Daily News for August 04, 2026

Today’s Takeaway

Devastating wildfires overwhelm Spokane and Vernon as firefighters battle to protect lives, homes and infrastructure

The Tree Frog Forestry News
August 4, 2026
Category: Today's Takeaway

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

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Business & Politics

Canada to impose temporary 25% tariff on some wood cabinets, vanities

The Canadian Press in Bloomberg
July 31, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, International

Canada is imposing a temporary tariff on imports of some wood products as Ottawa awaits the findings of a probe into possible harmful practices in the global market. The federal government said in a news release that Canada will impose a 25% surtax on certain wood cabinets and vanities starting Friday. Those tariffs will be in place for a maximum of 200 days while the Canadian International Trade Tribunal investigates whether increased imports of those goods are threatening to harm Canada’s domestic producers. Wood cabinets and vanities manufactured in the United States, Mexico, Israel, Chile and developing nations will be exempt from the tariffs. The federal government said that’s in keeping with Canada’s international trade obligations. …Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne asked for the Canadian International Trade Tribunal inquiry back in April at the request of the Canadian Wood Products Alliance. The tribunal is expected to report its findings by Jan. 15, 2027.

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U.S. states sue to stop Trump’s forced labour tariff on dozens of countries

By Sean Boynton
Global News
August 3, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States

More than two dozen US states filed a lawsuit Monday seeking to strike down President Trump’s tariffs on 60 trading partners — including Canada — over forced labour concerns, arguing he exceeded his authority. The tariffs were announced last month under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974. …But the lawsuit, filed by Oregon and 24 other Democrat-led states in the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York, argues the tariffs are simply meant to replace Trump’s previous temporary 10% global tariff that expired just as the new duties were announced. The timing “confirms that the tariff action is pretextual, arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to Section 301’s statutorily constrained purpose,” the statement of claim says. …The tariff action merely attempts to continue the president’s blanket global tariff policy, and the attempt ‘to obtain the elimination’ of forced labor in trading partners’ supply chains is pretextual, it is unlawful,” the court document says.

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APA welcomes Tony Hamill and Chris Evans to its Board of Trustees

APA – The Engineered Wood Association
August 4, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, US West

Chris Evans

Tony Hamill

APA – The Engineered Wood Association today announced the appointment of Tony Hamill, COO of LP, and Chris Evans, President of Timberlab, to its Board of Trustees. …”Tony and Chris each bring a rare combination of engineering expertise and real-world manufacturing leadership to our board,” said APA President Mark Tibbetts. …Hamill, has led major capacity expansion initiatives, including four strategic mill conversions and the growth of LP’s ExpertFinish® operations. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Brunswick and previously held leadership roles at Stantec and Roseburg Forest Products. Evans has led Timberlab’s growth since launching the company’s specialized mass timber division within Swinerton in 2017. Under his leadership, Timberlab now operates five facilities. Evans holds a Master of Science in International Construction Management from the University of Florida.

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Western Forest Products continues curtailment of mill operations in Cowichan Bay

By Sarah Simpson
The Ladysmith Chemainus Chronicle
August 3, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, US West

COWICHAN BAY, BC — Western Forest Products has announced the extension of their Cowichan Bay Sawmill curtailment until the fall. The move leaves 54 employees without work, said Brian Butler, president of United Steelworkers Local 1-1937. The Cowichan Bay workers join the 120 workers from the Chemainus Sawmill, who have been curtailed indefinitely since June 2025. “Beyond what WFP has advised about the Cowichan Bay Sawmill curtailment lasting through September, we have no information beyond that,” Butler noted. …“It remains a very difficult period of time for our members in these operations,” Butler said. …WFP spokesperson Kelly Marion said the Cowichan Bay mill closure is “in response to persistently weak market conditions.” She added that the company is continuing “to work to mitigate the impact on employees by providing work opportunities at our other operations where possible.”

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U.S. Lumber Coalition Rejects Canada’s Demands to Drop Successful Trade Law Enforcement Measures

The US Lumber Coalition
July 31, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, US East

Canadian federal and provincial governments have deployed over $3 billion dollars in new subsidies over the last year in an attempt to maintain Canada’s massive excess lumber capacity and production. As stated by Canadian officials, the goal of these new subsidies is to neutralize the impact of US antidumping and countervailing duties as well as President Trump’s Section 232 tariff measures. …“If Canada doesn’t like being subject to duties and tariffs, then all Canada needs to do is dismantle its massive excess lumber capacity, stop dumping their excess production into the US market to the detriment of U.S. mills and workers,” stated Zoltan van Heyningen, Executive Director. …“Canadian producers and government officials have the audacity to demand that the US drop its trade law enforcement measures and open up our market to even more unfair trade,” stated Steve Swanson, CEO of Swanson Group and Chair of the U.S. Lumber Coalition. 

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European sawmilling giant Binderholz Group agrees acquisition of Finnish sawmiller Kuhmo Oy

By Stephen Powney
The Timber Trades Journal
August 4, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: International

Binderholz Group has agreed the acquisition of the entire share capital of leading Finnish sawmiller Kuhmo Oy. The transaction, subject to approval by the relevant competition authorities, would see Binder take on ownership of the 500,000m3 sawn timber capacity Kuhmo mill, as well as Juntinsalo Oy which serves as the real estate company of the Kuhmo Group. The purchase would be made by Binder Beteiligungs AG, a company belonging to the Binderholz Group. Kuhmo processes over 1 million solid cubic meters of roundwood annually, with 80% of sawn timber produced being pine and 20% spruce. The sawmill generates annual revenue of approximately €150m and employs 180 people. …The parties see significant opportunities in production development, expansion of export markets, and the utilization of new wood-based products and solutions.

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Fibre Excellence split by court rulings as Tarascon is liquidated and Saint-Gaudens receives last-minute reprieve

METissue
July 30, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: International

FRANCE — The judicial restructuring of Fibre Excellence, France’s sole domestic producer of commercial market pulp, has reached a critical stage following a series of decisive rulings by the Toulouse Commercial Court. The court formally rejected the only comprehensive takeover offer for the group, submitted by French financier Matthieu Pigasse. …Following the rejection of the group-wide acquisition plan, the court issued separate rulings concerning Fibre Excellence’s two pulp mills, resulting in contrasting outcomes for the company’s production sites. …Judicial Liquidation of Fibre Excellence Provence (Tarascon) – the court ordered the judicial liquidation of Fibre Excellence Provence, which operates the Tarascon pulp mill in the Bouches-du-Rhône region, along with its green energy subsidiary Biowatt SAS. …In contrast, the Saint-Gaudens pulp mill in Haute-Garonne has received a temporary extension after a late-stage expression of interest emerged from Soprema, a French multinational specializing in waterproofing, insulation, and sustainable building solutions.

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Finance & Economics

JPMorganChase doubles down on housing, aiming to deploy $750 billion through 2035—up by more than $200 billion

JPMorganChase
August 3, 2026
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: United States

JPMorganChase today announced the firm intends to deploy over $750 billion through 2035 to increase housing supply and support homeownership in the United States. This marks a nearly 40% increase in the firm’s housing capital deployment compared to the past decade, and includes financing for 1,000,000 affordable housing units and helping 500,000 homebuyers purchase homes. This announcement is part of JPMorganChase’s American Dream Initiative. …As the nation’s largest multifamily lender and residential bank mortgage lender, JPMorganChase has a track record of expanding affordable housing supply and supporting homeownership, bringing the scale and expertise needed to help address the country’s housing challenges.

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US Residential Construction Spending Slips as Remodeling Activity Weakens

By Catherine Koh
NAHB Eye on Housing
August 3, 2026
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: United States

Private residential construction spending declined 0.3% in June, while substantial downward revisions to improvement (remodeling) spending significantly altered the sector’s recent trajectory. …Although remodeling was the only residential category to increase in June, the gain was modest at 0.1%. When compared to a year ago, spending has declined 7.2%. …Revisions to single-family and multifamily construction spending were minor and did not alter the direction of their monthly movements. …The NAHB construction spending index illustrates how spending on single-family construction has slowed since early 2024, reflecting the impacts of elevated interest rates and ongoing uncertainty over building material tariffs. Multifamily construction spending growth has also slowed down after the peak in June 2023, with the index largely plateauing since late 2024.

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Boise Cascade reports Q2, 2026 net income of $57.3M

By Boise Cascade Company
Business Wire
August 3, 2026
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: United States, US West

BOISE, Idaho –Boise Cascade reported net income of $57.3 million on sales of $1.8 billion for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared with net income of $62.0 million on sales of $1.7 billion for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025. Second quarter 2025 results included $5.8 million of after-tax gains on the sale of non-operating properties. …Building Materials Distribution sales increased $82.6 million, or 5%, to $1,697.5 million from $1,614.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025. …Similarly, Wood Products’ sales, including sales to BMD, increased $12.4 million, or 3%, to $459.6 million from $447.2 million. …Jeff Strom, CEO said “The recent announcement of our expanded partnership with James Hardie to become the sole nationwide distributor of their full portfolio further strengthens our ability to distinguish ourselves in the marketplace.”

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Japan’s Housing Rebound Skips 2 x 4 Homes Framed in Imported Lumber

Wood Central Australia
August 1, 2026
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: International

Housing starts across Japan climbed 18.6% in June for a third straight monthly rise, with the recovery missing the two-by-four segment built on imported dimension lumber, where starts fell 7.4%. That is according to data the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism released, which shows owner-occupied, rental, and built-for-sale housing all rising, while the platform-frame trade went the other way. Economists had expected a 12.8% rise, with the stronger result still slowing sharply from May’s 33.9% surge as owner-occupied growth eased to 15.7% from 31.8, rentals to 24.6 from 33.3, and built-for-sale homes to 14.2 from 39.2. Prefab housing swung 13.7% higher after a 3.4% fall in May, leaving two-by-four as the only wooden segment in decline. None of the growth measures a strong market, because the comparison month produced just 55,956 starts, down 15.6% in a third straight fall after the April 2025 revision to the Building Standards Act.

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Wood, Paper & Green Building

Inside the rush to build highrises and fire halls out of … wood?!?!

By Stefan Novakovic
Be Giant
July 29, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: Canada

Wood is everywhere at Toronto’s Limberlost Place. From tall structural columns to ceilings, walls and stairs, nearly every surface in the airy, three-level central atrium is timber, complete with rustic knots and growth rings. It all feels welcoming and surprisingly intimate. “I’ve never seen anyone get so excited about structures in my entire career,” says architect Phil Silverstein, a partner at Moriyama Teshima Architects, the local firm that designed the new classroom hub for George Brown Polytechnic in collaboration with Vancouver’s Acton Ostry. “People walk through the halls of Limberlost touching the wood. They [even] want to hug a column! There’s something innate about it that excites people.” But all that wood isn’t just about feeling – or looking – good. Part of a wave of new mass timber development, Limberlost Place is a testing ground for a technological revolution that could fundamentally transform Canadian housing and infrastructure.

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Softwood Lumber Board says City Accelerators grow lumber demand

By Dakota Smith
The Woodworking Network
August 3, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: United States

CHICAGO — A key element of the SLB’s strategy to achieve 2.9 BBF of incremental annual lumber demand by 2035 is a focus on cities and regions where the potential for conversion to wood construction is highest. The SLB’s Accelerator Cities Program unlocks new lumber demand in those priority markets by combining the efforts of local governments, regional jurisdictions, and the softwood lumber industry to expand opportunities for new projects, remove barriers, and streamline code compliance. Cities across the country are increasingly recognizing the multiple benefits of incorporating sustainable wood building systems into their development strategies. Local governments are discovering that lumber-based construction methods can effectively address critical municipal challenges such as affordable and attainable housing shortages as well as economic development initiatives. …To continue to activate new cities, the SLB has developed a new Accelerator Model Blueprint that helps city leaders evaluate how wood construction can support local housing, economic development, and sustainability goals. 

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WoodWorks and SPEC Toolbox Partner to Make Mass Timber Design Easier for Structural Engineers

WoodWorks – Wood Products Council
July 29, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: United States

Washington, DC – Wood Products Council and SPEC Toolbox have announced a new partnership to support engineers in the United States by making mass timber design easier, faster, and more accessible. SPEC Toolbox and WoodWorks share a common goal: reducing friction in mass timber design and helping more project teams move from early interest to practical, code-compliant implementation. WoodWorks has played a leading role in supporting the adoption of wood construction across the US… Its work has helped project teams understand the opportunities, requirements, and practical pathways for using mass timber and other wood systems. “As mass timber adoption continues to grow, digital tools have an important role to play in helping project teams apply that knowledge efficiently and confidently,” said Bill Parsons, WoodWorks’ Chief Operating Officer. “Partnering with SPEC Toolbox furthers our mission to provide teams with the most current resources needed to deliver successful wood buildings.” 

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Kimberly-Clark Unveils Proprietary Alternative Natural Fiber Innovation Program

Kimberly-Clark Corporation
August 3, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: United States, US East

DALLAS — Kimberly-Clark unveiled a proprietary innovation program focused on advancing alternative natural fibers as the foundation for a next-generation, high-performance, sustainable materials platform. Company researchers and scientists developed a patented technology platform by transforming fibers from a rapidly renewable succulent plant into sustainable material. …”This represents… the culmination of more than two decades of materials and plant science expertise,” said Craig Slavtcheff, Chief Research and Development Officer. …After evaluating more than 70 fiber candidates across performance, sustainability and cost criteria, Kimberly-Clark identified a promising solution in hesperaloe, a native, low-water-use plant that thrives in the arid climate of the Southwest US. …As part of this innovation program, Kimberly-Clark is building a pilot facility in Yuma. Compared with several crops currently grown in the region, hesperaloe requires less water to cultivate, offering potential benefits for growers, local communities, and regional water stewardship efforts.

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Forestry

How Canada can better protect its forests

By Rick Doman, Chair, Boreal Carbon Corporation
The Globe and Mail
August 4, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada

Canada is blessed with some of the largest forests in the world. Unfortunately, it is being increasingly affected by insects, disease, drought, and the effects of a warming climate. These damaged forests now contain significant fuel loads that contribute to large, more intense wildfires, which can spread into adjacent healthy and mixed forests, further degrading one of Canada’s greatest natural assets. …An overlooked consequence is the loss of the economic value derived from the carbon Canada’s forests store and remove from the atmosphere – a value we rarely account for. …Canada could become one of the world’s largest forest carbon offset opportunities by establishing a value across the country for forest carbon credits, helping finance restoration while expanding Canada’s forests for future generations. This is not rocket science, it is forest science. …Rather than watching our forests decline rapidly, we should reverse course and invest in growing them. [to access the full story a Globe and Mail subscription is required]

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Wood you take two minutes to protect Canada’s trees?

By Canadian Food inspection Agency
The Government of Canada
August 4, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada

This August, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) encourages Canadians to take part in Tree Check Month. This annual campaign reminds Canadians of the vital role they play in protecting local plants and trees and the importance of healthy trees to our environment, wellbeing and economy. This Tree Check Month, take a closer look at the trees and plants around you. Whether you’re in your backyard, local park, cottage or workplace greenspace, a quick inspection can help protect Canada’s trees and forests. Early action is one of the most effective ways to reduce the impact of invasive pests. These harmful species often spread through everyday human activities: hitching rides on vehicles, pets, firewood and outdoor gear, allowing them to travel between regions undetected. …Some of the pests we’re monitoring: Emerald Ash Borer, Asian Longhorned Beetle, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, Spongy Moth and Spotted Lanternfly.

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Forests Minister Ravi Parmar featured in On The Brink Podcast

By On The Brink Podcast
You Tube
July 28, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

The Honourable Ravi Parmar is British Columbia’s Minister of Forests, Deputy Government House Leader and the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Langford–Highlands. One of the youngest people ever appointed to the provincial cabinet, he is currently the youngest MLA serving in the British Columbia Legislature. …His return to ON THE BRINK offers an opportunity to revisit that first conversation, examine what has changed and hear directly from the minister about his vision for the future of forestry in British Columbia.

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Minister’s statement on arrival of wildfire personnel from Mexico

By Ministry of Forests
Government of British Columbia
August 3, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, has issued the following statement in response to the arrival of wildfire personnel from Mexico: Supporting our neighbours and communities, showing hospitality to our partners and taking care of each other. These are the values that make me proud to be a British Columbian. In our time of need, I am honoured to welcome more than 100 wildfire personnel from Mexico on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, with more than 200 arriving later in the week. They’ve travelled from their homes to help us protect ours amidst a challenging wildfire season. As British Columbians, let’s welcome them warmly as they prepare to work alongside our BC Wildfire Service crews. Wildfire response is built on teamwork. Whether support comes from within B.C., across Canada or around the world, every person who joins the effort strengthens our response capacity and helps ensure resources are available when and where they are needed most.

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Environmental groups fail to prevent logging project near Ashland

By Roman Battaglia
Jefferson Public Radio
August 2, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: US West

©BLM

OREGON—A federal judge has denied a request by environmental groups to stop a Bureau of Land Management logging project near Ashland while their lawsuit moves forward. The Applegate Siskiyou Alliance and Klamath Forest Alliance sued over the Ashland SOS project, arguing the agency failed to adequately consider its environmental impacts. But a federal judge ruled the BLM had sufficiently analyzed the project and that reducing wildfire risk outweighs delaying the work while the case proceeds. The BLM is removing dead and dying fir trees through timber sales to reduce the risk of severe wildfire. This is being done through timber sales, which also include logging live trees. Applegate Siskiyou Alliance Executive Director Luke Ruediger said agency is removing far more fire-resistant hardwood trees than it originally said it would.

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California redwoods gateway is returned to Indigenous tribe

By Alex Wigglesworth
The Seattle Times
August 1, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: US West

This fog-shrouded patch of coastal forest in the heart of Yurok Country was tended by the tribe for millennia. But in the Gold Rush era it was taken away and, later, used by the logging industry, reshaping the landscape. Now, as the land heals from the scars of a long-running lumber mill, it has been returned to its original stewards, who will operate it as a public gateway to Redwood National and State Parks about 50 miles south of the Oregon border. Save the Redwoods League in June conveyed the 125-acre property to the Yurok Tribe following a yearslong project to restore the degraded industrial site to a diverse riparian habitat. It opens to the public Saturday as ‘O Rew Redwoods Gateway, which features interpretive exhibits and trails leading to old-growth redwood groves.

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The fungus that could save Maine’s trees one seedling at a time

By Lori Valigra
The Bangor Daily News
August 3, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, United States, US East

MAINE — Researchers walking through the forest during a major spruce budworm outbreak in the 1990s discovered some healthy fir trees unaffected by the deadly pests, and wondered what gave them apparent immunity. They took needles from the healthy trees to study at their University of New Brunswick lab, and found they contained a fungus with a beneficial relationship with the trees. …The discovery attracted the attention of Canadian forestry conglomerate J.D. Irving, the largest owner of forested land in Maine. The partnership, which started in 1999, resulted in a novel way to combat future outbreaks: breeding budworm-resistant trees. Its strategy to use natural fungi — known as endophytes — is at the forefront of science to find more natural solutions. Several universities in the US are researching how endophytes act in other types of trees. …Irving Woodlands is ramping up production of the trees in a newly opened greenhouse in New Brunswick. 

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France’s forest management may need to change to prevent more wildfires in Les Landes

By Samuel Petrequin
The Associated Press in the Toronto Star
July 31, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: International

PARIS — History keeps repeating itself in the smoldering forests of southwest France, now ash-covered and charred. Devastated by previous blazes in 2022 and 1949, when 82 people died, the largest human-made woodland in Western Europe has again been ravaged by wildfires which burned an area four times the size of Paris. The forests of Les Landes — covering 10,000 square kilometers (3,860 square miles) — were created in the 19th century for timber and resin production. They comprise endless rows of pines in neat, close lines, which works against them in a wildfire, with flames jumping easily from one tree to another. …President Emmanuel Macron said a different kind of forest should be replanted. …Single-species forests of conifers are drier than mixed forests of broadleaf trees and conifers, favoring flames. …In Les Landes, that layered structure does not exist.

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Health & Safety

‘Smoke-Proofing’: The Need for a National Effort

By Crawford Killian
The Tyee
August 3, 2026
Category: Health & Safety
Region: Canada

We can’t do much to prevent losing more communities to wildfires, and we certainly can’t reduce the scale of fires in the boreal forest. But we can minimize the health impacts of wildfire smoke, which should help us deal with the economic impact of wildfires and other climate disasters. …First, we need to minimize the damage of PM2.5 and other particles in wildfire smoke. That would involve more airtight homes, workspaces and schools, plus air purifiers in every room and office. In new construction, air purification should be built right into the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems. Second, we need to start using N95 masks whenever air quality drops. …Third, we need to recognize that wildfires and heat waves can threaten electricity grids by damaging transmission lines. The remedy here would be installing enough solar power in homes and workplaces. …We will also have to prepare for long-term health consequences of wildfires.

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Forest Fires

Bradley Creek Wildfire remains 2,603 hectares in size after little growth found

By Jordy Cunningham
The Interior News
August 4, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

©BC Wildfire Service

After a day of cooler temperatures and calm conditions, the Bradley Creek wildfire showed “no significant growth” on B.C. Day, according to BC Wildfire Service. BCWS said crews have been working on the north and south flanks of the blaze to mop up hot spots around homes in community areas. Meanwhile, structure protection and defence crews have continued to extinguish hotspots near homes along Westside Road, conducting roving patrols overnight. “There continues to be significant Fire Department support overnight to assist with structure protection and structure defence…,” said BCWS. At this time, multiple evacuation orders and alerts remain in place…The human-caused fire sparked on July 31 and has since grown to an estimated 2,603 hectares in size. BCWS continues to work alongside the Okanagan Indian Band Fire Department actioning the blaze. …The Bradley Creek wildfire is currently one of six wildfires of note in the province and one of 120 active wildfires.

Additional coverage

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Arson suspect arrested as Spokane battles devastating wildfires

By Lindsey Wasson, Ed White and Gene Johnson
Associated Press
August 4, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US West

©Spokane Valley Fire Dept.

SPOKANE, Wash. — A man from Spokane, Washington, was arrested and charged with setting one of the three devastating wildfires that are burning through the region. The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office said Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, was arrested Monday and booked on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, the largest of the three blazes around Spokane. His bond was set at $1 million. Together, the fires have destroyed at least 700 buildings and forced some 67,000 people to evacuate around the state’s second-largest city. …A tip from a community member … led authorities to Farinacci … determined that the fire had started where the witness had seen him… Farinacci’s first court appearance will be Tuesday, according to Spokane County Prosecutor Preston McCollam. It wasn’t immediately clear if he had an attorney who could speak on his behalf. He has been convicted of felony manslaughter in Arizona.

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Fires near Spokane, Washington, have burned 600 structures and forced 60,000 evacuations

By John Hanna
Associated Press
August 2, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US West

©Spokane Valley Fire Dept

Wildfires in eastern Washington state forced the evacuation of 60,000 people in the Spokane area while destroying at least 600 homes, businesses and other structures, authorities said Sunday. The fires in and around Spokane, the state’s second largest city, burned about 8.2 square miles (about 21 square kilometers) over the weekend and were among dozens of wildfires across the Western U.S. that stretched the ability of federal, state and local agencies to fight them. A total of about 390 square miles (1,000 square kilometers) has burned across the state, and some of the fires, including those in the Spokane area, have not been contained. Fire and law enforcement officials said there had been no reports of injuries or people unaccounted for — but they stressed it was early in the response effort. …Investigators had yet to determine how the blazes started. …Officials called the fire “catastrophic” as heavy winds helped flames jump containment lines overnight.

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Oregon shatters wildfire record with 2 million acres burned, dozens of fires still burning

By Tarek Anthony
The Oregonian
August 3, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: United States, US West

Just three days into August, Oregon has already broken its record for its worst wildfire season on record, with more than 2 million acres burned across the state. …Oregon has seen wildfire activity surge in 2026, with the Oregon Department of Forestry counting more than 1,300 fires so far this year. Here is an update on the largest fires burning across the state:

  • The Big Grass fire has burned 339,432 acres, making it the largest wildfire in the state
  • Rowe Creek complex fire – has scorched nearly 324,000 acres and is 60% contained
  • The Burns Basin fires, which encompass several large fires continues to force evacuations
  • The Grasshopper fire continues to burn across the Mount Hood National Forest
  • Bench and Round Butte fires – broke out Saturday amid Red Flag Warning conditions
  • Fox, Tartar and Powder River fires – In far eastern Oregon, three major fires continue to burn
  • The Hagen fire burning in Umatilla County is now 11% contained after scorching 40,000 acres

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Firefighters scramble to contain fires outside Athens before winds and high temperatures return

By Derek Gatopoulos and Sylvie Corbet
Associated Press
August 4, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: International

©Hellenic Red Cross

ATHENS, Greece — Firefighters west of Athens raced to exploit a break in high winds on Tuesday, working to strengthen containment lines …Several fires that burned through mountain communities and coastal areas west of the Greek capital were brought under control overnight. Planes and helicopters dumped water inside the contained perimeters through the morning, dousing hot spots while the winds stayed calm. “There is a huge fire load in the area and the risk goes up as the day progresses,” said Costas Tsingas, head of the Greek Firefighters Association. “The goal is for the day to end better than it started.” Burning for a fifth day, the blaze outside Athens prompted the evacuation of more than 1,000 people and was blamed on a faulty power line from a wind farm in the area. Authorities say 33 people were arrested between June 29 and Aug. 2 for starting fires, including three on suspicion of arson.

Additional coverage

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