2024 wildfires News

Extreme Weather Sends Insured Losses 70% Above Historical Norms

Natural catastrophes caused about $62 billion of insured losses in the first half of 2024 — roughly 70% above the 10-year average — as extreme wildfires, droughts and floods upend historical norms. The data, which were compiled by Munich Re, …

Wildfire in Jasper National Park Could Burn for Months, Canadian Official Says

JASPER, Alberta (AP) — A wildfire that has destroyed hundreds of structures in the town of Jasper is the largest blaze recorded in Jasper National Park in a century and could still be burning months from now, a Parks Canada …

Devastating Wildfire Burns Down Almost 50% of Western Canadian Tourist Town

A raging wildfire has devastated the western Canadian tourist town of Jasper, potentially destroying up to 50% of structures, and firefighters were trying Thursday to save as many buildings as possible, authorities said. Jasper is in the middle of mountainous …

Canadian Wildfires Threaten Oil Output, Prompt Evacuations

Wildfires in Canada’s energy-producing Alberta province are threatening almost 10% of the region’s oil production and forcing the evacuation of one of the country’s largest national parks during the peak summer tourist season. Hot weather has contributed to a wildfire …

World Records Hottest Day While Wildfires Threaten Mediterranean

The world recorded its hottest ever day, as many parts of the Mediterranean face extreme wildfire risks. Sunday witnessed the highest average temperature on Earth, breaching a previous record set a year ago, according to provisional data from the European …

Greece Fights Deadly Fire on Aegean Island as Temperatures Soar

Greece is fighting a deadly fire on the island of Lesvos, as temperatures in some parts of the country exceed 40C (104F). A person died in a burned-out car on Lesvos, where authorities are investigating whether the vehicle was scorched …

Wildfires Encircle Canada’s Oil-Sands City Amid Hot Weather

A ring of wildfires has erupted around Canada’s unofficial oil-sands capital of Fort McMurray, adding new threats to crude production from the world’s third-largest petroleum reserves. Eight out-of-control blazes have been discovered just south and southwest of the city since …

Greece Evacuates Hospital as Wildfire Threatens City of Patra

Greek authorities evacuated a hospital after a wildfire broke out in Patra, the country’s third-biggest city. Firefighters, assisted by planes and helicopters, safely evacuated a hospital and a nursing home, state-run ERT TV reported. The fire destroyed cars and damaged …

Fireworks Started New Jersey Forest Fire That Burned 4,000 Acres: Officials

Fireworks have been identified as the cause of the wildfire burning in New Jersey’s Wharton State Forest. The fire, which has burned more than 4,000 acres, was 75% contained by Sunday, officials said. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported …

Eastern Canada Wildfire Forces Evacuation of Hydro Plant Workers

A wildfire in an eastern Canadian province moved closer to a huge power plant on Tuesday, forcing the evacuation of workers from a nearby town, officials said. “So (this is) very concerning,” Newfoundland and Labrador premier Andrew Furey told reporters, …