Greece is facing a wave of wildfires this summer, with over 2,000 fires erupting due to unusually high temperatures. A major wildfire on the island of Crete has forced the evacuation of eight villages, while firefighters struggle to contain the blaze amidst strong winds. Despite the challenges, authorities are optimistic about bringing the fire under control.
A devastating fire broke out at the TRP game zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, on Saturday evening, sending plumes of smoke visible from several kilometers away. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and efforts are underway to control the blaze. Fire brigade officials reported facing difficulties due to a collapsed structure and strong winds. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties have been reported, and 15-20 children have been safely rescued from the game zone. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered immediate rescue and relief operations.
Climate change has intensified wildfires in North America, prompting the use of drones to assist in firefighting efforts. However, current drones have limitations, as they cannot navigate through smoke or fly low enough to provide optimal assistance. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are developing drones that can overcome these challenges, creating 3D digital twins of impacted areas and providing firefighters with real-time information to enhance safety and effectiveness.
The ongoing battle against forest fires continues in Uttarakhand, with eight new outbreaks adding to the destruction in the region’s forests. The fires, fueled by a heat wave, have consumed 11.75 hectares of land, marking a slight decrease compared to the 23 incidents reported the previous day. The blazes, which began on November 1, 2023, have now ravaged 735.815 hectares of land in the state.
Saskatchewan’s Public Safety Agency has embarked on a $187 million investment to acquire four repurposed aircraft for its firefighting fleet. These planes, two Dash 8-Q400AT models and two Dash 8-Q400MRE models, are set to replace the aging Convair 580s currently in service. With the first plane expected to arrive in late 2025 and the remaining three by 2027, these new aircraft will play a crucial role in protecting Saskatchewan communities from wildfires and other emergencies.
A fierce blaze engulfed a storage facility housing an extensive collection of books in Grass Valley, California, during the early hours of Monday morning. Firefighters swiftly responded to the scene around 1:45 a.m. and contained the fire within 20 minutes upon arrival.
