Despite the late start to the wildfire season, last year’s record is being surpassed. In BC there are currently more fires burning than in any one day in 2017; in California the largest wildfire in history is still growing; and in Portugal and Spain “forest fires continue to rage”. In related news: Ontario just increased its forest fire budget as lighting caused fires become the new normal, there’s lots of concern in BC with lightning in the forecast; and Island Timberlands decides it’s time to close their forests to the public.

In other forest fire news: a Canadian physicians group says we need to wake up and smell the smoke; the Washington Post says breathing is a chore; the USFS is salvaging burnt timber; and amongst US politicians, Romney wants more logging while Daines seeks to ramp up forest restoration.

Finally, Norpac says its critics are exaggerating the impact of newsprint tariffs; and Oregon is the first state to adopt codes allowing tall timber buildings.

Don’t forget – the Tree Frog News will publish on Monday only next week.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor