Large wildfires have been raging across Western Canada over the past 2 weeks, burning close to 404 686 hectares (nearly 1 million acres). The fires have forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents and have caused significant structural damage.
Massive wildfires continue to rage across the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, leading to the destruction of hundreds of buildings and the evacuation of over 16 000 residents. As of Tuesday afternoon, May 30, 2023, the fires, which have primarily affected areas around the capital Halifax, have resulted in no reported injuries or missing persons. However, the extent of the damage is significant, with an estimated 200 homes or structures destroyed.
A wave of rampant wildfires has swept across the oblasts of Kurgan and Tyumen in the southern Ural Mountains area and western Siberia in southern Russia, leading to loss of life and extensive property damage.
The Alberta government declared a provincial state of emergency on Saturday, May 6, 2023, as fast-spreading wildfires forced nearly 30 000 residents from their homes. The fires are producing massive smoke clouds drifting into British Columbia and Northwest Territories.
A wildfire that started on April 15, 2023, in the northern Cerbère area of Cap Peyrefitte in France, quickly spread to neighboring Spain, causing evacuations and significant damage in both countries.
Thai authorities are utilizing helicopters to aid ground firefighters in containing a large wildfire that has spread over two mountains in Nakhon Nayok province. The fire started in Khao Laem National Park on Wednesday night, March 29, 2023, and is currently spreading across mostly undeveloped forest land, located 114 km (70 miles) northeast of Bangkok.
A major wildfire in eastern Spain consumed over 4 000 ha (9 884 acres) of land near the village of Villanueva de Viver and prompted the evacuation of 1 500 people. Over 500 firefighters and 20 planes and helicopters were working to control the fire. This is Spain’s first major wildfire of the year.
At least 13 people were reported dead and more than 100 homes destroyed as of early Saturday morning (UTC), February 4, 2023 as a result of the more than 150 wildfires burning across Chile. Most of the wildfires are in Biobío and neighboring Ñuble.
Two wildfires broke out near the Rano Raraku volcanic crater in Easter Island, Chile last week, spreading to about 60 ha (150 acres) before they were brought under control. The flames entered the moai quarry where 386 iconic statues are located, causing irreparable damage to about 80 of them.
At least 38 people were killed and more than 200 injured in raging wildfires across Algeria over the past couple of days.
