Category Archives: Forest Fires

Forest Fires

Emergency alert cancelled as firefighters make progress with Clearwater County wildfire

By Iman Janmohamed
CBC News
May 19, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada

A wildfire covering nearly 1,000 hectares in a remote area northwest of Sundre, Alta., is now listed as being held, prompting the cancellation of an emergency alert and an evacuation order for campers in the surrounding backcountry region. Emergency crews are working to get the wildfire in Clearwater County completely under control, though it is not anticipated to grow past existing boundaries, according to Alberta Wildfire’s online dashboard. …In an update posted online, Alberta wildfire said firefighters and night-vision helicopters worked overnight Sunday into Monday to contain hotspots, said Alberta Wildfire. On Monday, crews worked to extinguish hotspots along the north perimeter and inside the fire using helicopters and heavy equipment. …There are currently 22 active wildfires in Alberta, all are considered under control except for the Clearwater County fire, which is listed as being held, meaning the fire is not anticipated to grow, given current weather conditions and resources.

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B.C. firefighters battling 11 new out-of-control wildfires Wednesday

By Tiffany Crawford
Vancouver Sun
June 24, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

Cougar Mountain Fire ©BCWS

Firefighters are battling 11 new out-of-control wildfires that broke out Wednesday in B.C., as hot and dry conditions mix with lightning strikes in some areas. Two of the new rapidly spreading wildfires that ignited Wednesday are south of Lillooet, including the Riley Creek wildfire, located about 25 kilometres south of Lillooet. Both are believed to have been ignited by lightning. In Lytton the Saw Creek wildfire forced evacuations and a highway closure on Friday. That fire is considered to be under control as of Tuesday. …Firefighters were also called out to another quick moving wildfire that sparked Wednesday evening between Whistler and Pemberton. Fire officials say the .06-square-kilometre blaze was also ignited by lighting. Overall there are 39 wildfires burning in B.C., including 23 that broke out between Tuesday and Wednesday night, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.

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Wildfire near Lytton, B.C., which triggered evacuations is declared held

The Canadian Press in Energetic City
June 23, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

©BCWildfireService

The Saw Creek blaze that triggered evacuations in and around the community of Lytton, B.C., is now being held, the provincial wildfire service reported on Tuesday. The status of the seven-square-kilometre blaze discovered last Friday was downgraded after a days-long battle involving about 200 firefighters. The Thompson-Nicola Regional District and the Village of Lytton ended evacuation orders and alerts on Tuesday for approximately 230 properties in the area, labelling them as “all clear,” and a stretch of Hwy. 1 that had been closed due to the wildfire risk was re-opened. Tricia Thorpe, a director with the regional district, said she’s relieved to hear the news, though there is also sadness that the fire destroyed at least one home. “Moving from that red flame to the yellow is huge when you watch B.C. wildfire maps,” she said, describing the colour-coded system used online by the fire service to identify the status of a fire.

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47 properties in Lytton downgraded to evacuation alert due to Saw Creek wildfire

Canadian Press in Global News
June 21, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

©BCWildfireService

Firefighters battling a wildfire near Lytton, B.C., say cooler temperatures and light winds helped overnight but that fire activity could increase throughout the day as temperatures climb. An update posted online Sunday by the BC Wildfire Service says crews overnight prioritized the protection and defence of structures near the Saw Creek wildfire burning south of Lytton. The report says firefighters and aircraft continue to focus on securing the perimeter of the communities near the fire. It says temperatures are expected to be between the mid-20s to low-30s on Sunday and relative humidity will trend lower, “meaning there is the potential for fire activity to increase throughout the day.” The latest estimate puts the size of the out-of-control fire at about seven square-kilometres, up slightly from Saturday. The wildfire has triggered evacuation orders and alerts in the area, affecting more than 230 properties, while also shutting down a more than 115-kilometre stretch of Highway 1.

Additional coverage from CBC by Shaurya Kshatri and Sarah Penton: ‘How can this be happening again?’: Lytton residents face another wildfire

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Hundreds of families return home after crews bring West Kelowna, B.C., wildfire under control

By Rhianna Schmunk
CBC News
June 16, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada, Canada West

Hundreds of people were allowed to return to their homes in West Kelowna, B.C., on Tuesday evening after a fast-moving wildfire forced several neighbourhoods to evacuate earlier in the day. The local fire chief said the human-caused fire started in Kalamoir Regional Park in the late morning and quickly threatened hundreds of homes, some of which he said crews have saved by inches. …The fire started in Kalamoir Regional Park late Tuesday morning and quickly spread toward the Casa Loma and Lakeview Heights neighbourhoods, on a hillside above Okanagan Lake. …West Kelowna Fire Rescue said more than 100 firefighters worked to contain the flames against strong, gusting winds and dry conditions…. The fire, which officials say burned at least eight hectares of land, is listed as human-caused.

Related news in the Castanet, by Colin Dacre: ‘A wakeup call’: West Kelowna fire chief urges vigilance after blaze

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Evacuation alert issued as wildfire west of Princeton grows again to 22 hectares, still deemed out of control

By Sarah Crookall
Castanet
June 16, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada, Canada West

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has issued an evacuation alert for properties west of Princeton due to the Grasshopper Mountain wildfire. The alert covers properties along Lawless Creek Road and Tulameen River Road in Electoral Area H. …The BC Wildfire Service is now reporting on its website that the Grasshopper Mountain wildfire has grown to 22-hectares from its previous 15. …At around 4 p.m., the Tulameen and District Fire Department said BCWS crews were on site of the 15-hectare blaze on Grasshopper Mountain.

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Crews concerned about hot spots along Wood Buffalo Fire

By Lisa Iesse
My North Now
June 8, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

The wildfire in Wood Buffalo near the Whooping Crane nesting area is currently estimated to be 53,000 hectares in size and remains out of control. Aircraft operations were halted today because of weather conditions and safety concerns. Rainfall brought some level of reduced fire activity. There were no new fires reported as of this afternoon. Crews observed lowered fire behaviour overall, but are concerned about hot spots located on the fire’s border. Currently, 176 personnel, 15 helicopters and 6 fuel bowsers are being mobilized in response to fire located about 22 km northeast of Highway 5. The fire was last estimated to be 53,124 hectares in size. Crews said a 200-foot ceiling between the treetops and cloud cover have complicated the response. …Today, firefighters continued evaluations of the wildfire situation and prepared for team transitions. …Scans yesterday taken by crews showed that there are hundreds of hot spots along the south border of the fire.

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Multiple properties under evacuation alert due to raging B.C. wildfire

By Todd Coyne
CTV News
June 3, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

©BCWildfireService

Nearly two dozen properties remain under an evacuation alert Wednesday as a massive wildfire burning out of control in the British Columbia Interior continues to grow. The Cariboo Regional District issued the alert for 22 parcels of land near the Swede Creek wildfire, which the district says poses “potential danger to life and health.” The alert urges residents inside the 18,000-hectare fire warning zone to prepare to flee the area on short notice. People in the evacuation alert area are advised to keep their personal vehicles fully fueled and prepare grab-and-go bags with essential items for a rapid departure if the alert turns into an evacuation order. The wildfire near Comstock Lake, southwest of Prince George, measures approximately 1,815 hectares, or just over 18 square kilometres, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service. The agency has charted the fire’s growth from 150 hectares on Monday to 800 hectares on Tuesday morning and 1,300 by the afternoon.

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Wood Buffalo wildfire has grown to more than 39,000 hectares

By Lisa Iesse
My North Now
May 31, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

Four new fires have been reported in Wood Buffalo and the Northwest Territories. The fire near the Whooping Crane nesting area, about 22 kilometres northeast of Highway 5, has more than doubled in size since last week. It remains the largest wildfire in Canada, according to data collected by the Canadian Wildland’s information system. About 39,907 hectares at last measure, park Firefighters reported that the blaze remained within the Wood Buffalo boundary this weekend despite significant growth at the weekend’s start. Crews, including 41 fire personnel have been responding to the fire, with the support of seven helicopters and a bowser. Officials reported that “cooler” and “wetter” weather last night along with “favourable” northwestern winds helped to alleviate conditions that allowed for a more effective fire response on Saturday. …The latest updates on wildfires in the territory are available on www.nwtfire.com

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People ‘on edge’ in northwestern Manitoba as heat, fires return to area scorched last year

By Darren Bernhardt
CBC News
May 29, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

Seven fires were burning at one point Thursday in northwestern Manitoba between The Pas and Cranberry Portage, reigniting fears embedded by the ferocious 2025 wildfire season. “The last couple of years we’ve had some pretty intense situations,” said Lori Forbes, the municipal emergency co-ordinator for the Rural Municipality of Kelsey, which encompasses 10 communities in that region. “So I think everyone that lives here and was part of last year is … pretty much on edge, especially with this heat wave we’re going to be receiving.” She expects there will be fires over the next few months, “but hopefully they can be managed by Manitoba Wildfire Service and we can all enjoy our summer like we deserve. “Every year we do this, we’re a little better prepared.” The fires burning Thursday were all around Egg Lake, on the west side of Highway 10. 

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Lobstick fire steady at 19,000 hectares in size

CJWW Radio Saskatoon Media
June 1, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

©SPSA Facebook

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency says the Lobstick Fire has reached 19,000 hectares in size but has not grown since Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Crews continue suppression efforts on the fire that is slightly bigger than the size of Regina. Type 1 and Type 2 firefighters, supported by heavy equipment, water tenders, local fire departments and aircraft, are working on both flanks of the fire. Officials say aircraft have successfully anchored the head of the fire into Callaghan Lake, while crews on the east flank near Macdowall continue building dozer lines and extinguishing hot spots. The Hamlet of Holbein, which is 11 km northeast of the fires’ northeast boundaries, is surrounded by irrigation lines feeding perimeter sprinkler heads. A fire guard was also constructed on the southwest corner of the community. …The blaze has triggered an evacuation order for the RM of Shellbrook, with has affected about 130 people so far. 

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Cooler temperatures provide some relief for northwestern Ontario wildfires

By Rajpreet Sahota
CBC News
May 18, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

Cooler temperatures and recent rainfall are helping wildfire crews contain fires across northwestern Ontario after a stretch of hot, windy conditions sparked multiple new blazes late last week. As of late Monday afternoon, there were five active fires in the northwest region, according to Ontario’s fire map. One fire near Dryden is not under control, at about 150 hectares. Five fires are being held, and three are under control. “Recent wet weather is really helping to moderate conditions following multiple new fire starts that happened late last week in the northwest region amid some high winds and some warm temperatures,” said fire information officer Chris Marchand. Marchand said overnight rainfall has already helped crews make progress, particularly in the Fort Frances fire management area.

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Northwest Territories battles three wildfires as season gets underway

CBC News
May 18, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

The government says it is fighting three fires in the Northwest Territories, and it says humans caused two of the fires. It says one human-caused wildfire in the South Slave region is under control. It says the fire measuring about 0.0001 square kilometres, or roughly the size of a large house, began on Monday. The Environment and Climate Change website describes the blaze as a “camp fire escaped.” The government says it is also fighting an out-of-control overwintering fire, scorching about 0.05 square kilometres in the South Slave region that began on May 9. An overwinter fire is one that remains dormant or undetected for a considerable amount of time after it starts. The government says the overwinter fire was found using infrared scanning along the perimeter of the Fort Providence wildfire last year. It says firefighters will attack hotspots found by scanning and get rid of the “remaining heat” using heavy equipment.

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Crews battling wildfire near Whitecourt bracing for gusting winds after ‘subdued’ conditions Tuesday

By Wallis Snowdon
CBC News
May 13, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

Crews fighting to contain a fire threatening homes mere kilometres from the community of Whitecourt are bracing for gusting winds Wednesday that could fan the flames. The wildfire, which now spans across more than 50 hectares of forest in Woodlands County, has forced hundreds of people to evacuate their homes. The wildfire continues to burn near homes in the area of West Ridge. As of Tuesday night, the fire remained approximately 3.5 km southeast of the Town of Whitecourt and less than 1 km south of Highway 43. As the evacuation enters its third day, the forecast could prove critical in how the fire-fight unfolds. Officials said strong wind gusts Wednesday could make conditions more challenging but they hope cooler temperatures and calm winds prevail. …at least one home has been lost to the flames. …As of Tuesday evening, approximately 150 families, 424 individuals and 350 pets had registered (at the evacuation centre).

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Wildfire on the Sunshine Coast burning near structures, but no immediate threat, says B.C. Wildfire Service

By Alanna Kelly
CBC News
May 12, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

©BCWildfireService

A wildfire burning out of control on the Sunshine Coast has more than tripled in size since it was sparked on Monday. The Earle Creek wildfire is burning in a remote area of Old Egmont, across from the Skookumchuck Narrows. Erika Berg, an information officer with the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS), said the fire has grown to an estimated eight hectares in size, as of Tuesday afternoon. “The fire is burning in some heavy coastal timber, and so we’re seeing the fire growing a little bit, creeping along the ground,” Berg said. Dawn Henderson said she was working at the Bathgate General Store in Egmont when she saw the smoke … and has been fielding calls from concerned residents since it started. The wildfire is burning close to structures, but none of them have been impacted by the fire, according to the BCWS.

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Whitecourt Forest Area wildfires: Woodlands County gives evacuation order for some

By Brad Quarin
The Whitecourt Star
May 11, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

Residents of Woodlands County impacted by a wildfire south of Highway 43, east of Range Road 114 are being ordered to evacuate. The area includes the West Ridge subdivision. The order was given on the evening of May 11 after the wildfire was spotted earlier in the afternoon, approximately 3.5 kilometres south of Whitecourt, according to Woodlands County. According to Alberta Wildfire, the fire is approximately 75 hectares in size and the county noted that firefighters and helicopters are responding. “All residents in the affected area must evacuate immediately,” the county stated on the evening of May 11.  “Gather pets, important documentation, and medication.” Meanwhile, another wildfire in the Whitecourt Forest Area first spotted on May 10 grew to be 11.67 ha in size and is currently being held, according to Alberta Wildfire. The fire started burning 22 km northeast of the Town of Whitecourt and east of Blue Ridge Haul Road, according to Alberta Wildfire.

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10 Manitoba firefighters land in Minnesota to help state’s wildfire fight

CBC News
May 11, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West, US West

Manitoba is returning the favour to a southern neighbour that sent firefighters to the province during last year’s devastating wildfire season that killed two people and displaced 33,000 others. Ten Manitoba firefighters landed in Bemidji, Minn., on Saturday to help with that state’s wildfire-fighting efforts. “You were there for us, we will be there for you,” said Ian Bushie, Manitoba’s natural resources minister. …Manitoba and Minnesota are part of the Great Lakes Forest Fire Compact and share resources during major fires. …There was a blaze near Lake Bemidji State Park over the weekend that burned around eight acres. “While their fires are not out of control, this is assistance and relief for the crews that they have on the ground there,” Bushie said in an interview. He added the firefighters are on a 14-day deployment but could be called back early if conditions change.

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Out-of-control wildfire burning on Vancouver Island raises alarm

By Megan Yamoah
CTV News
May 5, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada, Canada West

A small but concerning wildfire burning on Vancouver Island is drawing attention from provincial wildfire officials. The British Columbia Wildfire Service says the fire, located east of Nanaimo near Fourth Lake, is currently classified as out of control, meaning it’s expected to continue spreading under current conditions. Discovered on Tuesday, the blaze is estimated at about 0.7 hectares in size. While relatively small, officials say its behaviour and location are enough to warrant a full response. Two initial attack crews, along with two officers and a water tender, have been deployed to the scene. Early indications suggest the fire may be human caused. The wildfire service reports 28 active fires across the province, with two currently out of control, and approximately 124 firefighters engaged in suppression efforts.

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Heat records fall across Vancouver Island as wildfire risks climb

By Hannah Link
Victoria Times Colonist
May 5, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

©BCWildfireService

Warm weather across British Columbia broke daily temperature records in at least nine Vancouver Island locations this past weekend. Victoria’s Gonzlaes station got to 26.9 C, breaking the record of 25 C for May 3 set in 1898, while the Victoria International Airport recorded a high of 25.1 C, breaking the previous record of 25.0 C set in 1944.  …The B.C. Wildfire service said it’s expecting above-seasonal temperatures into this week and warns that could increase the likelihood of new wildfire starts. There are about 31 active wildfires in B.C., with roughly 10 new fires recorded Sunday — including two on Vancouver Island. …The B.C. Wildfire Service said one blaze deemed under control was discovered just west of Coombs near Highway 4 early Sunday afternoon. …Another fire was discovered near Tyee Creek, east of Ladysmith.

Related BC wildfire news by Amy Judd in Global News: B.C. wildfire burning near Cultus Lake as hot weather continues

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Evacuation alert issued due to wildfire between Williams Lake and Quesnel

By Ian Holliday
CTV News
April 30, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

©BCWildfireService

A large swath of sparsely populated land in B.C.’s Cariboo region has been placed on evacuation alert due to a nearby wildfire. The Cariboo Regional District issued the alert for eight parcels covering 696.57 hectares in the Webster Creek Fire Area on Thursday, citing “potential danger to life and health.” The Webster Creek wildfire was discovered Wednesday. It’s located west of Highway 97 between Williams Lake and Quesnel, two of the region’s largest population centres. According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, the blaze is currently burning on roughly 66 hectares and displaying Rank 1 and Rank 2 fire behaviour, the least intense levels on the scale. There are 19 firefighting personnel responding to the wildfire, supported by helicopters and heavy equipment.

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Ferrabee wildfire near Hell’s Gate remains out of control at 53 hectares

By Dillon white
The Ladysmith – Chemainus Chronicle
April 29, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

©BCWildfireService

BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) crews continue to respond to a wildfire between Hope and Lytton. According to the latest update from BC Wildfire Service on Wednesday morning (April 29), the Ferrabee fire near Hell’s Gate remains out of control. BCWS defines out-of-control blazes as spreading or anticipated to spread beyond their current perimeter. “This wildfire does not currently pose a threat to structures, critical infrastructure or public safety,” the update reads. The blaze was discovered on Thursday afternoon (April 23) and was estimated to be 27 hectares in size on Saturday (April 25) and 36 hectares on Monday (April 27). The fire has since grown to 53 hectares. Approximately two dozen ground personnel are responding to the blaze alongside aerial support. …The wildfire is believed to be human-caused.

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Wildfire burning ‘out of control’ south of Coombs

Parksville Qualicum Beach News
April 26, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

©BCWildfireService

A wildfire is burning “out of control” near Coombs, according to BC Wildfire Service. The fire is one hectare in size and is located within a cut-block, four kilometres south of Coombs. It was discovered on April 26. BC Wildfire service has responded with a unit crew and initial attack personnel, with aerial support. Smoke may be visible from the Alberni Highway (Highway 4A), parts of the Island Highway (Highway 19) and surrounding communities, along with activity from firefighting aircraft. The wildfire does not currently pose a threat to structures, critical infrastructure or public safety, according to BC Wildfire Service.

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Three wildfires remain active in Calgary Forest Area

By Noel Edey
Cochrane Now
December 2, 2025
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

With wildfire activity winding down for 2025, the Calgary Forest Area continues to have three active wildfires, all classified as under control, with firefighters working toward full extinguishment. These are among 26 wildfires still active in Alberta, 25 of which are under control, with one being held. Fire crews have extinguished 1,248 fires in forest protection areas this year, mirroring numbers from 2024 yet exceeding the five-year average by more than 100. One of the remaining fires in the Calgary Region is located 25 kilometres west of Water Valley in the Harold Creek area. The fire was first spotted on Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. and has been aggressively managed by wildfire crews, remaining contained to 27 hectares. Since Jan. 1, 2025, the Calgary Forest Area has experienced 73 wildfires, burning more than 67 hectares. Although Oct. 31 marked the official end of Alberta’s wildfire season, ongoing dry conditions mean the risk of wildfire remains in several areas. 

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Wildfire erupts in forest protection area west of Sundre, danger upgraded to high

The Albertan
October 24, 2025
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY – Provincial officials upgraded the wildfire danger rating to high across the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area Thursday as a new wildfire erupted in the area earlier in the day. Parts of Mountain View County are included in the forest area, namely west of Sundre and Bergen, covering Coal Camp and Bearberry west of Range Road 60 from Township Road 312 to the north boundary of the county. “The wildfire danger in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area has increased to high,” the province’s Oct. 23 update said.”Continued warm temperatures, windy conditions and dry vegetation are contributing to the elevated risk. The wildfire danger will remain high until the area receives consistent and lasting moisture.” A wildfire was detected in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area earlier in the day on Thursday. RWF080 is estimated at 80 hectares in size.

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BC Wildfire Service reports wildfire activity decrease in northern BC

By Steve Berard
Energetic City
October 10, 2025
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

©BCWildfireService

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Wildfire activity so far in 2025 is down compared to the same time last year, according to the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS). The agency has issued a status report for the Prince George Fire Centre as of Thursday, October 9th, which says 340 wildfires have been reported in the region so far in 2025. That’s a significant decrease from 2024, which saw 444 wildfires reported in the same time frame, although it’s still higher than the 10-year average of 308 blazes. The number of hectares burned so far this year is also down to 723,609 after last year saw 803,557 burned by October 9th. However, 2025’s wildfire season has still seen significantly more hectares burned than the 10-year average of 376,039.

 

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Up to 20 millimetres of rain possible over Munro Lake fire, Peachland

By Nicholas Johansen
Castanet
September 28, 2025
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

©BCWildfireService

Some showers in the forecast could bring relief to firefighters on the line at the Munro Lake wildfire. Environment Canada meteorologist Philippe-Alain Bergeron said there is the potential for 10 to 20 millimetres of rain in the vicinity of the fire Monday evening and into Tuesday. Central Okanagan Emergency Operations has issued an evacuation order for an additional property near the fire. 5875 Brenda Mines Road, Zipzone Adventure Park, joins a handful of other non-residential addresses affected by the order. All evacuation alerts previously issued will remain in place overnight. Residents who were previously ordered out were allowed to return to their homes on Saturday. Unless conditions change, no further updates from the Emergency Operations Centre will be issued tonight. The Munro Lake wildfire remains out of control but has not grown in size. It remains at 310 hectares.

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Growing wildfire near Peachland, B.C., prompts evacuation order

CBC News
September 25, 2025
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

©BCWildfireService

A new wildfire near Peachland, B.C., has grown rapidly Thursday evening and forced residents of 325 addresses to evacuate. More than 1,100 properties are under an evacuation alert, which means residents should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. The Central Okanagan Regional District announced the evacuation order Thursday at 6 p.m. PT and added the evacuation alert at around 7:45 p.m. PT. The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) says the fire near Munro Lake — about six kilometres southwest of Peachland — is also threatening the Munro Lake Forest Service Road and the Peachland Main Road. The fire has grown to 0.7 square kilometres (74.3 hectares). Shae Stearns, a BCWS fire information officer said the fire is currently burning at Rank 3, a classification that indicates a moderately vigorous surface fire. More than 40 personnel are working on the fire, according to Stearns, as well as air tankers and four helicopters.

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‘Timmins 9’ fire being held

The Timmins Daily Press
June 15, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada East

The forest fire known as “Timmins 9” is now being held, after the latest update from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). Now listed at 3,151 hectares in size, the fire is located approximately 10 kilometres from the community of Gogama, 7 kilometres west of Mattagami First Nation, and 1.5 kilometres west of Highway 144. “The crews continue to strengthen hose lines, establish new lines along dozer guard built by heavy equipment operators, and demobilize values protection equipment in areas where the wildland fire risk has been reduced. Infrared scanning was conducted early this morning, and hot spots have been identified for crews to prioritize,” reads the MNR statement. The fire was first reported on May 31. As it increased in size and severity, Mattagami First Nation was forced to evacuate its approximately 200 residents by June 3. Residents received word on Sunday evening that would be able to return home starting Monday.

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Wildfire evacuees and pets arrive in Barrie as Northern Ont. forest fire continues

By Julianna Balsamo
CTV News
June 5, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada East

More than 160 residents from Mattagami First Nation and their beloved pets are on their way to Barrie after a fast-growing wildfire, identified as Timmins 9, forced a mandatory evacuation of the community. CTV News has learned that some evacuees were transported to Barrie by bus, while others left the area in their own vehicles. Many families who have arrived brought their pets, including dogs, cats and birds, as they fled from the dangerous conditions. The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society said it was on hand to help evacuees arriving to the city, providing pet food, crates, bedding, collars and leashes. “We were ready with emergency supplies,” said the OSPCA over social media. “To help keep animals safe and comfortable during this difficult time.” …On Thursday morning, Ontario Forest Fires reported the blaze had grown to 2,945 hectares and remained out of control.

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Highway 144 fire doubles in size again, now nearly 3,000 hectares

Timmins Today
June 4, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada East

A massive fire near Gogama has doubled in size again overnight. This morning (June 4), the Ministry of Natural Resources mapping has the fire at 2,945 hectares. That’s more than double what it was last night, when it was reported as 1,100 hectares. Here’s what you need to know about the situation today:

  • The main fire, Timmins 9, started on Sunday, May 31. It’s located on the west side of Highway 144, northwest of Gogama, and west of Mattagami First Nation. It is not under control.
  • On Wednesday, nine FireRanger crews were assigned to the fire, along with aerial fire suppression crews.
  • Timmins 10, located northwest of Timmins 9, on the east side of Kasasway Lake is under control at 1.5 hectares.
  • Mattagami First Nation issued a mandatory evacuation order on Wednesday. 
  • As of 9 a.m. today (June 4), Highway 144 is closed between Highway 101 and Highway 560 (The Watershed).
  • The Ministry of Natural Resources has also declared an emergency area order, restricting access to some roads.

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Fire that burned 8,500 hectares in Nova Scotia in 2025 now officially extinguished

By Frances Willick
CBC News
May 26, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada, Canada East

A wildfire that ripped through 8,500 hectares in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley last year has now officially been deemed extinguished. The fire burned in the West Dalhousie area from mid-August until late September, though crews remained working at the site until late October. It destroyed 20 homes and forced hundreds of people to flee. While the blaze may have faded from the attention of some people in the province, the Department of Natural Resources was still keeping tabs on the area until Tuesday, when the fire was declared extinguished. …Jim Rudderham, , the director of fleet and wildfire management for Natural Resources, said it is possible for fires to continue burning underground through the winter despite rain and snow, but while “holdover fires” are common in Western Canada, he has not yet encountered one in Nova Scotia.

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Travel restrictions lifted in northwestern Ontario as wildfire risk remains low

By Sarah Law
CBC News
May 20, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada East

As cooler, rainier weather has eased wildfire risks in northwestern Ontario, a number of travel restrictions have been lifted in the region. An implementation order was first issued Saturday near a wildfire known as Fort Frances 5 in the Dryden, Fort Frances and Atikokan district, limiting travel and certain activities. On Sunday, a second implementation order was put in place due to a fire called Fort Frances 4 in the same district “to ensure public safety and/or to ensure effective fire suppression.” Both orders were lifted Tuesday evening. “All travel and the use of roads and lakes in the areas previously identified are available and residents may return to their properties. Wildland fire suppression activities are ongoing on Fort Frances 4 and Fort Frances 5, but public safety relating to these fires is no longer a concern,” according to the province’s forest fires webpage.

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Fire ranger crews, local fire department extinguish forest fire near North Bay

By Dan Bertrand
CTV News
May 18, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada East

A wildfire confirmed by the Ministry of Natural Resources on Sunday afternoon was burning 0.6 of a kilometre west of Highway 11 and 0.8 of a kilometre west of Tilden Lake. The fire, designated North Bay 7, was confirmed at 12:25 p.m. on May 17 and measured 0.3 of a hectare. In a brief telephone interview with CTV News, MNR Fire Information Officer Sydney Morgan-Gervais confirmed as of 12:30 p.m. the fire was not under control. …The fire was subsequently listed as under control – but still active – as of 3:30 p.m., then marked as out in the daily update at 6 p.m. … The fire comes just under a week after the West Nipissing Fire Department issued a warning to residents about continued dry conditions despite recent flooding. West Nipissing Fire Chief Frank Loeffen said the department responded to five brush fires between April 20 and May 6 – all of which occurred while the community was under a state of emergency due to localized flooding.

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Fire ranger crews, local fire department extinguish forest fire near North Bay

By Dan Bertrand
CTV News
May 18, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada East

A wildfire confirmed by the Ministry of Natural Resources on Sunday afternoon was burning 0.6 of a kilometre west of Highway 11 and 0.8 of a kilometre west of Tilden Lake. The fire, designated North Bay 7, was confirmed at 12:25 p.m. on May 17 and measured 0.3 of a hectare. …The fire was subsequently listed as under control – but still active – as of 3:30 p.m., then marked as out in the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services’ daily update at 6 p.m. …The fire comes just under a week after the West Nipissing Fire Department issued a warning to residents about continued dry conditions despite recent flooding. …For the most up-to-date fire conditions and fire listings, the ministry is directing the public to its interactive fire map.

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Wildfire season takes early toll on dry New Brunswick forests

By Alan Cochrane
The Telegraph-Journal
May 6, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada, Canada East

New Brunswick’s wildfire season has begun with more forests burned than at this time last year, according to the government’s wildfire dashboard. As of Wednesday afternoon, the dashboard reported there has been 178 fires so far this season, which have burned 343 hectares of forest. At the same date in 2025, there had been 100 fires burning 87.7 hectares of forest. The 10-year average for the period up to May 6 is 84 fires burning 105 hectares. As of 9 a.m. Wednesday, there were no out-of-control fires in the province, compared with six Tuesday night. …New Brunswick’s wildfire season begins in early April and continues through the summer. Last year, several fires resulted in restrictions on forest trail use. In Moncton, municipal fire departments joined with provincial firefighters. …“Record-low precipitation, minimal snowpack, and prolonged drought have pushed fire risks higher than normal,” the Department of Natural Resources said.

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Many small wildfires spring up across New Brunswick Tuesday afternoon

Sam Farley
CBC News
May 5, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada, Canada East

…Around 7 p.m., spokesperson Nick Brown forwarded a social media post from the department on social media that staff are on scene responding to “active wildfires” near Rogersville, Doaktown and Blissfield. “At this time, there is no imminent risk to public safety,” the post said. …which are listed as out of control. …The fires listed as out of control as of 8 p.m. were near Doaktown, Renous, Nelson Junction, located south of Miramichi, and Rogersville. Another fire south of Rogersville is listed as contained, one near Canterbury is under control, and then additional fires near Hainesville, Tracy, Cap-Pelé, Elsipogtog First Nation, Rexton, Caraquet and Miramichi are listed as being patrolled, which means the fires are contained. …This year, there have been 171 fires so far, while last year up to this point there were 99.

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Nova Scotia wildfire burning out of control amid hot fall weather

By Keith Doucette
The Canadian Press in the National Observer
October 6, 2025
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada, Canada East

NOVA SCOTIA — Unseasonably warm temperatures proved challenging Monday as the fight against an out-of-control wildfire in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley entered its second week. The Department of Natural Resources estimated that the fire at Lake George had grown slightly in 24 hours to just over 2.8 square kilometres, mainly because of dry and windy conditions. Monday’s forecast for the area near Aylesford, N.S., called for a high of 28 C — the average daily high in the region for October is normally below 15 C. “I can’t believe it — in October we normally get frost and cold,” Dave Corkum, mayor of the Municipality of the County of Kings, said in an interview. “There is some rain in the forecast in a few days and hopefully we will get it.” Despite the conditions, Corkum said there are no reports of damage to structures in the area.

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275 homes, cottages under evacuation order as N.S. wildfire burns near Lake George

By Meig Campbell
CBC News
September 30, 2025
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada East

Nova Scotia’s Department of Natural Resources says more evacuations are possible as a fire near Lake George in the Annapolis Valley continues to burn out of control. Residents of … Aylesford Lake’s southwest end have been told to prepare to evacuate. The fire in Kings County, which broke out Sunday, is estimated to be 150 hectares. It had been pegged at 300 hectares Monday night but officials at a briefing Tuesday afternoon said that was the result of an overestimation due to dense smoke conditions. Jim Rudderham, DNR’s director of fleet and forest protection, told reporters the cause of the fire has not been determined but it’s presumed human activity is responsible since there has been no lightning in the area. “It’s frustrating for us and for everybody when this happens,” Rudderham said. No buildings have been damaged but 275 civic addresses have been evacuated and 56 others are under an evacuation alert. Some of those addresses are cottages.

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Out-of-control wildfire in Nova Scotia threatens homes in Annapolis Valley

Canadian Press in CityNews Everywhere
September 29, 2025
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada East

AYLESFORD — Nova Scotia officials say more evacuation orders are possible as a wildfire in the Annapolis Valley remains out of control. In a social media post, the Department of Natural Resources said a helicopter had been dispatched to gauge the area of the Lake George fire, which at last estimate was roughly 300 hectares in size. The fire broke out Sunday and was declared out of control late Monday, prompting officials to announce an evacuation of nearby campgrounds and homes. Officials said Tuesday residents on Birch Lane, Spruce Drive and Blue Lane at Aylesford Lake’s southwest end should be prepared to evacuated. Dry and windy conditions have helped push the fire from the northern end of Lake George eastward toward the northern end of Aylesford Lake. Evacuees are asked to register at the Louis Millett Community Complex in New Minas, N.S., where services are being offered.

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Oregon Department of Forestry team arrives in Asheville to assist on North Carolina fires

By Bobby Corser
KATU News
March 23, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: United States

©OregonDeptForestrty

21 firefighters from Oregon are in North Carolina helping to battle wildfires. The firefighters from the Oregon Department of Forestry arrived in North Carolina on Sunday and traveled to Asheville this morning. They traveled to the east coast under the a state-to-state mutual aid agreement. “These agreements help bolster Oregon’s complete and coordinated fire protection system and create a cache of reciprocal resources for all of us to call on when needed,” said Ron Graham, Deputy Chief of Operations for ODF’s Protection Division. Firefighters will serve a two-week rotation.

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Wind-whipped Utah wildfire grows to nearly 60,000 acres, prompts evacuations

By Bill Hutchinson
ABC News
June 24, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US West

©U.S. Forest Service

A wildfire burning in Utah has grown to nearly 60,000 acres, prompting mandatory evacuations of homes and campgrounds and completely closing a highway in the mountainous area. Fueled by drought conditions and blustery winds, the Cottonwood Fire in Beaver County has almost doubled in size in the past 24 hours. The Cottonwood Fire in Beaver County started Monday afternoon and spread rapidly, fanned by wind gusts of up to 50 mph, according to Utah Fire Info. As of Wednesday afternoon, the blaze had grown to 59,613 acres “due to high temperatures, gusty winds, and extremely dry fuels,” the U.S. Forest Service said in a statement early Wednesday. The fire remains 0% contained. …Evacuation orders remained in effect on Wednesday morning. …The Cottonwood Fire is one of 349 wildfires currently burning across Utah, consuming more than 200 square miles, according to Utah Fire Info.

Additional coverage in the Utah News Dispatch, by Annie Knox: Gov. Spencer Cox says ‘there’s no end in sight’ to wildfire that could be Utah’s most destructive ever

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McCauley Springs Fire near Jemez Springs prompts evacuation orders, electric shutoff

By Patrick Lohmann
Source New Mexico
June 24, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US West

©NMFireInfo

The McCauley Springs wildfire, detected early Wednesday morning near Jemez Springs, has a “high potential for spread,” according to Santa Fe National Forest officials, and has prompted evacuation orders and electrical shutoffs as crews race to suppress the blaze. The fire was discovered around 6 a.m. Wednesday south of New Mexico State Road 4 about six miles northeast of Jemez Springs. It grew from 30 acres around 10:30 a.m. to roughly 150 acres by 2 p.m, according to the Santa Fe National Forest. The wildfire prompted immediate evacuation orders in the Jemez Falls Campground, and nearby communities of Sierra los Pinos and Vallecitos. The Jemez Electric Co-op shut off power to customers east of Thompson’s Ridge. Forest Service officials said the Santa Fe Interagency Hotshot Crew has responded, along with two helicopters, and that another crew tackling the 147-acre Rio Fire nearby in the Española area has been reassigned to McCauley Springs Fire. 

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Rock Canyon Fire Progress Holds at 75%; Out-of-State Blazes Blamed for Shifting Regional Smoke Haze

State of Arizona
June 23, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US West

ARIZONA — Firefighters continue to make progress to control the Rock Canyon Fire. As of June 23, 2026, the fire covers 4,823 acres and is 75% contained. This will be the last update barring any unforeseen changes. Fire activity remained minimal across the incident. Remaining resources continued to seek out and extinguish isolated heat sources. Crews have started planting an appropriate seed mixture to help stabilize soil as part of suppression repair. Today, firefighters will continue to mop up any heat adjacent to containment lines and monitor for heat on the fire’s interior. The Rock Canyon Fire continues to produce very little smoke, but ash whirls may be visible in the fire area. Smoke in the area is from the fires in Nevada and the new fire in Beaver, Utah. More resources are being reassigned to support other fires in the region. Fire area closures remain in effect on BLM and the Kaibab National Forest managed lands.

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Rapidly-Growing Wildfire Approaches Eagle Point, Utah

By Matt Lorelli
POWDER Magazine
June 23, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US West

©USForestService

The Cottonwood Fire started yesterday afternoon (June 22, 2026) near Beaver, Utah, and has exploded to more than 10,000 acres in less than 24 hours. The fire is 0% contained as of Tuesday, June 23, and officials are issuing mandatory evacuation orders for Eagle Point, Merchant Valley, HiLo Estates, Arrowhead Summer Homes, and all surrounding areas. Eagle Point is a well-known ski area in the region, and its access road, SR-153, is closed. According to a map provided by Watch Duty, the Cottonwood Fire has not yet reached Eagle Point’s slopes, but the flames are within a few miles.

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More resources arrive to fight Pocket Fire north of Sedona

KNAU Arizona Public Radio
June 20, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US West

About 200 personnel were working on Saturday to contain a wildfire that started the day before and prompted the evacuation of Oak Creek Canyon. The Pocket Fire is burning about 7 miles north of Sedona and had grown to 500 acres by Saturday morning. Coconino National Forest officials say a Northern Arizona Type 3 Incident Management Team is now in command the fire response. Seven hotshot crews, one dozer and 13 engines plus six helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft are assigned to the fire. More personnel were expected to arrive throughout Saturday. Evacuations of Oak Creek Canyon remain in effect and State Route 89A is closed between Fort Tuthill in Flagstaff and the north end of Sedona. Woody Mountain Road is also closed past Forest Road 536. Coconino County officials gave the “Go” order Friday evening for all residents and visitors between Sedona and Forest Highlands.

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Raging Utah wildfire prompts evacuation as crews struggle to contain it: Officials

By Bill Hutchinson
ABC News
June 21, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US West

©UtahFireInfo

Mandatory evacuations are underway for hundreds of people on Sunday in a central Utah town being threatened by a wind-driven, out-of-control wildfire, officials said. The Iron Fire is burning in Juab County, about 28 miles southwest of Provo, and officials said on Sunday that flames are bearing down on Eureka, Utah, a small town in the East Tintic Mountains. The wildfire, which started on Friday night, had burned more than 13,300 acres by Sunday morning and remains 0% contained, according to Utah Fire Info. The wildfire, according to Utah Fire Info, was human-caused, but details of what sparked the blaze have not been released. Shifting winds and dry vegetation fueled the wildfire on Saturday and sent it in the direction of Eureka, where authorities issued mandatory evacuation orders on Saturday. 

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Eastern Washington wildfire forces evacuations and destroys homes

Associated Press in KUOW News and Information
June 17, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US West

©Spokane County

SPOKANE, Wash.  — High winds drove a wildfire into an eastern Washington neighborhood, forcing the evacuation of about 1,500 people and destroying some homes, fire officials said Wednesday. It’s unclear how many homes were lost in Spokane. Fire officials were working Wednesday to determine the number and the full extent of the damage, said Matthew Vinci, fire chief for Spokane County Fire District 9. He confirmed Tuesday that some homes were engulfed in flames. The evacuation order for the 1,500 residents remained in effect Wednesday, said Chandra Fox, deputy director for Spokane County Emergency Management. “Our concern is for increased winds Wednesday afternoon,” Fox said. …Fire crews from Washington state and Idaho attacked the fire from the ground and air, but it quickly grew to 225 acres (.35 square miles). It was 10% contained Wednesday morning, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

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New Mexico wildfire sparked by fatal medical plane crash spreads quickly in rural area

By Savannah Peters
Associated Press in WBOC
May 18, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US West

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A fast-growing wildfire sparked by the fatal crash of a small medical plane outside Ruidoso, New Mexico, has triggered evacuations for a rural area north of the Capitan Mountains and closures in the Lincoln National Forest, officials said Monday. The plane was en route from Roswell Air Center to Sierra Blanca Regional Airport when it crashed before dawn Thursday, killing the four people aboard. They were identified as pilots Keelan Clark and Ali Kawsara with the company Generation Jets and flight nurses Jamie Novick and Sarah Clark with Trans Aero MedEvac. …The wildfire grew rapidly over the weekend amid dry and windy conditions, nearly doubling in size between Sunday and Monday morning to more than 19 square miles (50 square kilometers). It was burning out of control in a sparsely populated area despite the efforts of more than 600 firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and several interagency Hotshot crews.

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Prescribed burn turns into wildfire 14 miles from Bend

By April Ehrlich
Oregon Public Broadcasting
May 8, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: United States, US West

A multi-day prescribed burn in Deschutes County jumped containment lines on Thursday, prompting fire agencies to declare a wildfire. The fire on Pine Mountain, about 14 miles southeast of Bend, grew to 2,866 acres by Friday afternoon with the perimeter listed as 25% contained. The fire was mostly burning on federal land, as well as some private land. The wildfire declaration should help the U.S. Forest Service and local fire agencies tap into additional resources — like equipment and extra hands — as they dig containment lines around the fire’s perimeter. …That morning, the smoke appeared to be petering out, based on camera footage from the Oregon Hazards Lab’s wildfire camera networks. …On Thursday morning, the Forest Service announced it was canceling the burn “due to unfavorable conditions.” The agency declared the burn had turned into a wildfire that afternoon, after multiple spot fires appeared outside of the burn’s boundaries.

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Wildfire south of Colorado Springs grows to 7,300 acres with no containment

By David Krause
The Colorado Sun
March 23, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US West

The wildfire burning south of Colorado Springs has grown to more than 7,300 acres and officials said the state highway on the west side of Fort Carson will likely remain closed through Friday. The 24 fire started Wednesday and currently there is no containment, but in an update Monday morning officials said overnight “fire crews were successfully able to tie in all control lines, boxing in the fire. As of this morning, control lines remain strong.” The fire started near mile marker 24 on Colorado 115, which connects Colorado Springs to Penrose. The road will be closed at least through Friday, but will be reevaluated daily, officials said Monday. The cause of the fire remains under investigation but started off the highway, not on the Army base, officials said last week. The fire was mapped at 7,385 acres early Monday morning, up from 4,900 acres Sunday morning.

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Labor Mountain Fire near Cle Elum consumes 35,000 acres, more fire support on its way

By Stella Sun
KOMO News
September 29, 2025
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US West

@DirtyFreehub

CLE ELUM, Wash. — The Labor Mountain Fire continues to grow near US-96 Blewett Pass, forcing Level 3 “get out now” evacuation orders in and around the area. The fire, which began Sept. 1 from lightning, has forced a 30-mile closure of US-97 between mileposts 149 and 178, affecting the popular recreation area of Blewett Pass. A dozen trailheads, recreation residences, Camp Wahoo, the Teanaway Community Forest, and a historic guard station are at risk. These areas remain under evacuation orders… Marilyn Davis, the Labor Mountain Fire public information officer, said the fire has exceeded 35,000 acres as of Monday, Sept. 29. Just four days prior, on Sept. 25, the fire was only 17,000 acres. The Okanagan-Wenatchee National Forest is known for its rugged terrain, “is considered the most rugged of any national forest in the country,” according to the Labor Mountain Inciweb fire update webpage.

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Fires burn combined 18,000 acres in Miami-Dade, Florida Forest Service worker injured

By Briana Trujillo, Brian Hamacher and Jamie Guirola
NBC Miami
June 18, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US East

©X Miami-Dade Fire Rescue

A Florida Forest Service firefighter was hospitalized as crews continued to battle a massive brush fire in western Miami-Dade County on Thursday, a day after around 200 residents were evacuated due to the blaze. Officials said the firefighter was injured while battling the Quarry 2 blaze and was hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries. The fire that sparked Sunday continued to grow Thursday, reaching around 17,200 acres, though it was about 75% contained, according to the Florida Forest Service. The Florida Forest Service responded on Sunday after the fire originated from a thunderstorm and lightning strike, officials said. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue officials said their crews responded to the Quarry 2 Fire in the area of Northwest 137th Avenue and Northwest 25th Street on Monday. A second fire, the Well Fire, has burned 1,310 acres and was 50% contained at last update on Tuesday.

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Kemp signs order after two massive South Georgia wildfires finally end

By Vanessa Johns
Savannah Morning News
June 15, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US East

As South Georgia continues recovering from a destructive spring wildfire season, Gov. Brian Kemp has signed an executive order intended to help landowners and the forestry industry reduce economic losses caused by fire-damaged timber. The order temporarily increases allowable truck weights in 17 wildfire-impacted counties, giving landowners and timber operators more flexibility to move salvageable timber before it loses market value. State officials said timber damaged by wildfire can only be harvested and sold within a limited timeframe, making transportation a critical part of recovery efforts. The temporary weight allowance is designed to help speed the removal and transport of timber from wildfire-affected properties. The order comes as two of Georgia’s most significant wildfire incidents this year have finally reached 100% containment…

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Full account of Highway 82 fire: Historic destruction, massive response detailed by state officials

By Mikayla Carney
WTOC 11
June 11, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US East

©GeorgiaForestryCommission

VIDALIA, Ga. — The Georgia Forestry Commission provided a detailed account of the Highway 82 Fire response during a House Rural Development Committee meeting on Thursday. Director Johnny Sabo told committee members the Brantley County wildfire resulted in the worst home loss from a single fire in Georgia history, with 110 homes destroyed and 27 homes damaged. The fire burned 22,419 acres, 10,000 fewer acres than the Pineland Road Fire, which happened simultaneously. The Highway 82 Fire is now 100% contained. Sabo said the fire produced 150-foot flame lengths during a significant run toward Browntown Road. He described the blaze as a plume-dominated wildfire, a rare occurrence that happened on multiple days during the fire. Director Sabo noted that within the fire footprint, 350 homes were saved and only one minor injury occurred among more than 600 personnel. …The Highway 82 Fire cost just under $20 million. Sabo said National Guard costs are not tracked by the commission but are estimated at $3 million to $4 million. 

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Cooler, damper weather boosts efforts to battle Flanders Fire in Crow Wing County

By Kirsti Marohn
Minnesota Public Radio News
May 19, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US East

Minnesota — Residents of northern Crow Wing County who were forced to leave their homes due to a wildfire this past weekend were allowed to briefly return to their properties Monday, as crews made progress containing the fire. The Flanders Fire started early Saturday afternoon southeast of Crosslake, and about 10 miles east of Breezy Point. It quickly erupted due to dry, windy conditions and grew to more than 1,600 acres. Higher humidity, cooler temperatures and lighter winds are helping the firefighting efforts, officials said. “The fire is really not actively burning along the edge,” said Tim Engrav, public information officer for the Minnesota Incident Command System team managing the fire response. “So it’s allowing fire crews to really work directly along that fire edge … to cool that edge and work towards containment.” As of Monday evening, authorities said the fire is 60 percent contained. 

Additional wildfire coverage from Minnesota, in Bring me the News, by Adam Uren: Properties destroyed, businesses close as North Shore wildfire nears 400 acres

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Crews battle Northern Michigan wildfire for third day

By Justine Lofton
Michigan Live
May 6, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US East

OSCODA COUNTY, MI – Firefighters are holding the line around a 124-acre wildfire in Northern Michigan today. This is the third day of firefighting operations around the Mapes Fire, which started on Monday, about five miles west of Mio in Oscoda County. As of this morning, the fire is 90% contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The fire began on private property on Mapes Road in Big Creek Township. It quickly spread to public land and has burned mostly within the Huron-Manistee National Forest. At least two structures have been destroyed. Residents on Camp 10 Road were evacuated from their homes Monday afternoon but were allowed to return later that day. Reports say the fire was caused by downed power lines and high wind speed, as determined by a Michigan Department of Natural Resources inspector. However, the USFS says the cause is under investigation.

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Crews work to contain 100 acre wildfire amid critical fire weather

By Roxanne Werly
UpNorthLive
May 5, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US East

OSCODA COUNTY, Mich. — Crews are working to contain a wildfire in Oscoda County after it prompted evacuations Monday. The wildfire is about 100 acres and primarily on national forest land around Camp Ten Road near Lost Sky Ranch. Residents living near Camp 10 Road were evacuated to a shelter Monday afternoon, but were able to return home several hours later. Monday night officials said two structures were destroyed and the fire was about 80 percent contained. …A Red Flag Warning is in effect for parts of Michigan due to critical fire weather, including high winds, low humidity and dry vegetation.

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South Georgia wildfires scorch over 55,000 acres as crews race to contain hot spots and protect homes

CBSd News in WDEF
April 29, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US East

©GeorgiaForestryCommission

Firefighters in South Georgia say they’re making progress, but both major wildfires remain active and far from contained. According to a Wednesday morning update from the Georgia Forestry Commission, the Pineland Road Fire has now burned 32,569 acres and is 23% contained, while the Highway 82 Fire has reached 22,601 acres and is 32% contained. Officials say crews are continuing to strengthen containment lines and push forward where conditions allow. Even as those large fires burn, crews are still responding to new ones. The agency said it handled eight additional wildfires Tuesday, burning a total of 2.8 acres statewide, not including the two major fires. The Highway 82 Fire, burning in Brantley County and impacting communities including Atkinson and Waynesville, remains a “dynamic, changing situation” due to ongoing drought and dry conditions. The entire state is under drought conditions, with that area facing what officials describe as an exceptional drought.

Related news: Blog by Johnny Sabo, GFC Director: Inside Georgia’s Wildfire Preparedness Efforts

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Fighting fire with fire: Crews set strategic burns as wildfire threatens homes in south Georgia

By Abby Kousouris
WTVY News 4
April 29, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US East

©BrantleyCountyECHOLS COUNTY, Ga. — Firefighters battling the Pineland Road Fire in south Georgia pushed strategic “backburns” inside the evacuation zone as the wildfire grew to 32,569 acres and remained 23% contained, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission. The fire continued to challenge crews across Clinch and Echols counties with active fire behavior, the agency said in its Wednesday update. Mandatory evacuations remained in effect in Echols County… Officials reported no injuries. With permission from the Georgia Forestry Commission, Atlanta News First went inside the evacuation zone and up to the fire line. …Crews were carrying out what officials call a “strategic firing operation,” a controlled burn designed to remove dry brush and other fuel ahead of the main fire, especially in areas too dangerous for heavy equipment. Georgia Forestry Commission said the goal was to widen blackened buffer zones and prevent hidden heat deep in bogs from reigniting weeks or months later…

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State forestry commission reports strides in containing southeast Georgia wildfires

By Jonathan Raymond
11 Alive
April 28, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US East

Georgia Forestry Commission

BRANTLEY COUNTY, Ga. — Crews working the wildfires in southeast Georgia have made significant strides in containment through Tuesday morning, the state forestry commission reported. The Georgia Forestry Commission said in a social media post that the Highway 82 fire in Brantley County — the smaller but so far more destructive of two major wildfires in the region — was now 32% contained. That’s up from just 6% a day before. Meanwhile the Pineland Road fire in Clinch County, which has burned more than 32,000 acres, is considered 23% contained. “That progress doesn’t happen by chance — it happens because of the men and women on the ground every single day,” the forestry commission wrote. Governor Brian Kemp also visited the region, specifically the area of the Pineland Road fire, on Tuesday. He visited Brantley County and the area of the Highway 82 fire previously on Sunday.

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Heavy weekend rain slows 2 sprawling Georgia wildfires, even as new blazes start

By Russ Bynum and Jeff Martin
Associated Press in WRAL News
April 27, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US East

NAHUNTA, Ga. — Heavy rain slowed the progress of two sprawling southern Georgia wildfires over the weekend, allowing crews to make some progress in containing the blazes that have destroyed more than 100 homes. Although the rain helped the firefighting efforts, it wasn’t “nearly enough to put the fires out” and crews responded to 10 new blazes throughout the drought-stricken state Sunday, the Georgia Forestry Commission said Monday. …Georgia’s biggest blaze, the Pineland Road Fire, has scorched more than 50 square miles and at least 35 homes… about 35 miles north of Florida, which is also dealing with wildfires. The area has been full of highly combustible dead trees and other vegetation since Hurricane Helene carved a destructive path northward in September of 2024. About 60 miles to the northeast, the Highway 82 Fire has been burning since April 20. It has destroyed at least 87 homes and torched more than 35 square miles. It is only 6% contained.

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Georgia wildfires that destroyed more than 120 homes continue to threaten residents

Associated Press
April 25, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US East

©GovBrianKempFB

NAHUNTA, Ga. — Two wildfires in southeastern Georgia continued to threaten homes and lives on Saturday as officials warned that strong winds could spread the flames. Brantley County Manager Joey Cason called it a “dynamic situation” and begged residents to “please evacuate” if ordered to do so. “This fire is going to move rapidly once these winds get here later today,” he said. The Highway 82 Fire has been burning since Monday and has destroyed at least 87 homes. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said Friday that is the most for a single wildfire in the state’s history. The blaze was started by a foil balloon hitting live power lines. That created an electrical arc that ignited combustible material on the ground. …A joint statement issued by multiple government agencies said the fire’s perimeter was more than 14.8 square miles (38 square kilometers) and it was only about 10% contained.

Additional coverage:

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Southern US wildfires force residents to flee: ‘I don’t know if I have a house standing or not’

The Guardian
April 23, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US East

Wildfires tearing through the south have forced hundreds of Georgia residents to flee in minutes, leaving them distraught about the homes and animals they left behind. The fires that spread this week during an extreme drought in Georgia and Florida have blanketed cities hundreds of miles away in smoke, leading to more air quality warnings on Thursday across the south-east. Driven by strong winds and low humidity, the two biggest fires in southern Georgia have spread rapidly over the past two days and destroyed more than 50 homes in rural areas. But the growing threat led to more evacuations and school closings on Wednesday. “I don’t know if I have a house standing or not,” said Denise Stephens, who was forced to evacuate because of the fast-moving Brantley county fire near Georgia’s coast. “I know what it’s taken from other people, but I don’t know what I have left standing.”

Additional coverage from the Associated Press in Fire Engineering: Wildfires Across GA and FL Destroy More Than 50 Homes and Force Evacuations

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Smoke from South Georgia wildfires spreads across 30,000 acres

By Christopher Harris
CBS News
April 23, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: United States, US East

GEORGIA — Smoke has filled the air across parts of the Peach State this week as wildfires continue to burn out of control in southern Georgia, forcing evacuations and destroying homes. According to the Georgia Forestry Commission, crews responded to 34 new wildfires Wednesday that burned about 75 acres statewide. But officials say the biggest concern remains two large, active fires that have already scorched tens of thousands of acres. The Pineland Road Fire in Clinch County has grown to nearly 29,606 acres and is about 10% contained. In Brantley County, the Highway 82 Fire has burned more than 4,400 acres and is roughly 15% contained. Officials say dry conditions, high winds, and a lack of rain are making the fires harder to control. …The growing wildfire threat prompted Brian Kemp to declare a state of emergency, allowing more state and federal resources to assist, including expected support from FEMA.

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Wildfires burning across Georgia and Florida destroy homes and force evacuations

By Edward Helmore
The Guardian
April 22, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US East

Wildfires burning across the south-eastern US intensified on Wednesday across parts of south-east Georgia, where 50 homes were destroyed, and across north-east Florida, forcing evacuations and school closures in some communities. The Georgia forestry commission issued its first mandatory burn ban in the state’s history, effective across 91 counties in the lower half of the state, due to worsening drought conditions and rising wildfire activity. “My office and I are working closely with the Georgia Forestry Commission to respond to the increasing threat of wildfires in South Georgia,” Governor Brian Kemp wrote on X. ”If you are in a directly affected area, please adhere to guidance from your local officials to keep you and your family safe.” Smoke from the fires drifted to Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, as well as Jacksonville, Florida, while air quality in parts of south Georgia declined to the unhealthy category.

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Vehicle ignites 20-acre wildfire in Ocala National Forest after going off road, getting stuck

Ocala-News
April 13, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US East

@USFS

A weekend off-roading excursion turned into a 20-acre wildfire in the Ocala National Forest after a vehicle’s exhaust system ignited dry grass. U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Lake County Fire Rescue firefighting crews responded to the “Grassy Pond 3 Fire” located off Paisley Road on Saturday, April 11. According to the USFS, the fire was caused by a 4×4 vehicle that was driven off a designated trail and into a patch of soft ground. The vehicle became stuck, and despite recent rainfall in the area, the surrounding tall grass had dried enough to be ignited by the heat of the vehicle’s exhaust system. The operators and bystanders were unable to free the vehicle, which was declared a total loss. …On Sunday, the U.S. Forest Service issued a stern reminder to visitors that driving off designated trails and surfaces is both unwise and illegal on forest land.

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Alabama Forestry Commission battling wildfire size of 2,500 football fields in Shelby County

By Taylor Pollock
WBRC News 6
March 30, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US East

SHELBY COUNTY, Alabama – Officials with the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) continued working Monday, March 30, to put out a fire in Shelby County that they say spans roughly 2,500 football fields. The wildfire, which is within the city limits of Westover, Alabama, is burning on an old game preserve near Rosewood Drive. No homes or businesses are in immediate danger. AFC officials Monday said that the fire is 90% contained. They were first called out to the fire Saturday, March 28. Tyler Givens, a unit manager with the AFC, said that the fire has been challenging to battle due to the steep, rocky terrain. “What we have to do is use leaf blowers and fall off the side of the mountain with leaf blowers and blow in a line rather than use a bulldozer because it was just inaccessible,” Givens said. 

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Forest Service crews respond to two wildfires in western North Carolina

By US Forest Service
US Department of Agriculture
March 24, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US East

Asheville, N.C. USDA Forest Service firefighters are currently responding to two wildfires in western North Carolina: the Poplar Fire on the Appalachian Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest and the lightning-caused Tarkiln Ridge Fire on the Tusquitee Ranger District of Nantahala National Forest. The nearly 100-acre Poplar Fire is located north of Poplar, North Carolina, along the east side of NC-197 in Mitchell County. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The fire is burning in an area heavily affected by Hurricane Helene, where an extensive number of downed trees are contributing to increased wildfire intensity and risk. …The Tarkiln Ridge Fire is burning in rugged terrain northwest of Hayesville, North Carolina, in Clay County near Fires Creek. Crews first responded to the fire on Monday, March 23, in an area that was previously identified as a future prescribed fire unit for hazardous fuels reduction. 

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South Carolina Forestry Commission issues statewide Red Flag Fire Alert amid ongoing drought

By Marissa Thompson
WCSC 5 News Leader
March 24, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US East

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The entirety of the State of South Carolina is now under a Red Flag Fire Alert as an intensifying drought continues to create an elevated risk of wildfires. The South Carolina Forestry Commission said they are issuing this alert to “strongly discourage people from burning outdoors” amid continuously dry conditions across the state with no end in sight. With the lack of rain and forecasts predicting both high winds and low humidity levels, the likelihood of an outdoor burn resulting in a wildfire is significantly higher than normal. The alert urges citizens to voluntarily postpone any planned burning until the alert is lifted. “Because current weather conditions are very conducive to fires escaping easily and spreading rapidly, anyone considering outdoor burning should take extra precautions if they still choose to burn under a Red Flag,” the commission said in a statement.

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Louisiana remains ‘tinderbox’ for wildfires after Winn fire contained

By Greg Hilburn
Shreveport Times
March 19, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: United States, US East

A wildfire that destroyed about 1,500 acres of mostly timberland in Winn Parish was contained Thursday morning, but Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain said the state remains “an absolute tinderbox.” Strain said his forest firefighters and personnel from other local and state agencies battled the Winn Parish fire until 10 p.m. March 18. He said the Winn fire bordered Louisiana 34 and primarily damaged timberland owned by Weyerhaeuser. “The high winds caused the fire to keep jumping our fire lines,” Strain said. He said investigators believe the fire was started from sparks from a blown tire on an 18-wheeler. The Winn fire follows recent large wildfires in Livingston Parish and St. Tammany Parish, which caused Interstate 12 to be temporarily closed. Strain said there already have been 350 wildfires in 2026. There are an average of 752 fires for an entire year in Louisiana.

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Wildfires rage in Oklahoma as thousands urged to evacuate a small city

By Dennis Romero
NBC News
February 17, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US East

Warm, dry and windy weather in Oklahoma has fueled multiple wildfires and prompted authorities to urge nearly one-third of the residents of the small city of Woodward to flee. Matt Lehenbauer, director of emergency management for Woodward and its nearly 12,000 inhabitants, said the evacuation recommendation covers roughly 4,000 people. It is voluntary, he said, because Oklahoma prohibits mandatory evacuations. The wildfire in Woodward, about 140 miles northwest of Oklahoma City, is approaching a “worst-case scenario,” Lehenbauer said, but it hasn’t moved into the most populated area of the city. A blaze in Beaver County at the base of the Oklahoma Panhandle, about 217 miles northwest of Oklahoma City, has consumed an estimated 15,000 acres alone, Oklahoma Forestry Services said. 

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Firefighters responding to wildfire in Mark Twain National Forest

By Drew Tasset
Ozarks First
November 17, 2025
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US East

ROLLA, Mo. — Firefighters with the Mark Twain National Forest Service are battling a wildfire in the Mark Twain National Forest south of Cassville, according to the Forest Service. The wildfire is estimated to be at 50 acres and growing, the Forest Service says. The fire is located twelve miles south of Cassville and six miles south of Seligman. Fire crews are utilizing three Forest Service engines, two dozers and the Mark Twain Veteran Crew to fight the fire, as well as a drone to help coordinate the response.

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Chile declares ‘state of catastrophe’ as wildfires leave at least 18 dead

By Henri Astier
BBC News
January 18, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: International

Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of catastrophe in two regions where deadly wildfires have left at least 18 people dead. More than 50,000 people have also been evacuated in the Ñuble and Biobío regions, about 500km (300 miles) south of the capital Santiago. Boric said the death toll was expected to increase. The most dangerous fire has swept through dry forests bordering the coastal city of Concepción. About 250 homes have been destroyed, disaster officials said. Local media have shown pictures of charred cars in the streets. Chile’s forestry agency, Conaf, said firefighters were battling 24 fires across the country on Sunday. The most threatening, it added, were in Ñuble and Biobío. The fires have burnt through 8,500 hectares (21,000 acres) in the two regions so far.

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Over 5,500 hectares burnt in Patagonia wildfires, says Chubut governor

Buenos Aires Times
January 11, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: International

©Ignacio Torres

Major forest fires in southern Patagonia has burned more than 5,500 hectares, authorities said Saturday, as hundreds of firefighters and volunteers battled to contain the blaze threatening small communities. The fire broke out Monday at Puerto Patriada, about 1,700 km (1,050 miles) southwest of Buenos Aires in the southern Patagonia region, and has since surrounded Epuyén, a town of 2,000 residents. “There’s no way to describe what we’re living through. Every five minutes a new fire starts. It’s hell,” said local resident Flavia Broffoni on Instagram. Ignacio Torres, the governor of the surrounding Chubut Province, said on social media that 5,500 hectares had already burned and warned the next 48 hours would be critical due to adverse weather.

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Hyrcanian UNESCO forests in Iran burning amid drought and complex terrain

By Iain Hoey
International Fire and Safety Journal
November 24, 2025
Category: Forest Fires
Region: International

© Hirkan National Park

Iran has asked foreign governments to help contain a large wildfire in the Hyrcanian forests in northern Iran, after flames reignited in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed area in mid November. Local media reported on November 22 that the fire has burned through the ancient forests for several days. The blaze first broke out in early November, was temporarily brought under control and then reignited on 15 November, according to the official IRNA news agency. The Hyrcanian forests run for around 1,000 kilometres along the Caspian Sea coast in Iran and into neighbouring Azerbaijan. Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah, Deputy to Iranian President, said that Iran had requested urgent assistance from friendly countries because domestic efforts could not keep the fire under control. UNESCO recognised the Hyrcanian forests as a World Heritage Site in 2019, describing them as being between 25 and 50 million years old and containing more than 3,200 plant species, including many rare and endemic tree species.

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