• Massive wildfire burns through Chernobyl exclusion zone following UAV crash in Ukraine

    A massive forest fire broke out in Ukraine’s Chernobyl exclusion zone on May 7, 2026, following the crash of two drones and has spread across approximately 1 200 ha (2 965 acres), according to the Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve (CREBR). While the fire situation is under control as of May 9, the threat of landmines in the area coupled with strong winds and dry air continues to complicate suppression efforts.

  • Critical fire-weather conditions forecast across eastern New Mexico and western Texas

    Critical fire-weather conditions are forecast across parts of eastern New Mexico and western Texas on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, as west to southwest winds of 25–30 km/h (15–20 mph) combine with relative humidity of 10–20% over dry fuels. The Storm Prediction Center outlined a Critical Fire Weather Area covering approximately 140 380 km² (54 200 mi²) and 740 760 people, with the strongest overlap of wind and humidity reductions forecast from east-central and southeastern New Mexico into adjacent Texas.

  • SPC issues Extremely Critical fire weather outlook for eastern New Mexico and far western Texas Panhandle

    The Storm Prediction Center issued an Extremely Critical Fire Weather Area for portions of eastern New Mexico into the far western Texas Panhandle on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Red Flag Warnings cover much of the southern High Plains as southwest winds of 40-55 km/h (25-35 mph), localized gusts of 80-95 km/h (50-60 mph), and very low relative humidity create conditions where any new fire could spread rapidly.

  • Major Georgia wildfires destroy 143 structures amid severe drought

    Two major wildfires in southeast Georgia have burned over 16 000 ha (40 000 acres) and destroyed 143 structures by April 25, 2026, with federal fire officials reporting extreme fire behavior near the Florida line. The Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County and the Pineland Road Fire in Clinch and Echols counties remained 10% contained, with evacuations and road closures in effect.

  • Wildfire destroys more than 80 homes in Brantley County, Georgia

    More than 80 homes have been destroyed by a wildfire in Brantley County, Georgia, as of April 24, 2026, prompting evacuation orders in multiple communities. Approximately 1 000 structures remain under threat as the fire continues to spread under dry and windy conditions, with containment still limited.

  • Large wildfire damages structures in Otsuchi, Japan

    A large wildfire in Otsuchi, Japan, on April 22, 2026, caused structural damage and evacuations after spreading from woodland into residential zones. At least five buildings were destroyed, with estimates of around 9 ha (22 acres) burned and about 130 people evacuated based on the latest available data.