Government of Spain sent an A330 plane and 50 brigade members. : Financial support of 50 thousand dollars. : Two military planes with about 300 volunteers : Several helicopters to fight fires. : Sent 60 brigade members. : Sent more than 250 firefighters, coordinators and medical staff. See also 2012 Araucanía wildfires 2017 Chile wildfires 2021 Argentine Patagonia wildfires Great Fire of Valparaíso List of wildfires Notes References External links 2023 wildfires Wildfires 2020s fires in South America 2023 fires 2023 Wildfires Wildfires 2023 wildfires 2023 wildfires 2023 wildfires 2023 wildfires Presidency of Gabriel Boric

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1967%20Rio%20Doce%20State%20Park%20wildfire

1967 Rio Doce State Park wildfire

The 1967 Rio Doce State Park wildfire was a major forest fire that occurred in the Rio Doce Valley, located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in the 1960s. The Rio Doce State Park (Parque Estadual do Rio Doce - PERD), considered to be the largest Atlantic Forest reserve in the state, has 35,976 hectares (ha) according to 2019 data - information prior to the fire stated that there were 30,000 hectares - distributed between the municipalities of Dionísio, Marliéria and Timóteo. It was created in 1944. In mid-September 1967, during a prolonged drought, a fire of unknown causes was started in the park that lasted over a month and consumed 9,000 hectares of the reserve, managed by the State Forestry Institute (Instituto Estadual de Florestas - IEF). Twelve people died in fighting the flames, after fighters led by Sergeant Agenor Almeida Costa were surrounded by a line of fire on October 18, near the Dom Helvécio Lagoon. It is therefore the second largest forest fire in Brazil in number of fatalities, second only to the fire in Paraná in 1963, which left 110 dead. The fire was brought under control on October 24 after about 30 kilometers (km) of firebreaks were opened, but fires remained active for at least another week. Plantations in the vicinity and some homes were also affected. Despite the size of the native forest destroyed, the reserve's forests have not suffered another major fire and this has allowed the vegetation and soil to regenerate naturally. Context The Rio Doce State Park is located in the Rio Doce Valley, eastern Minas Gerais, a region that had its native Atlantic Forest severely devastated due to the extraction of wood to feed the furnaces of local industries and to give way to farming activities and eucalyptus monoculture throughout the 20th century. The ecological unit was created with the intention of safeguarding the last large remnant of native forest in this area, through the efforts of Dom Helvécio Gomes de Oliveira, archbishop of Mariana, the then governor Benedito Valadares and his secretary of agriculture Israel Pinheiro. Its foundation occurred through decree-law No. 1,119 of July 14, 1944. Due to the devastation of nearby forests, protection of the PERD was strengthened in 1962, when the IEF took over administration. Occasional fires occurred until then, but surveillance began to be intensified and deforested areas were reforested. On the other hand, there was no precedent for fire on the scale reached in 1967. History Origin of the wildfire Information from the time shows that the exact cause of the origin of the fire is unknown, but the first suspicions referred to the release of a cigarette tip, burned in some pasture that reached the conservation unit; purposeful motivation; or even spontaneous combustion because of the heat, in mid-September 1967. Major Vicente Rodrigues, commander of the Rural Vigilance, believed that the front fire that started in Dionísio was caused by cigarette butts left on the side of the road, while the front fire in the region of Maringá Farm, near the Doce River, on the border between Timóteo and Ipatinga, may have been "sabotage" by timber smugglers, hunters and fishermen angry with the police inspections. Less than a year ago hunting and logging had been prohibited, and fishing was restricted to the Dom Helvécio Lagoon and on weekends. During the fire one person was arrested setting fire to the forest near Maringá Farm, but no further details were released. Later the hypothesis of a cigarette was dismissed as the fire in Dionisio started in the middle of the forest. Suspicion returned to the charcoal ovens near the park, which possibly let off sparks. According to information from the Ministry of the Environment, the fire would have started with a bonfire left by a tourist. It is known for sure that the region faced a prolonged drought and a period of high temperatures, which contributed to the spread of the flames with the help of the wind. At a rainfall station operated by the National Water Agency (Agência Nacional de Águas - ANA) in Coronel Fabriciano the only daily precipitation accumulations above 3 millimeters (mm) in the period from April 21 to November 17 were 21 mm on May 18 and 11 mm on September 14, but precipitation had been below average since January (the wet season runs from October to April). Furthermore, the Rio Doce State Park surveillance team, consisting of ten soldiers, one corporal, and Sergeant Agenor Almeida Costa, was small compared to the size of the park. If a spark started a fire in the middle of the forest it would hardly be noticed immediately, with enough time for fire proliferation. Most of the fire started from the two fronts mentioned above. The first, which originated near Dionisio, came under control around October 9, but when it was almost extinct the second front started near Maringá Farm on October 12. Shortly afterwards, a new front gained intensity again near where the first appeared. At this point the situation became much worse, with the appearance of other fire lines, the increase in heat and the intensification of winds, providing flames that reached 40 meters in height. Another large front came to appear in the region of the Limoeiro Stream, in Timóteo. At times the flames advanced to 20 kilometers per hour. Aggravation and deaths The lack of trained personnel and the absence of equipment contributed to the increase of the fire. Most of the firebreaks were being opened with hand axes and tree branches. About 300 people were engaged in fighting the flames, the vast majority workers from the companies in the region (Usiminas, Acesita and Belgo-Mineira). The companies also feared that the flames would reach eucalyptus plantations and charcoal installations that supply the furnaces of their industrial complexes. However, there were still military personnel from the Fire Department, Military Police and Rural Vigilance. On October 18, Sergeant Agenor, who had spent three days in the forest making firebreaks in the Dionisio region, was trying to return home after a brief reduction in fire activity. After traveling 2 km in his jeep, accompanied by soldier Cirilo, he spotted an intensification of flames and decided to return to fight them. Agenor formed a team of 12 combatants, who started to produce a firebreak around 1:30 pm; meanwhile, Cirilo left the area to summon other men. According to reports from José Lino, a worker for the Forestry and Agricultural Company (Companha Agrícola e Florestal - CAF) and the only survivor of the group, the fire began to advance at a rapid rate shortly afterwards, without enough time for everyone to evacuate the site properly. The smoke also made the men disoriented as they fled. As a result, 11 men burned to death on the spot (including Sergeant Agenor), one died from his wounds in the early morning of the 20th, and José Lino, although wounded, survived because he was able to reach a boat in the Dom Helvécio Lagoon. Among the fatal victims, besides the sergeant, were employees of CAF, a subsidiary of Belgo-Mineira, and a forest ranger. Over the course of October 19, the fire grew steadily, and by the morning of October 20, the two fronts were 30 km long; the lines reached 40 km, 20 km each. Also on October 20, a team of 87 firefighters from Belo Horizonte arrived in the region to help fight the blaze. However, due to the lack of equipment, the soldiers were unable to work in the area and returned to the capital of Minas Gerais shortly afterwards. For the firefighters involved, the only hope at this point was that it would rain heavily and there was a fear that the entire reserve would be consumed. Lieutenants Campos and José Luis suggested to Major Vicente that tractors be used, since entering the forest was becoming impossible. On October 21 the governor of Minas Gerais Israel Pinheiro flew over the region, but could not see anything because of the smoke. Attenuation Information from October 22 shows that the flames were 15 km long, with men working 18 hours a day. The flames began to be controlled on October 24, after opening about 30 km of fire breaks in the Dom Helvécio Lagoon, Maringá Farm and Limoeiro Stream regions by three teams, with 30 workers from the CAF each, and the use of four tractors provided by Captain Manuel Pinheiro of the Rural Patrol. The firebreaks formed a kind of circle that restricted the fire lines to 15,000 hectares of the Rio Doce State Park, equivalent to about half of the reserve. This process also protected much of the eucalyptus plantations, about 20,000 hectares, but there was a risk of the fire reaching populated areas in Dionísio and Timóteo if the wind blew strong and constant for 48 hours straight. Despite the mitigation of the fire, flames were still active in the last days of the month, but reports in November were that the fire had already ceased. Impacts In addition to the 12 human losses, the fire devastated approximately 9,000 hectares of the Rio Doce State Park, equivalent to one-third of the reserve. Mostly specimens of peroba, jacaranda, and ipês were consumed, as well as century-old Atlantic Forest native trees, with some reaching 30 meters in height. About 30 hectares of CAF's eucalyptus plantations were also burned. Material damage was 1,500,000,000 Brazilian cruzeiros, which includes lost timber, neighboring plantations and houses in rural villages. In 1969 a process of renovation and restructuring of the park was initiated by the state government to be opened to tourism, which had been planned since before the fire. The park's forests did not suffer another major fire and this allowed natural regeneration of the vegetation and soil. Thus, the PERD has continued to be the largest Atlantic Forest reserve in the state and has significant relevance regarding conservation of regional natural resources. Some trails open to tourists pass through areas affected by the 1967 event, such as "Angico Vermelho" and "Vinhático", and traces of the disaster are only noticed when shown by the guides. Although fire monitoring has been intensified over the years, the reserve is still not fully safeguarded from new occurrences. In September 1993, a fire occurred that affected about 100 ha of native forest in Timóteo. Between September 20 and 24, 2019, a fire consumed 484.2 ha of the Rio Doce State Park between Marliéria and Timóteo. During the 1967 fire three inquiries were opened: a military police to investigate the death of Sergeant Agenor, a military one to investigate the deaths of the other combatants, and another to investigate the causes of the fire. Commander Agenor Almeida Costa, who died while fighting the flames, was honored with the name given to the 3rd Environmental Platoon of the Rio Doce State Park in Marliéria, which was renamed the Sergeant Agenor de Almeida Costa Barracks on September 21, 2011. On the occasion his wife Romilda Andrade Costa and family members of other combatants were also honored under the presence of the Music Band of the 14th Military Police Battalion. See also Rio Doce State Park 2020 Brazil rainforest wildfires 2019 Amazon rainforest wildfires Deforestation in Brazil References Bibliography Barbosa, Kenia de Souza (2010). Por que a gestão da região metropolitana do Vale do Aço não sai do papel? (Thesis) (in Portuguese). UFMG. Lopes, Waldomiro de Paula; Silva, Alexandre Francisco da; Souza, Agostinho Lopes de; Meira Neto, João Augusto Alves (2002). Estrutura fitossocióloga de um trecho de vegetação arbórea no parque estadual do rio doce - Minas Gerais, Brasil. (in Portuguese). Acta Botanica Brasilica. Pacheco, Emerson Diniz (2008). Diagnóstico do impacto do uso das trilhas do Parque Estadual do Rio Doce. (Thesis) (in Portuguese). UNEC Peixoto, Esperanca de Lacerda (2011). Caracterização e perspectivas do Parque Estadual do Rio Doce - MG: uma abordagem a partir de imagens de sensoriamento remoto e fotografias hemisféricas de dossel. (Thesis) (in Portuguese). UFMG. Sausen, Tania Maria; Lacruz, María Silvia Pardi (2015). Sensoriamento remoto para desastres (in Portuguese). São Paulo: Oficina de Textos. External links IEF website Fires in Brazil Natural disasters in Brazil Wildfires in South America Atlantic Forest 1967 in Brazil Wildfires 1960s wildfires 1967 fires 1967 disasters in South America 20th-century fires in South America September 1967 events October 1967 events Droughts in Brazil

73269508

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter%20Wildfires

Hunter Wildfires

The Hunter Wildfires, also known as the Hunter Rugby Club, or simply NHRU Wildfires, are an Australian rugby union club based in the New South Wales city of Newcastle West, New South Wales. The club currently plays in the semi-professional competition the Shute Shield where they have been since the 2020 season. Formerly in the Shute Shield between 1995 and 1999, the Wildfires returned to the competition following various issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hunter Wildfires made their debut against Warringah on 1 April 1995 at Pittwater Park, Warriewood. The team lost 57–8, conceding nine tries. are the only team in the Shute Shield competition that is based outside of the Sydney area. Established in 1869, the club has since become a representative club for Newcastle and the surrounding area. The Wildfires were given final approval to re-join the Shute Shield on 25 June 2020, after both the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union (NHRU) board and the local clubs approved of the decision. The club has never won a premiership. Notes References External links Club website Rugby clubs established in 1869 Rugby union teams in New South Wales 1869 establishments in Australia

73431099

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017%20Arizona%20wildfires

2017 Arizona wildfires

Wildfires in 2017 in the U.S. state of Arizona burned , greater than it is uthe average of for the previous 10 years. Notable fires included: Frye Fire, June 7 – September 1, 2017 Sawmill Fire, April 23–30, 2017 Goodwin Fire, June 24 – July 10, 2017 References

73439466

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%20Colorado%20wildfires

2023 Colorado wildfires

The 2023 Colorado wildfire season is an ongoing series of wildfires that have been burning throughout the U.S. state of Colorado. List of wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than , or produced significant structural damage or casualties. See also Colorado State Forest Service List of Colorado wildfires 2023 California wildfires 2023 New Mexico wildfires 2023 Oregon wildfires 2023 Arizona wildfires References 2023 wildfires in the United States Wildfires in Colorado

73629717

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%20New%20Mexico%20wildfires

2023 New Mexico wildfires

The 2023 New Mexico wildfire season is an ongoing series of wildfires that have been burning throughout the U.S. state of New Mexico. List of wildfires The following is a list of fires that burned more than , or produced significant structural damage or casualties. See also 2023 Arizona wildfires 2023 Colorado wildfires 2023 California wildfires 2023 Oregon wildfires References 2023 wildfires in the United States Wildfires in New Mexico

73752856

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta%20wildfires

Alberta wildfires

Alberta wildfires may refer to: 2011 Slave Lake wildfire 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire 2019 Alberta wildfires 2023 Alberta wildfires

73914036

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildfires%20in%202023

Wildfires in 2023

The 2023 wildfire season involves wildfires on multiple continents. Below is an ongoing list of articles on wildfires from around the world in the year 2023. Africa 2023 North Africa wildfires Asia 2023 Kazakhstan wildfires 2023 Turkey wildfires Europe 2023 Greece wildfires 2023 Italy wildfires 2023 Spain wildfires 2023 Tenerife wildfire, the worst in the Canary Islands in 40 years. Cannich wildfire, United Kingdom North America Canada 2023 Alberta wildfires 2023 Nova Scotia wildfires 2023 Canadian wildfires McDougall Creek Fire United States 2023 Arizona wildfires 2023 California wildfires 2023 Colorado wildfires 2023 Florida wildfires 2023 Hawaii wildfires 2023 Idaho wildfires 2023 Louisiana wildfires 2023 Montana wildfires 2023 Nevada wildfires 2023 New Mexico wildfires 2023 North Carolina wildfires 2023 Oregon wildfires 2023 Washington wildfires South America 2023 Chile wildfires See also Weather of 2023 References 2023 2023-related lists

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannich%20wildfire

Cannich wildfire

The Cannich wildfire was a wildfire burning in May-June 2023 in Cannich, a village in the Highland council area of Scotland about west of Inverness. No one died, but two firefighters were injured and airlifted to hospital on 30 May when their vehicle overturned at the site; they were both discharged the following day. Events The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) were alerted of a large fire at 12:46 p.m. on 28 May 2023. On 31 May, a long plume of smoke from the fire was detected drifting towards Loch Ness from space by NASA. At its height, nine appliances were tackling the fire, as well as a helicopter to water bomb the affected area. A 'very high' wildfire warning covering much of Scotland, which had been in place since 26 May, was extended to 5 June. The cause of the wildfire is unknown, but the SFRS had launched an investigation into its cause. They also said it had burned through a area of scrub and woodland, which would make it the largest wildfire in the UK's history. This number was later revised by the fire service to . The fire caused lots of damage to the RSPB Corrimony nature reserve, destroying hundreds of native trees which were planted to regenerate habitats. The charity also said that many ground-nesting birds, including black grouse, had lost chicks or eggs because of the fire. Simon McLaughlin, who works at the reserve, said that fast-moving species such as spiders and lizards had survived, but others, including frogs, had been found dead. RSPB Scotland said it had still to fully assess the impact of the blaze on wildlife. Amidst soaring forecasted temperatures, another 'very high' wildfire warning was declared by the SFRS from 7 to 10 June. In the announcement on 7 June, the fire service also said that the Cannich wildfire was still ongoing. Other wildfires By 11 June, another wildfire had broken out 30 miles away near Daviot. On 15 June a wildfire broke out in Dalshangan Forest near Carsphairn. References 2023 wildfires 2023 disasters in the United Kingdom 2023 fires in Europe 2023 in Scotland 2020s fires in the United Kingdom 21st century in Inverness May 2023 events in the United Kingdom June 2023 events in the United Kingdom Fires in Scotland Wildfires in the United Kingdom History of the Scottish Highlands

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%20Canadian%20wildfires

2023 Canadian wildfires

Beginning in March 2023, and with increased intensity starting in June, Canada has been affected by an ongoing, record-setting series of wildfires. All 13 provinces and territories have been affected, with large fires in Alberta, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec. The 2023 wildfire season has seen the most area burned in Canada's recorded history, surpassing the 1989, 1995, and 2014 fire seasons, as well as in recorded North American history, surpassing the 2020 Western US wildfire season. As of October 6,6,551 fires had burned , about 5% of the entire forest area of Canada, and more than six times the long-term average of 27,300 square kilometres for that time of the year. As of October 6, there were 772 wildfires active, and 346 of those were deemed "out of control". International aid has helped reduce the impact of the fires. Smoke emitted from the wildfires has caused air quality alerts and evacuations in Canada and the United States. In late June, the smoke crossed the Atlantic, reaching Europe. Background Wildfires are changing in Canada: in general, since the 1970s and 1980s, the total annual number of wildfires has decreased but the area burned in Canada has increased. Since 1959, the number of large fires greater than has increased and the average fire season has become longer by about two weeks. In Canada, wildfire season usually starts in May. The 2023 fires have been compared to the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire and the 2021 Lytton wildfire. Due to climate change, weather has been warmer and drier, raising wildfire risk as vegetation is more flammable under these conditions. Wind from a passing cold front during the week of May 18 exacerbated the fire risk. Canadian Minister of Public Safety Bill Blair said: "These conditions, this early in the season, are unprecedented. Due to climate change, similar extreme weather events may continue to increase in both frequency and severity across our country." Following the Quebec wildfires, an analysis by World Weather Attribution showed that in Quebec, because of climate change, fire weather is twice as likely to occur and 20% more intense. The 2023 Western North America heat wave exacerbated the wildfires in Alberta. Forest management is also a factor in the wildfires. Because Canada's forest management has focused on fire suppression, dry vegetation has accumulated on the forest floor. Canada has generally stopped performing controlled burns, which help reduce the risk of larger and more dangerous fires. It is difficult to get permission for controlled burns, especially for Indigenous groups who have historically performed them and are disproportionately affected by wildfires. Canada lacks a national firefighting service, and local resources are stretched thin due to budget cuts. Roughly half of all wildfires in Canada are caused by lightning; due to climate change, lightning-caused fires are happening more frequently, and lightning strikes are expected to double by the end of the century. In terms of wildfire acreage, lightning-caused fires account for about 85% of land burned. Lightning-caused fires often happen in clusters in remote locations. The other half of wildfires in Canada are human-caused, often unintentionally sparked by things such as discarded cigarette butts, abandoned smouldering campfires, sparks from braking trains, off road vehicles, and land clearing activities. While false claims of arson have gained traction on social media, arson is generally a minor cause of wildfires in Canada. Pollution due to a global increase in wildfires has created widespread, long-term impacts on human health. Due to wildfire emissions, Canada broke its record for annual carbon emissions in late June. As of late August, the wildfires had released 327–355 megatonnes of carbon into the atmosphere. According to Merritt Turetsky, a carbon cycle scientist, this is a "vicious cycle" as warming is associated with drier vegetation, drier vegetation ignites more rapidly, greenhouse gases are released, and greenhouse gases "wind up in the atmosphere, [causing] more warming". Wildfires Alberta In May, Alberta was the province most impacted by wildfires. The causes of fires are generally unknown. On May 6, the province of Alberta declared a provincial state of emergency. By May 7, 108 active fires were burning in the province. The provincial state of emergency ended on June 3. As of June 7, the province said there had been 591 reported wildfires in the province since March. High Level Forest Area Two fires that were out of control in the High Level Forest Area were active on 15 May. HWF-036, named the Long Lake Fire, is a rapidly growing fire classified as out of control. It is the largest fire in the province during the 2023 wildfire season, currently having an active burning area of . It was started just south of the Rainbow Lake Airport and initially grew to the northwest. However, due to multiple wind shifts over the following week, the fire began to spread in an eastward direction. On May 13, the fire made a 25-kilometer run towards the community of Chateh. This also resulted in Rainbow Lake being surrounded in all directions by the wildfire, as well as power and cell service being cut off. Alberta Wildfire, the Rainbow Lake Fire Department and other fire crews from Alaska and Ontario are working together to prevent the growth of the fire. They deployed 83 firefighters, four helicopters and other heavy equipment by May 15. HWF-030, named the Paskwa Fire, is another out of control fire spreading eastward due to extreme conditions. It is currently at an active burning area of . It is located within the community of Fox Lake, and is located 13 kilometres from the community of Garden River. The fire remains south of the Peace River. The extreme weather conditions are making it hard for firefighters and aircraft to assist the fire. 76 firefighters and 13 helicopters have been deployed as well as heavy equipment. A state of local emergency was declared for Fox Lake, followed by an evacuation order on May 3. An evacuation alert for Garden River was issued on May 13. Over 100 structures have been destroyed in the community of Fox Lake as of May 11, 2023. HWF-042 was under control at on May 6. It was north of the Highway 88 bridge over the Peace River. Highway 88 was closed on the afternoon of May 6 until one lane was opened later that day. Twelve firefighters and seven helicopters, heavy equipment and airtankers worked to prevent the fire from spreading further. The fire has since been classified as under control. British Columbia British Columbia saw an unusual lack of rain in May and early June, leading to increased wildfire conditions in the province. In British Columbia, about 60% of wildfires are caused by lightning, while the remainder are due to human activity. In a study of British Columbia's 2017 fire season, researchers found that human-caused climate change had a strong influence on the amount of area burned. In early June, the province saw multiple wildfires in or near Peachland and on Vancouver Island near both Port Alberni and Sayward. As of June 2, there were 54 active fires in the region. Officials estimated about half of the province's wildfires were caused by human action. In the west of Vancouver Island, highway access to the towns of Port Alberni, Tofino, and Ucluelet was cut off for more than two weeks due to the Cameron Bluffs wildfire. In northeastern British Columbia, the Donnie Creek wildfire became the single largest wildfire in BC history. It attained this status on June 18. By June 24, the fire was burning over an area of greater than 5,648 square kilometres (2,180 square miles). There were 377 active wildfires in British Columbia as of July 15, including 20 that were classified as "highly visible, threatening or potentially damaging 'wildfires of note'". Unruly blazes destroyed properties and closed parts of the Trans-Canada highway . Manitoba As of June 6, there had been 70 fires in Manitoba, below the province's average number for that point in the season. Compared to past years, human caused fires were less frequent, with lightning causing the majority. As of May 27, there were six active wildfires in the province, including a fire near Cross Lake First Nation and Pimicikamak Cree Nation. On June 2, Manitoba only had three wildfires active in the province. Lightning over June 3 and 4 raised the total fire count to 12 by June 5, and to 14 by June 6. Of those, four were considered out of control. On June 6, officials were focused on monitoring and containing fires near Little Grand Rapids, Pauingassi First Nation, and St. Theresa Point First Nation. On September 1, fires were still burning. New Brunswick New Brunswick had experienced 177 wildfires as of June 7, with four still active, including fires in West Branch, Alnwick Parish, and Valley Road in Kars. A fire near Saint Andrews, which had started on May 28, was brought under control on June 5. Newfoundland and Labrador Newfoundland and Labrador saw 34 wildfires before May 1, far outpacing the 2022 season, which saw only 2 fires in that same period. This was attributed to dry conditions. Between May 1 and 19, 19 other fires were recorded. Wet conditions in early June created a low fire risk for Newfoundland, allowing water bombers from Newfoundland to be deployed to assist with firefighting efforts in Labrador, Nova Scotia and Quebec. On June 8, there were 72 active wildfires in the province. Northwest Territories On June 7, there were eleven active wildfires in the Northwest Territories. At that point, there had been 21 total fires, affecting . By August 15, there were over 230 wildfires throughout the territory. By August 17, they were within of the capital city, Yellowknife, leading to an evacuation order. The wildfires caused telecommunication and internet signals to be cut off throughout the South Slave Region, which led to concerns about the feasibility of a safe evacuation. By August 23, wildfires in the territory had produced 97 megatonnes of carbon, accounting for roughly a fourth of the total 327 megatonnes produced by Canada's wildfires in 2023. Nova Scotia Nova Scotia saw the largest recorded wildfires in its history. On average, in Nova Scotia, only about 3% of wildfires are caused by lightning, with the remaining being caused by human activity. Of those caused by human activity, about a third of Nova Scotia's fires are caused by people on or near their own property, and about a quarter are caused by arson. On June 1, there were four out-of-control fires in the province. In suburban Halifax, an estimated 200 structures were destroyed by fire. By June 1, the Halifax fire was 50% contained, but was not considered under control. At the time, no missing people or injuries from the Halifax fire were reported. By June 4, the Halifax fire was 100% contained. The Barrington Lake fire in Shelburne County, which started May 27, covered at its largest. On June 7, officials announced it was successfully contained. As of June 7, the fire had destroyed 60 residences and 150 other structures. Barrington Lake wildfire A major wildfire started around May 27, 2023, near Barrington Lake in Shelburne County. The fire has burned around and between 30 and 40 structures have been destroyed. The response to the fire included widespread evacuation orders of the surrounding area, displacing around 5000 people. This wildfire is the largest recorded in the history of Nova Scotia. Efforts to stop the fire includes the use of American water bombers and additional firefighters from the U.S. and Costa Rica. Tantallon wildfire A second major wildfire in the Tantallon area was first reported at 3:30 pm on May 28, 2023. It spread rapidly through the Westwood Hills subdivision throughout the evening. The fire burned through as of June 2. Halifax mayor Mike Savage described the response to the fire as "unprecedented" in the area. Approximately 16,400 people were placed under mandatory evacuation orders in the surrounding areas. Preliminary reports stated that approximately 151 houses were destroyed and 50 other structures were damaged or destroyed. As of June 3 the fire was declared "largely contained" with help from the Canadian military and a heavy rainstorm. Ontario Smoke from the fires caused air quality in Ottawa, Toronto, as well as most of Southern Ontario on June 5–7 to hit the highest level on Environment Canada's Air Quality Health Index, the worst in the province of Ontario. Air quality also hit the highest level in Kingston and Belleville, Ontario. Smoke from the fires descended on Ottawa once again on June 25–26, reaching the maximum level by 11 am. This forced the city of Ottawa to cancel outdoor programs, races at the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival were cancelled, as were activities at the Ottawa Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival. On June 28, the air quality in Toronto ranked among the worst in the world and once again reached the highest level on Environment Canada's Air Quality Health Index. This forced a number of city-run outdoor recreation programs to move indoors. Quebec Quebec has been particularly hard hit during the 2023 wildfire season, with more frequent wildfires than in the past, and fewer resources and experience with which to fight them. It has seen the most area burned of any province with . As of June 10, the province had reported 446 fires, compared to the average of 212 for the same date. On June 8, 137 fires were active in Quebec and 54 in Ontario. On the afternoon of June 25, Montreal had the worst air quality in the world due to wildfire smoke in the region; several cultural and sporting events were cancelled or postponed in response. Saskatchewan Like other regions, Saskatchewan had a dry spring, leading to increased risk for wildfires. By May 25, the province had seen 187 fires; the five-year average for that point in the season is 111. Firefighting crews struggled due to heavy smoke, which made it difficult both for crews to travel and to monitor the fires. Some communities, although not directly in the path of any fires, lost power due to fires in the region, particularly from May 14 to 17. Domestic impacts Evacuations Alberta evacuations Multiple settlements were placed under evacuation orders, resulting in over 29,000 Albertans being evacuated by May 7. On May 11, at least 300 members of the Canadian Armed Forces were sent to different parts of Alberta to help. Evacuation orders were issued for multiple communities throughout the province. On April 29, mandatory evacuation orders were issued for the towns of Evansburg and Entwistle, due to two wildfires in their vicinity. The evacuation order was lifted on May 3, only for it to be reinstated on May 4, due to the fires increasing in size. The community of Fox Lake, on the Fox Lake 162 reserve, was issued an evacuation order May 3, with all residents being evacuated by May 5. As of May 11, the local police station, general store, and at least 100 homes had been destroyed by fire. The town of Drayton Valley, approximately southwest of Edmonton, was issued an evacuation order on May 4. The local fire department reported that one structure had been lost. On May 5, the hamlet of Nordegg and the Big Horn 144A reserve were issued an evacuation order due to nearby wildfires. Also on May 5, evacuation orders were issued for the town of Edson due to multiple nearby wildfires. On May 6, the town of Fox Creek and the hamlet of Little Smoky were issued an evacuation order. On May 13, the community of Chateh issued an evacuation order due to the Long Lake Fire (HWF-036) making a run toward the community. On May 14, the community of Chipewyan Lake was issued an evacuation order due to an out-of-control wildfire starting north of the community. Residents of Rainbow Lake were allowed to return on June 2. More than 3,000 Albertans remained under evacuation orders as of June 8. On June 9, residents of Edson and Yellowhead County were asked to evacuate. British Columbia evacuations In early May, some British Columbia residents evacuated their homes due to out-of-control wildfires there. Around May 22, residents were evacuated from near Tzenzaicut Lake, which is about north of Vancouver. In early June, officials recommended that British Columbians be prepared to evacuate if need be. On June 7, the community of One Island Lake was evacuated. On June 8, the community of Tumbler Ridge was evacuated. As of July 15, there were nearly 70 evacuation orders across the province. In August, premier David Eby declared a state of emergency as the city of West Kelowna was evacuated when the McDougall Creek wildfire grew to cover 6,800 hectares. The campus of UBC Okanagan and some nearby suburbs were placed under evacuation order. Overall, at least 35,000 people were under evacuation order and another 30,000 under evacuation alert, as of August 19. Manitoba evacuations Approximately 7,000 members of the Pimicikamak Cree Nation were evacuated on May 24; most residents were able to return by May 26. Northwest Territories evacuations The Katl'odeeche First Nation (Hay River Reserve) and the residents of Hay River were evacuated on May 14. The 3,000 residents of Hay River were allowed to return on May 24, while the 300 members of the K'at'lodeeche First Nation were not able to return until June 7. On May 31, the residents of Sambaa K'e were evacuated to Fort Simpson. On August 14, authorities in the Northwest Territories declared a state of emergency and issued another evacuation order to communities throughout the Dehcho, South Slave, and North Slave Regions, including those in Behchokǫ̀, Enterprise, Fort Smith, Hay River, Kakisa, the Kátł'odeeche First Nation and Jean Marie River. Hundreds of people were airlifted out of the wildfire zone with the assistance of the Canadian Armed Forces. Stanton Territorial Hospital ramped down its health services and began sending some of its patients to St. Albert, Alberta. By the evening of August 15, Yellowknife itself began issuing precautionary evacuation alerts to parts of the city, as the wildfire began drawing closer. On the same day, Michael St Amour, the mayor of Enterprise, said that between 85–90% of his town was destroyed by the fires. On the evening of August 16, evacuation orders were issued for Yellowknife, N’dilo, Dettah, and Ingraham Trail, affecting an estimated 22,000 people. On August 19, 2023, 87% of Yellowknife was evacuated by 6:58 am (ET), with only 2,600 of the original 20,000 remaining, 1,000 of which were essential workers. By August 21, 68% of the population of the Northwest Territories had been evacuated. Air Canada and WestJet were initially criticized for high prices and unwaived cancellation fees for flights to and from Yellowknife; they had since changed policies to alleviate financial burden for evacuees as of August 17. Both carriers also increased the number of flights to Yellowknife. The evacuation order for Yellowknife, Dettah and N’dilo was rescinded September 6, and people began to return to Yellowknife later that day. An estimated 1,000 people had been flown home by September 8. Nova Scotia evacuations In late May, the communities of Hammonds Plains, Pockwock, and Upper Tantallon were put under evacuation orders. 16,000 residents were evacuated from Halifax. The Halifax Regional Municipality opened several centres for evacuees. On June 2, some residents were permitted to briefly return to their homes to survey damage. Due to safety risks, none were allowed to return permanently. This was a source of frustration for evacuees, along with what some residents deemed to be "communication failures" from the provincial government. Residents near Shelburne were evacuated on May 31; the total number of evacuees from Shelburne County numbered about 5,000. Several local farmers also evacuated their animals to the county's exhibition grounds. Nova Scotia provided free camping at several locations for people displaced by the fire in Shelburne. Quebec evacuations As of June 4, 14,000 residents had been evacuated from their homes in Quebec. On June 6, 7,500 residents were evacuated from Chibougamau, the largest town in Northern Quebec. On June 7, the nearby Cree Nation of Mistissini was asked to evacuate, and the Cree Nation of Waswanipi began evacuating of their own accord. On June 6, Quebec's Public Security Ministry announced a large evacuation alert for the province, prompting towns such as Chapais to immediately evacuate citizens. The mayor of Lebel-sur-Quévillon, where about 2,100 people (or the entire city's population) were forced from their homes, stated that the fires were as close as from the city. On June 23, more than 300 residents were evacuated from Val-Paradis, Beaucanton and Lac Pajegasque; they were permitted to return on June 25. On June 23 the Cree community of Mistissini asked residents to evacuate for the second time that month. The Atikamekw of Opitciwan were allowed to return on June 26. Saskatchewan evacuations On May 15, 535 residents of Buffalo Narrows evacuated. Other evacuated communities included the Buffalo River Dene Nation, the English River First Nation, the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, and the Canoe Lake First Nation. By May 18, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) was supporting around 1,000 evacuees from effected regions of the province, who were temporarily housed in Lloydminster, North Battleford, and Regina. Support provided included food, clothing, housing, and other required services. The number of evacuees at the time was higher than 1,000, as the SPSA was not supporting individuals who evacuated of their own accord or who made separate housing plans. Many residents in Deschambault Lake evacuated in mid-May. Evacuees from Île-à-la-Crosse and Buffalo Narrows received assistance from the University of Regina. Other domestic impacts In mid-May, oil companies in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan curbed production as a precautionary measure in parts of the provinces; this in turn drove up the price of oil. International effects United States May In May, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued several alerts for poor air quality due to smoke from Alberta and Saskatchewan fires and ground-level ozone. Smoke from the Alberta wildfires led to air quality alerts in Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin, and Washington by May 21, 2023. June On June 2, smoke from the Nova Scotia wildfires affected air quality in Washington, D.C., and the states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The smoke from wildfires in Quebec drifted into the Northeastern United States on June 5–6 and triggered air quality alerts for most of New York, Connecticut and some of the surrounding states, as well as the Midwestern states of Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The smoke on June 6 was estimated by one Stanford researcher to have been the third-worst in the country since 2006. By the night of June 6, New York City had the worst air pollution of any major city in the world; by the morning of June 7 it had fallen to second place, behind Delhi. This also marked the city's worst air quality since the 1960s. By June 7, air quality alerts also went out to residents in the Delaware Valley in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, and to additional areas in New England. In total, approximately 128 million Americans were under air quality alerts by the evening of June 7. In New York City; Syracuse, New York; Princeton Junction, New Jersey; and the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania, the air quality index surpassed 400. After a brief respite, New York City's air quality returned to being the worst of any major city in the world. City officials announced plans to distribute one million N95 masks on June 8. Several airline flights to and from New York City, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. were delayed or cancelled; by the afternoon, the Federal Aviation Administration halted all flights going to LaGuardia Airport in New York City, citing visibility concerns. Schools across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut announced closures, with the district of schools in Danbury, Connecticut announcing several alerts also advising students. Major League Baseball, the National Women's Soccer League, and the Women's National Basketball Association postponed games scheduled to be held in New York City, New Jersey, and Philadelphia the night of June 7. The Public Theater cancelled its June 8 and 9 Shakespeare in the Park performances of Hamlet. On Broadway, performances of Camelot, Hamilton, and Prima Facie were cancelled due to the poor air quality. On June 6 and 7, solar farms in the Northeast and Midwest dropped production by around or more than 50% due to the smoke. On the night of June 7, Connecticut announced a warning advising residents to use masks and stay indoors due to an increase in smoke in the state. Danbury and Greenwich citizens had used masks earlier in the day as well. On the morning of June 8, air quality was worst throughout the area surrounding Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., and Trenton, New Jersey. Philadelphia's air quality levels reached their worst levels since 1999. New York City climbed into the worst tier out of the United States Environmental Protection Agency's six-tier air quality index, causing Governor Kathy Hochul to call it an "emergency crisis". Flights continued to be delayed for planes bound for Newark, New York City, and Philadelphia, with delays for Charlotte and Dallas also being eyed. United Airlines issued travel waivers to impacted passengers. Horse racing at Belmont Park in New York was cancelled. New York City public high schools and the School District of Philadelphia announced they would switch to virtual learning on June 9, due to poor air quality. By June 11, air quality alerts were still active in New York City, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, but air quality had substantially improved from earlier in the week. On June 14, an air quality alert was issued for Minnesota due to dangerous air quality levels affecting the state. The air quality in Minneapolis reached 256 at 6pm that day. On June 27, the smoke spread over the Midwest, causing Chicago to suffer from the worst air quality in the world, reaching 228 AQI. Michigan and Pennsylvania were also affected, and sent out air quality alerts to residents. Air quality alerts were issued for 80 million people in the US. Europe The wildfire smoke also drifted to Europe; as of May 23–25, it was mainly located over Scandinavia. On June 8, Iceland and Greenland were affected by drifting smoke, with forecasts suggesting Norway would also be affected over the next few days. As of June 9, smoke in Europe was not dense enough to have harmful effects on health. On June 25, the smoke reached the Azores; by June 26, it reached Western Europe, specifically France, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. As the smoke was higher in the atmosphere, it did not affect air quality as it did in the United States, but forecasts predicted it could lead to more vivid sunrises and sunsets and hazy skies. Fatalities In total, six people have died due to the wildfires, including four firefighters and one child. British Columbia saw Canada's first death from the wildfires, when Devyn Helena Gale, a 19-year-old firefighter for the B.C. Wildfire Service, was struck by a falling tree while she was helping fight the fires. Ryan Gould, a 41-year-old Whitecourt man, was killed when his Bell 205A helicopter crashed as he was bucketing water as part of firefighting operations in Alberta. Carter Vigh, a 9-year-old boy in 100 Mile House, British Columbia, died after suffering an asthma attack due to wildfire smoke. Adam Yeadon, a 25-year-old firefighter who worked for the Northwest Territories Forest Management Service, died while fighting fires in the Northwest Territories when he was struck by a falling tree. A 25-year-old contract firefighter was fatally injured in the Prince George Fire Centre region, while responding to a wildfire on July 28. On August 18, a hospital patient from Yellowknife (whose identity was kept anonymous) died during the evacuation of the city. Domestic government responses In Alberta On May 9, the government of Yukon sent 21 firefighters to assist crews in Alberta. The team returned to Yukon on May 24. Another 21-person team returned to Alberta on May 31. In British Columbia The province planned to put campfire bans in place on June 8, to stay in effect until October. International fire crews also came to British Columbia from five countries. Natural Resources Canada, with its Fire Weather Index, also tracked the wildfires and issued warnings. On 18 August, the province imposed an emergency, giving officials more power to deal with fire risks. On August 20, the federal Governor-in-Council authorized the Canadian Armed Forces to help with evacuation in B.C. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited the province on August 25 to meet with community leaders dealing with the wildfires. In Manitoba Travel restrictions were placed in southeastern Manitoba on May 27. Provincial burn permits for the area were cancelled, with the exception of burn permits for essential operations that had been approved by a conservation officer and which had had a site inspection. The government of Manitoba was not sending firefighters to assist other provinces in early June, due to concerns about Manitoba's fire risk. In the Northwest Territories Although Nova Scotia sent a team of 20 firefighters to the NWT on May 25, they were recalled on May 29 due to the worsening wildfire situation in their home province. On June 6, the Canadian government announced that they and the Government of the Northwest Territories would match United Way donations for disaster relief in the region. Smoke from the wildfires caused highways in the territory to be shut down, with the NWT government stating that "[h]ighway travel is not an option as a way out" due to dangerous conditions, instead saying "[y]our safest way out is on the plane, NOW. GO TO THE AIRPORT NOW." Kandis Jameson, the mayor of Hay River, urged residents on August 15 to "find transport out of [town] immediately," describing their situation as "life-threatening." On August 19, NWT Premier Caroline Cochrane announced that she had evacuated to Alberta to avoid taking up a space on one of the last planes to leave. On August 14, Shane Thompson, the NWT Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, described the scale of the fires as "unprecedented" and "unlike anything we’ve ever experienced." In Nova Scotia To prevent further fires, all open fires were banned province-wide on May 29. On May 30, hiking, camping, fishing, and the use of vehicles in the woods were banned in all forests in the province until June 25, or until conditions allow them to be lifted. The Halifax Regional Municipality also closed all heavily wooded city parks on May 31. All schools in Shelburne County and several schools in Halifax Regional Municipality were closed in response to the fires. In late-May, New London, Prince Edward Island sent a team of four firefighters to assist crews in Nova Scotia. On May 29, Newfoundland and Labrador sent two waterbombers to the province. In early June, a six-person team from Alberta came to the province to assist in assessing fire damage to property and infrastructure. Financial relief The provincial government issued an initial emergency payment of $500 to all evacuated households in the immediate aftermath of the fires. Additionally, the Canadian government established a donation matching program with the Nova Scotian government and the Canadian Red Cross to support those affected by the fires. On June 7, the provincial government announced it would give a one-time grant of $2,500 to registered farmers in Halifax and Shelburne County who had been under mandatory evacuation orders. Aftermath Delays of up to three years in rebuilding houses are expected due to the province's construction backlog. In Saskatchewan The provincial government put a fire ban in place on May 16; it was lifted on May 24 due to improving conditions. On May 19, the SPSA announced they would provide financial aid to residents impacted by fire-related power outages. The government of Quebec sent two amphibious tankers to the province to assist with firefighting efforts. Government strategies for future fires The Canadian government has outlined a first line of actions that could help avoid or mitigate wildfires in future seasons: Training 300 Indigenous firefighters and 125 Indigenous fire guardians Training firefighters to respond to fires in the wildland-urban interface Launching a satellite mission (WildFireSat, currently planned for 2029) dedicated to monitoring fires Building wildland fire knowledge through research and pilot projects on fire risk reduction measures Creating a dedicated centre to help transform wildland fire management Growing the Canadian Armed Forces to allow for better response to disasters Other reactions International responses International aid On June 6, Quebec Premier François Legault announced that 200 French and American firefighters would travel to Quebec to help fight the wildfires, and that the province was in negotiations with Chile, Costa Rica, and Portugal to find more resources. On June 7, the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre said that 950 firefighters and other personnel had travelled from other countries (including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States) to provide aid. On June 8, the European Commission announced they would be sending more than 280 firefighters from France, Spain, and Portugal. New York governor Kathy Hochul announced the state would send seven firefighters over the course of two weeks, per the request of Canada. Around 5,000 firefighters from multiple countries arrived in Canada as of June 14, with more expected to arrive from Chile and Costa Rica. Prime Minister Trudeau said that Canadian firefighters would also help other countries, saying that "fire seasons aren't always aligned and that allows for a travelling of resources that is part of how we're going to make sure we're protecting communities all around the world." Facebook blocking wildfire news stories In response to the Online News Act, Meta (owner of Facebook) began blocking access to news sites for Canadian users at the beginning of August 2023. This also extended to local Canadian news stories about the wildfires, a decision that was heavily criticized by Trudeau, local government officials, academics, researchers, and evacuees. Trudeau accused Facebook of "putting corporate profits ahead of people’s safety," with Premier of British Columbia David Eby expressing similar sentiments. Evacuees who fled the Northwest Territories wildfires described the difficulty they faced attempting to share news (made worse by an already "barren" media landscape in the territory), as many relied on Facebook to communicate their situation. Ollie Williams of Yellowknife's Cabin Radio said that users had to resort to posting screenshots of news stories, as posting news directly would result in the link getting blocked. Meta responded to these criticisms by stating that Canadians "can continue to use our technologies to connect with their communities and access reputable information […] from official government agencies, emergency services and non-governmental organizations," and encouraged them to use Facebook's Safety Check feature. Conspiracy theories Conspiracy theories have been promoted about the cause of the wildfires by climate change deniers, with arson, pyrotechnic drones, directed-energy weapons and space lasers being among the supposed causes. These conspiracy theories have gone viral on social media platforms such as TikTok. In June, conspiracy theorists shared a TikTok video claiming that satellite footage showed the fires started spreading "at the same time" and that they were therefore caused deliberately. France 24 noted that the fires started over a period of twelve hours. Another TikTok video showed a helicopter carrying out backburning to get the fire under control, falsely claiming that it was the cause of the fires. Some social media users also falsely suggested that the haze seen over the United States was caused by ammonium nitrate instead of the wildfires. Canadian former National Hockey League player Theo Fleury suggested on Twitter that governments are lying about the nature of climate change to facilitate "climate lockdowns". People's Party of Canada leader Maxime Bernier accused "green terrorism" of starting the fires. Fire progression See also Notes References External links Government of the Northwest Territories – Wildfire Update | Environment and Climate Change 2023 in Alberta 2023 in British Columbia 2023 in Manitoba 2023 in New Brunswick 2023 in the Northwest Territories 2023 in Nova Scotia 2023 in Ontario 2023 in Quebec 2020s in Calgary Wildfires Wildfires Wildfires Wildfires Wildfires Wildfires Wildfires Wildfires 2023 wildfires Wildfires in Alberta Wildfires in British Columbia Wildfires in Ontario Natural disasters in Quebec

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%20Kazakhstan%20wildfires

2023 Kazakhstan wildfires

In June 2023, large forest fires broke out in the northeastern regions of Kazakhstan experienced its greatest annual death toll. While putting out the fires, at least 15 people died. Background According to local officials, lightning ignited the fires. A total of 60,000 hectares of land were lost. Residents of several villages were evacuated Response On 10 June 2023, more than 1,000 emergency personnel battled an out-of-control fire. Yuri Ilyin, the Minister of Emergency Situations, was fired by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev earlier that day. The condolences of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and other leaders have been extended to Tokayev. Aftermath The day of national mourning, 12 June, was established by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in memory of the forest workers who perished while battling wildfires in Kazakhstan's eastern Abai Region. The investigation is yet to be concluded; former Minister of Emergency Situations Yuri Ilyin, Minister of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources Zülfia Süleimenova, Äkim of Abai Region Nūrlan Ūranhaev and former Äkim of East Kazakhstan Region Daniyal Ahmetov are to be questioned regarding the wildfire References 2023 wildfires Wildfires June 2023 events in Asia Wildfires Wildfires in Asia Abai Region