Greece is battling multiple wildfires, fueled by high winds and extreme heat, with at least 40 fires erupting across the country since dawn. A wildfire north of Athens, exacerbated by strong winds, forced evacuations and has caused significant damage. The situation is particularly challenging due to the hot and dry conditions, exacerbated by climate change. Authorities are struggling to contain the fires, but reinforcements and volunteer firefighters are working tirelessly to combat the blazes.
A wildfire near Fort McMurray has been brought under control, meaning it is contained and will eventually be extinguished. Alberta Wildfire commended the efforts of firefighters and support staff, acknowledging the challenging days and long hours spent battling the blaze. Although the fire is contained, firefighters remain on standby to address any remaining hotspots within the perimeter. The wildfire remains at 18,593 hectares, with minimal ground fire to be extinguished. Residents evacuated from nearby neighborhoods have been allowed to return home.
A house fire in the early hours of Tuesday morning in Peace River, Alberta, resulted in the destruction of one home and damage to two others. Multiple fire departments responded to the scene, with firefighters working for nearly five hours to extinguish the flames. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and the damaged homes are being examined to assess the extent of the damage. The Peace River Fire Department deployed its new ladder truck, which proved instrumental in controlling the fire despite challenging wind conditions.
Residents in northern Alberta remain on evacuation alert as wildfires continue to burn out of control, but fire officials report that a change in the weather is providing some assistance to crews. The largest fire in the province, estimated at 6,579 hectares, is located about 16 kilometers southeast of Fort McMurray and 12 km west of Highway 63. After a windy weekend that fueled rapid growth of the blaze, Alberta Wildfire officials issued an update on Monday stating that “light rain showers are expected today, which will help lower fire activity.” Environment Canada forecasts a high temperature of 19 C in Fort McMurray for Monday, with mainly cloudy skies, a 60% chance of showers, and winds from the southeast at 20 km/h. Fire officials anticipate that “this will give firefighters a good window to continue making progress on containing the fire,” while heavy equipment operates on a fire guard on the northeast side of the blaze. Six crews of firefighters are working to establish a containment line, supported by 13 helicopters and airtankers on standby. Notably, two night vision helicopters worked overnight to drop water on the fire using their buckets.
Former President Donald Trump made a brief visit to a firehouse in Midtown Manhattan on Thursday, delivering pizzas to the firefighters after appearing in court for his hush money trial. Trump’s visit sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the gesture while others criticized him for incorrectly referring to the ‘FDNY’ as ‘NYFD’ in social media posts. Trump’s son, Eric, made a similar mistake in 2018, prompting mockery and accusations of ignorance about the city he has always called home.
Alberta is implementing a province-wide fire restriction due to a severe drought that has escalated the wildfire danger to the extreme. The restriction prohibits outdoor fires on public lands in forest protection areas. Wildfires have already forced evacuations and put hundreds of Albertans on notice. With a rapidly melting snowpack exposing dry vegetation, the risk of new fires is at its highest in the northern parts of the province, particularly in Fort McMurray, Lac La Biche, and Slave Lake. Ground crews, air tankers, and helicopters are battling to contain the fires, including a rapidly growing blaze near the Municipal District of Peace No. 135.
Firefighters are battling a rapidly spreading wildfire that has engulfed approximately 100 acres within Wharton State Forest, spanning across Burlington and Camden counties in New Jersey. The blaze erupted on Wednesday morning, prompting the New Jersey Forest Fire Service to dispatch crews to combat the flames off Jackson Road in Shamong Township and Waterford Township. Authorities have cordoned off Jackson Road between Tremont Avenue and Atsion Road for safety reasons.
A fire broke out at Uno Pizzeria and Grill in Dedham late Tuesday night, prompting a swift response from firefighters who managed to extinguish the flames within half an hour. The fire, which originated outside the building, spread up the structure’s exterior before it was contained and extinguished by crews. No injuries were reported during the incident.
Worcester police officers dominated the city’s top earners list in 2023, with 44 officers among the top 50. Former Police Chief Steven Sargent ranked third, earning $276,639, while Interim Chief Paul Saucier followed closely with $254,828. In contrast, firefighters barely cracked the top 100 earners, highlighting the significant salary disparity between the two public safety departments.
Three baby geese were reunited with their family after firefighters in Burlington rescued them from a storm drain during a heavy rainstorm. The Burlington Fire Department received a call around 12:35 p.m. on Tuesday about the goslings, who had fallen into the drain. Firefighters quickly responded to the scene and removed the drain’s cover, where they found the baby geese trapped inside. Firefighter Michael Bennett carefully retrieved the goslings while firefighter Eric FitzGerald kept the animals corralled. The geese were then safely released back to their family, who were waiting on the other side of the street. Fire Chief Andrew Connerty praised the firefighters for their dedication to protecting the community’s safety, no matter the size of the creatures involved.
