• Historic fire-weather conditions forecast for southern Great Plains

    Extremely critical fire weather conditions are forecast for Friday, March 14, 2025, across parts of the southern Plains and Midwest due to historically strong winds and low humidity. A wildfire outbreak is possible in the southern Plains, with fast-moving and uncontrollable fires likely. Wind gusts between 95–130 km/h (60–80 mph) may cause rapid fire spread and significant danger to affected areas.

  • Two firefighters injured in Long Island wildfires, New York

    Four wildfires erupted in Long Island on Saturday afternoon, March 8, 2025, fueled by strong winds and low humidity. By Sunday, March 9, the fires had burned through at least 162 ha (400 acres). At least two fire personnel were injured, and the blazes caused significant damage to two commercial buildings in the region.

  • Forced evacuations and burn ban as wildfires spread across North and South Carolina

    A series of wildfires erupted across North and South Carolina over the weekend, fueled by dry vegetation, low humidity, and gusty winds, prompting evacuations, road closures, and a statewide burning ban in South Carolina. As of early Sunday, firefighting crews are battling blazes that have collectively scorched thousands of acres, with some fires remaining at 0% containment.

  • Japan hit by largest wildfire in over 30 years

    A massive forest fire has burned approximately 1 400 ha (3 460 acres) in Akasaki Town, Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, since it broke out on February 26, 2025. This is now the largest wildfire in modern Japan history, surpassing the previous record of 1 030 ha (2 545 acres) set in Kushiro, Hokkaido, in 1992.

  • Toxic waste delays California wildfire cleanup efforts

    Toxic waste from burned lithium batteries, asbestos, and synthetic materials poses a significant risk in California’s wildfire-affected areas. Cleanup efforts are being delayed as hazardous substances require specialized removal before residents can safely return.

  • Rapidly spreading Hughes Fire puts 54 000 under evacuation orders or warnings as investigators probe possible human cause, California

    The Hughes Fire erupted on January 22, 2025, near Castaic Lake in northern Los Angeles County, tearing through more than 4 047 ha (10 000 acres) in just hours and triggering evacuation orders or warnings for over 54 000 residents. With no lightning strikes reported, investigators are expected to focus on potential human-related causes. Adding to concerns, unconfirmed reports suggest two individuals were spotted near the fire’s point of origin, though authorities have not yet addressed whether arson is suspected.