All articles tagged with #wildfires
A fast-spreading forest fire near Los Gallardos in Andalusia killed 11 people, including foreign nationals, as record heat intensified the blaze; authorities evacuated nearby communities, Spain deployed around 200 military personnel to assist, and officials suspect a downed power line as the likely ignition source, with the fire burning thousands of acres.
Deadly wildfires in Spain’s Almería region amid a heatwave have left at least 12 people dead and 23 missing, as authorities evacuate towns and firefighters work to contain the blazes.
A massive upper-level heat dome anchored over Western and Southwestern Europe is trapping hot, dry air and driving temperatures well above normal into mid-July, with Iberia and France already recording 40°C-plus days, tropical nights in major cities, worsening soil moisture deficits, and escalating wildfire risk as the pattern expands north and east toward the UK, Ireland, and central Europe.
A record heatwave has sparked dozens of wildfires across Portugal, Spain, France and Greece, burning thousands of hectares and prompting mass evacuations while authorities restrict Tour de France spectators; firefighters warn conditions will worsen as temperatures surge toward 40C, with climate change linked to the increased fire risk and a long, challenging fire season ahead.
Stages 3 (Les Angles) and 4 in the Tour de France are at risk of cancellation due to a wildfire in Pyrénées-Orientales and forecast heat up to around 41°C; officials say a decision will be made by the end of the day as emergency services and safety protocols are mobilized to determine whether the race can proceed.
Heat warnings and wildfires in southern France endanger Tour de France stages 3 and 4, with Stage 3’s final 44km run without spectators as authorities consider cancellation due to code red heat warnings in Pyrenees-Orientales and Occitanie.
Portugal faces record heat and large wildfires, with international help already on the ground: Italy sent two Canadair water-bombers and Spain provided 118 firefighters and 45 support vehicles under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, aimed at the Vouzela fire which has burned around 11,000 hectares. Authorities reported injuries and extreme temperatures reaching up to 44°C as crews coordinate efforts to slow the blaze and protect communities.
Six large wildfires are scorching Colorado, totaling about 127,000 acres with the Aspen Acres blaze as the largest at roughly 47,953 acres and 0% containment. Dangerous, dry conditions and strong winds have spurred evacuations in Rye, Beulah and Wetmore, and firefighting teams—supported by air tankers and hundreds of engines, including 100 from California—are racing to gain the upper hand. An Alaska-based incident management team has taken command of the Aspen Acres response. Other active fires include Snyder (30,193 acres, 49% contained), Gold Mountain (18,005 acres), Ferris (27,382 acres), Willow (2,207 acres) and Big Sheep (1,153 acres). Officials warn growth is likely without relief, though moisture—and winds—are expected to shift by the weekend.
Dozens of wildfires blaze across the western U.S. under low humidity and strong winds, triggering evacuations, state emergencies and red-flag warnings, with forecasts of more dangerous fire weather later in the week.
The Trump administration launches a US Wildland Fire Service and revives a historically controversial policy to stomp out all fires quickly, a move critics say repeats a discredited approach that can lead to larger fires and ecological harm even as wildfires intensify.
Trump’s plan to revive fireworks at Mount Rushmore proceeds despite severe drought and wildfire risk in the Black Hills, with enhanced safety measures and a day‑of go/no‑go decision. Supporters tout precautions; critics warn of dangerous conditions and some Native leaders oppose the display on sacred lands, and a laser or drone show could replace fireworks if needed.
Three federal wildland firefighters from the Rifle Helitack crew were killed while initial-attack fighting the Snyder Fire along the Colorado-Utah border; two others were injured. The blaze had grown to about 28,000 acres, and a serious accident investigation is underway.
Western wildfire season intensifies across Utah and surrounding states, prompting evacuations and emergencies, and the deaths of three firefighters along the Utah-Colorado border as smoke drifts across the region.
Three federal firefighters were killed in a burnover while battling the Knowles and Gore fires near the Colorado-Utah border. The identities released were Emily Barker (38, Michigan), Nick Hutcherson (27, Arizona), and Sydney Watson (26, Alabama). Two other crewmembers were injured. The fires are now known as the Snyder Mesa Fire and have burned more than 28,000 acres as officials continue to investigate the incident and support affected families.
Extreme winds and dry conditions pushed the Cottonwood Fire near Beaver, Utah, to about 92,254 acres (roughly 144 square miles—the size of Philadelphia) and it remains 0% contained, triggering evacuations, power shutoffs, and Shelter operations as officials warn fire behavior could stay dangerous even with cooler forecasts and crews try to strengthen containment lines.