Europe’s heatwave is setting temperature records and starting fires from Norway to Spain. The most tragic is the Mati wildfire in Greece which to date has killed 74 people. In related news: a Penn State study says forest fires are not a serious threat to spotted owls; a fire training facility is close to completion in Burns Lake BC; and Oregon’s air quality continues to deteriorate due to wildfire smoke.

In Business news: the union representing BC millworkers is seeking a strike mandate in part because “the employers are having one of the best economic years in decades and workers should share in this prosperity“. Elsewhere: Northern Pulp gets support from a fellow Pictou County employer; and Weyerhaeuser’s woodworkers reject their latest contract offer.

Finally, Dr. Seuss’ inspiration for The Lorax and Truffula trees may be Kenya’s patas and the whistling thorn acacia tree.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor