Devastating wildfires overwhelm Spokane, Washington and Vernon, BC as firefighters battle to protect lives, homes and infrastructure. In related news: Oregon has surpassed two million acres burned; BC welcomed 300 firefighters from Mexico; Rick Doman argues Canada should invest in carbon to protect its forests; a US judge allowed an Oregon fuel-reduction logging project; and J.D. Irving breeds budworm-resistant trees. Meanwhile: how to minimize the health impacts of wildfire smoke in Canada.
In Business news: Western Forest Products extends its Cowichan Bay sawmill curtailment; Boise Cascade reports Q2, 2026 profit; Canada imposes tariffs on wood cabinets; US states challenge Trump’s latest tariffs in court; the US Lumber Coalition applauds US trade action; Binderholz acquires Finish sawmill Kuhmo; and Fibre Excellence is split by French court rulings. Meanwhile: Kimberly-Clark unveils next-generation hesperaloe fibre; WoodWorks makes mass timber design easier; BC’s Ravi Parmar is On The Brink (podcast), and LP’s Tony Hamill & Timberlab’s Chris Evans join the APA Board.
Finally, inside the rush to build highrises and fire halls out of … wood?!?!
Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor