Results for: Wildfires

Southern Greece is facing an influx of Saharan dust, turning the skies orange and triggering early wildfires. Strong southerly winds have transported the dust from North Africa, creating a surreal Martian-like atmosphere over Athens. Temperatures remain elevated in the south, reaching 30 degrees Celsius, while the north experiences cooler conditions. The wildfires, fanned by strong winds, have led to arrests on the island of Paros and control efforts near a naval base in Crete. Concerns are rising about a potentially challenging fire season due to persistent drought and high temperatures.

Consumer Watchdog has raised concerns about Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara’s proposal to allow insurance companies to use private black-box models and AI to predict the risk of catastrophic wildfires, arguing that it will lead to higher home insurance rates without transparency or accountability. The proposal does not require testing of models for accuracy or fairness, does not establish uniform standards for their use, and keeps models secret. Consumer Watchdog urges the creation of a public model open to scrutiny and opposes the use of catastrophe models to charge higher rates unless there is public oversight and review.

Southern Greece has been experiencing a surreal scene as orange skies enveloped the Acropolis and other Athens landmarks due to dust clouds from North Africa. This Martian-like atmosphere is expected to clear on Wednesday as winds shift, bringing cooler temperatures. Strong southerly winds have fueled early wildfires in the country’s south, leading to 25 outbreaks in the past 24 hours. Three arrests have been made on the island of Paros for accidentally starting a blaze. Fortunately, no significant damage or injuries have been reported. However, concerns remain about potential challenges for firefighters in the coming months due to the persistent drought and high spring temperatures.

Lana Vierra lost her home in the wildfires that swept through Lahaina, Hawaii, last summer. Displaced with ten family members, including a baby, she credits direct cash transfers from the People’s Fund of Maui, an initiative set up by Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson, with helping them stay current on their mortgage. Winfrey and Johnson committed $10 million to the fund, which raised nearly $60 million and distributed it to over 8,100 displaced adults. Research has shown that cash transfers overwhelmingly benefit intended recipients, providing dignity, choice, and support for essential needs like housing and food.

British Columbia’s wildfire season has ignited early, with multiple blazes burning in the Quesnel area. The Burgess Creek wildfire, the largest among them, continues to grow and is currently listed as out of control. Evacuation alerts have been issued for the Burgess Creek area, and firefighters are battling the flames with support from heavy equipment and aircraft.

Over the weekend, nine new fires ignited within the Kamloops Fire Centre, including the Dutton Creek wildfire near Oliver, B.C. The Dutton Creek wildfire has grown to approximately four hectares but is now considered under control, with crews working to establish control lines and extinguish remaining flames. While small fires are common during this period, fire officials emphasize the importance of practicing safety precautions, such as having water and proper fuel breaks for all campfires and open burning.

Two out-of-control wildfires in central British Columbia have prompted evacuation alerts, including for the small community of Endako. The Cariboo Regional District issued an alert covering six parcels of land near the Burgess Creek fire, which has grown to 16 square kilometers. About 400 kilometers northwest, the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako has issued an evacuation alert for the entire town of Endako, which is threatened by a separate wildfire. Both fires are among nine that ignited in the province in the previous 24 hours, adding to concerns about a challenging wildfire season due to ongoing drought conditions.

With blazes becoming more frequent and intense, the Forest Service, the last line of defense against wildfires, is understaffed and overwhelmed. The attrition rate has reached 45%, with firefighters facing demanding work conditions, indifferent bureaucracy, and inadequate pay structure. The recent Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire, the largest in New Mexico’s history, devastated communities and exposed the shortcomings of FEMA’s response. Survivors struggled to receive compensation, temporary housing, and support from the agency. The investigation reveals a lack of transparency and urgency in addressing health risks for firefighters, including cancer and hearing loss.

The People’s Fund of Maui, established by Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson, has distributed nearly $60 million to over 8,100 adults affected by last summer’s wildfires. The direct cash transfers have been a crucial lifeline for displaced families, helping them cover essential expenses and maintain stability. The fund’s success highlights the effectiveness of direct cash assistance in disaster response, empowering recipients with dignity and choice.

A new study reveals that half of the global area scorched by fires annually is attributed to deliberately set and controlled burns rather than wildfires sparked by lightning, accidents, or arson. This finding suggests that the projected increase in wildfire-affected areas due to climate change may be underestimated by current computer models.