Hundreds of firefighters fought wildfires and flare-ups that have devoured record numbers of woodlands in Greece Saturday and left hundreds of families homeless, but heavy rains brought some respite to hard-hit Turkey.

More than 1,450 Greek firefighters backed by at least 15 aircraft were battling the fires, with reinforcements arriving from other countries, the fire service said.

The blazes in Greece are set to continue, with strong winds and temperatures of up to 38 degrees C (100 F) forecast in some regions on Saturday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozen-homes-destroyed-five-hospitalised-in-greece-forest-fire-402086">Dozen homes destroyed, five hospitalised in Greece forest fire</a>

This year's fires have been far more destructive than in previous years.

In the last 10 days, 56,655 hectares (140,000 acres) have been burnt in Greece,&nbsp;according to the European Forest Fire Information System. The average number of hectares burnt over the same period between 2008 and 2020 was 1,700 hectares.

"When this nightmarish summer ends we will reverse the damage as soon as possible," Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis pledged on Saturday.

Rains help Turkey&nbsp;

Greece and Turkey have been fighting devastating fires for more than a week as the region suffers its worst heatwave in decades. Officials and experts have linked such intense weather events to climate change.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greek-firefighters-battle-to-extinguish-forest-blaze-402198">Greek firefighters battle to extinguish forest blaze</a>

So far, they have killed two people in Greece and eight in Turkey, with dozens more hospitalised there during 10 days of the blazes.

A UN draft report seen by AFP labelled the Mediterranean region a "climate change hotspot", warning that heatwaves, droughts and fires would become more fierce in the future, supercharged by rising temperatures.

<img alt="Greece fire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="42c9e723-f46d-42cf-b41d-3e69a94e57f2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-08-07T220245.426.jpg" />

But the weather gave Turkey some respite Saturday. Officials in the Turkish coastal city of Antalya said the blazes were under control in the southwestern province after rainfall there.

And heavy rainfall was expected to continue until the afternoon in areas including Manavgat, one of the most affected by the fires.

The situation remained serious however around the tourist hotspot of Mugla, where at least three neighbourhoods have been ordered to evacuate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-and-greece-reel-from-raging-wildfires-during-heatwave-403133">Turkey and Greece reel from raging wildfires during heatwave</a>

There have been over 200 fires in 47 of Turkey's 81 provinces, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli tweeted early on Saturday. Thirteen fires continue in five provinces.

Fears of more high winds&nbsp;

Greek Civil Protection deputy minister, Nikos Hardalias said on Saturday that 55 blazes were raging across Greece.

They were burning on Evia, the country's second-largest island, which lies&nbsp;east of the capital; in the Peloponnese region in the southwest; and Fthiotida in Central Greece.

The fire front on Evia alone ran across 30 kilometres (18 miles) long, said Fanis Spanos, the regional governor of Central Greece, but in the Attica peninsula there the situation was "more stable".

There is, however, concern as winds are expected to pick up the pace later in the day, the Fire Brigade said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-evacuated-as-wildfire-reaches-turkeys-thermal-power-plant-402978">Hundreds evacuated as wildfire reaches Turkey's thermal power plant</a>

Part of a motorway linking Athens to the north of the country that had been shut down as a precaution was reopened Saturday.

In the northern Evia, where more than 1,300 people fled the fires on ferry boats Friday from the coastal village of Limni, another 23 were evacuated Saturday morning from a nearby beach at Rovies.&nbsp;

Navy warships are on high alert off the north of the island in case more evacuations are required.

Local officials, there have already called for more air support in the firefighting efforts warning for hundreds of homeless families.

Fanis Spanos told the Athens News Agency (ANA) that more than 300 families whose homes had been burned down were being sheltered in hotels.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-new-fire-breaks-out-in-thermal-power-plant-402921">Turkey: New fire breaks out in thermal power plant</a>

The situation remained dire in Mani, in the Peloponnese, where 5,000 people were evacuated on Friday.&nbsp;

Eleni Drakoulakou, the mayor of East Mani, told ERT TV on Saturday that half the town had been burnt, blaming a lack of water-dropping air support during the critical first hours of the wildfire.&nbsp;

ANA also reported that two people had been charged for arson.

In Athens, police arrested a woman in a park on Friday as she was carrying two lighters, petrol and flammable materials,&nbsp;a few minutes after a fire broke out there.

Authorities have banned visits to parks and forests through Greece.

A 43-year-old man was arrested in the area of Krioneri and charged with arson, according to ANA.

Hundreds of firefighters fought wildfires and flare-ups that have devoured record numbers of woodlands in Greece Saturday and left hundreds of families homeless, but heavy rains brought some respite to hard-hit Turkey.

Hundreds of firefighters fought wildfires and flare-ups that have devoured record numbers of woodlands in Greece Saturday and left hundreds of families homeless, but heavy rains brought some respite to hard-hit Turkey. More than 1,450 Greek firefighters backed by at least 15 aircraft were battling the fires, with reinforcements arriving from other countries, the fire service said. The blazes in Greece are set to continue, with strong winds and temperatures of up to 38 degrees C (100 F) forecast in some regions on Saturday. Also read | Dozen homes destroyed, five hospitalised in Greece forest fire This year's fires have been far more destructive than in previous years. In the last 10 days, 56,655 hectares (140,000 acres) have been burnt in Greece, according to the European Forest Fire Information System. The average number of hectares burnt over the same period between 2008 and 2020 was 1,700 hectares. "When this nightmarish summer ends we will reverse the damage as soon as possible," Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis pledged on Saturday. Rains help Turkey Greece and Turkey have been fighting devastating fires for more than a week as the region suffers its worst heatwave in decades. Officials and experts have linked such intense weather events to climate change. Also read | Greek firefighters battle to extinguish forest blaze So far, they have killed two people in Greece and eight in Turkey, with dozens more hospitalised there during 10 days of the blazes. A UN draft report seen by AFP labelled the Mediterranean region a "climate change hotspot", warning that heatwaves, droughts and fires would become more fierce in the future, supercharged by rising temperatures. But the weather gave Turkey some respite Saturday. Officials in the Turkish coastal city of Antalya said the blazes were under control in the southwestern province after rainfall there. And heavy rainfall was expected to continue until the afternoon in areas including Manavgat, one of the most affected by the fires. The situation remained serious however around the tourist hotspot of Mugla, where at least three neighbourhoods have been ordered to evacuate. Also read | Turkey and Greece reel from raging wildfires during heatwave There have been over 200 fires in 47 of Turkey's 81 provinces, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli tweeted early on Saturday. Thirteen fires continue in five provinces. Fears of more high winds Greek Civil Protection deputy minister, Nikos Hardalias said on Saturday that 55 blazes were raging across Greece. They were burning on Evia, the country's second-largest island, which lies east of the capital; in the Peloponnese region in the southwest; and Fthiotida in Central Greece. The fire front on Evia alone ran across 30 kilometres (18 miles) long, said Fanis Spanos, the regional governor of Central Greece, but in the Attica peninsula there the situation was "more stable". There is, however, concern as winds are expected to pick up the pace later in the day, the Fire Brigade said. Also read | Hundreds evacuated as wildfire reaches Turkey's thermal power plant Part of a motorway linking Athens to the north of the country that had been shut down as a precaution was reopened Saturday. In the northern Evia, where more than 1,300 people fled the fires on ferry boats Friday from the coastal village of Limni, another 23 were evacuated Saturday morning from a nearby beach at Rovies. Navy warships are on high alert off the north of the island in case more evacuations are required. Local officials, there have already called for more air support in the firefighting efforts warning for hundreds of homeless families. Fanis Spanos told the Athens News Agency (ANA) that more than 300 families whose homes had been burned down were being sheltered in hotels. Also read | Turkey: New fire breaks out in thermal power plant The situation remained dire in Mani, in the Peloponnese, where 5,000 people were evacuated on Friday. Eleni Drakoulakou, the mayor of East Mani, told ERT TV on Saturday that half the town had been burnt, blaming a lack of water-dropping air support during the critical first hours of the wildfire. ANA also reported that two people had been charged for arson. In Athens, police arrested a woman in a park on Friday as she was carrying two lighters, petrol and flammable materials, a few minutes after a fire broke out there. Authorities have banned visits to parks and forests through Greece. A 43-year-old man was arrested in the area of Krioneri and charged with arson, according to ANA.

Hundreds of families homeless as Greek fires rage, Turkey saved by the rain

A huge wildfire tearing through northern California became the third-largest in the state's history Friday, and looked set to continue growing.

A long-term drought that scientists say is driven by climate change has left the western United States parched&nbsp;and vulnerable to explosive and highly destructive fires.

The Dixie Fire, which this week razed the Gold Rush town of Greenville, has torched more than 1,700 square kilometers&nbsp;since it erupted in mid-July.&nbsp;

Plumas County Sheriff Todd Johns, who is helping to coordinate the fight against the fire, said the destruction was&nbsp;devastating.

"I am a lifelong resident of Greenville. My heart is crushed by what has occurred there," he told a briefing on Thursday.

"To the folks that have lost residences and businesses... their life is now forever changed.

"All I can tell you is: I'm sorry."

The town of Greenville stood charred and in ruins Friday, with timber structures gone completely and some stone buildings reduced to rubble.

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Johns said there were no injuries so far from the huge blaze, but stressed it was vital that people in the path of the fire heed evacuation warnings.

"This fire is not over. If that plume is anywhere near your direction... you need to prepare. Wherever the wind blows this fire, that's where it's going to go."

Gusting winds

More than 5,000 personnel are battling the blaze, which is sending enormous clouds of smoke into the air that are easily visible from space.

Incident managers said Friday they were expecting gusting winds would fan the blaze.

Those winds, coupled with steep terrain and an abundance of very dry vegetation, were fueling the flames and making the work of firefighters more difficult.

The Dixie Fire grew overnight by a fifth, to more than 430,000 acres, making it larger than the Bootleg Fire that has laid waste to a swathe of Oregon over the last month.

Thousands of square kilometers of the western United States have burned this year, an alarming result of the warming planet that has affected weather patterns.

By late July, the number of acres burned in California was up more than 250 percent from 2020, itself the worst year of wildfires in the state's modern history.

The Dixie Fire has evoked painful memories of the Paradise Fire, the deadliest blaze in California's recent history.

Faulty power lines sparked that inferno, which swept through the northern town of Paradise in 2018, killing 86 people. Pacific Gas and Electric, California's largest energy utility firm, was deemed responsible.

PG&amp;E equipment is again being blamed for the Dixie Fire, after a tree fell on a power conductor the day the blaze began.

The utility announced in late July it will bury 10,000 miles&nbsp; of power lines in a massive bid to prevent its equipment from igniting more deadly wildfires.

Greenville itself is no stranger to fire disasters. A catastrophic blaze destroyed much of the town in 1881, and several major infernos have threatened residents in the intervening 140 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A huge wildfire tearing through northern California became the third-largest in the state's history Friday, and looked set to continue growing. A long-term drought that scientists say is driven by climate change has left the western United States parched and vulnerable to explosive and highly destructive fires.

A huge wildfire tearing through northern California became the third-largest in the state's history Friday, and looked set to continue growing. A long-term drought that scientists say is driven by climate change has left the western United States parched and vulnerable to explosive and highly destructive fires. The Dixie Fire, which this week razed the Gold Rush town of Greenville, has torched more than 1,700 square kilometers since it erupted in mid-July. Plumas County Sheriff Todd Johns, who is helping to coordinate the fight against the fire, said the destruction was devastating. "I am a lifelong resident of Greenville. My heart is crushed by what has occurred there," he told a briefing on Thursday. "To the folks that have lost residences and businesses... their life is now forever changed. "All I can tell you is: I'm sorry." The town of Greenville stood charred and in ruins Friday, with timber structures gone completely and some stone buildings reduced to rubble. Also read | In search of COVID-19 origin, US intel agencies scour massive genetic data from Wuhan lab Johns said there were no injuries so far from the huge blaze, but stressed it was vital that people in the path of the fire heed evacuation warnings. "This fire is not over. If that plume is anywhere near your direction... you need to prepare. Wherever the wind blows this fire, that's where it's going to go." Gusting winds More than 5,000 personnel are battling the blaze, which is sending enormous clouds of smoke into the air that are easily visible from space. Incident managers said Friday they were expecting gusting winds would fan the blaze. Those winds, coupled with steep terrain and an abundance of very dry vegetation, were fueling the flames and making the work of firefighters more difficult. The Dixie Fire grew overnight by a fifth, to more than 430,000 acres, making it larger than the Bootleg Fire that has laid waste to a swathe of Oregon over the last month. Thousands of square kilometers of the western United States have burned this year, an alarming result of the warming planet that has affected weather patterns. By late July, the number of acres burned in California was up more than 250 percent from 2020, itself the worst year of wildfires in the state's modern history. The Dixie Fire has evoked painful memories of the Paradise Fire, the deadliest blaze in California's recent history. Faulty power lines sparked that inferno, which swept through the northern town of Paradise in 2018, killing 86 people. Pacific Gas and Electric, California's largest energy utility firm, was deemed responsible. PG&E equipment is again being blamed for the Dixie Fire, after a tree fell on a power conductor the day the blaze began. The utility announced in late July it will bury 10,000 miles of power lines in a massive bid to prevent its equipment from igniting more deadly wildfires. Greenville itself is no stranger to fire disasters. A catastrophic blaze destroyed much of the town in 1881, and several major infernos have threatened residents in the intervening 140 years.

Dixie fire becomes third-largest in California history

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In Pics | California's Dixie Fire explodes to 'megafire'

Around a dozen homes were destroyed and five people were hospitalised with breathing problems Saturday in a forest fire near Patras, Greece's third largest city, authorities said.

Some 145 firefighters, 50 trucks, eight firefighting planes and helicopters have been mobilised to extinguish the fire in the Zeria region in the Peloponnese, about 210 kilometres west of Athens, the firefighting service said.&nbsp;

The authorities evacuated people from five villages in the region as well as from the tourist resort of Loggos on the coast.

Around a dozen homes burned and five people experiencing breathing problems were transported to hospitals in the region, the civil protection authority said.

A motorway in the region was shut down as was the Rio-Antirrio bridge across the Gulf of Corinth connecting the Peloponnese and mainland Greece, the ANA news agency reported, but traffic resumed on &nbsp;Saturday evening.

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Hospitals in Patras and the neighbouring city of Aigio had been put on notice to admit any injured people, while the coastguard have been on standby to rescue any swimmers overcome by smoke.

According to the civil protection agency, 56 forest fires had broken out over the past 24 hours, although most were quickly brought under control.

Greece is hit by forest fires every summer, but experts have warned that global warming increases both their frequency and intensity.

The country has been in the grip of another heat wave since Friday, with temperatures hovering between 42 and 44 degrees Celsius,&nbsp;weather forecasters say.

Several days ago, a fire ravaged Mount Penteli, close to the capital Athens, but caused no casualties.

It was the same area where a fire in July 2018 went on to claim 102 lives in Greece's worst-ever toll from a forest inferno.

Around a dozen homes were destroyed and five people were hospitalised with breathing problems Saturday in a forest fire near Patras, Greece's third largest city, authorities said.

Around a dozen homes were destroyed and five people were hospitalised with breathing problems Saturday in a forest fire near Patras, Greece's third largest city, authorities said. Some 145 firefighters, 50 trucks, eight firefighting planes and helicopters have been mobilised to extinguish the fire in the Zeria region in the Peloponnese, about 210 kilometres west of Athens, the firefighting service said. The authorities evacuated people from five villages in the region as well as from the tourist resort of Loggos on the coast. Around a dozen homes burned and five people experiencing breathing problems were transported to hospitals in the region, the civil protection authority said. A motorway in the region was shut down as was the Rio-Antirrio bridge across the Gulf of Corinth connecting the Peloponnese and mainland Greece, the ANA news agency reported, but traffic resumed on Saturday evening. Also read | Greek FM Nikos Dendias says India, Greece, UAE to establish trilateral dialogue; hits out Turkey Hospitals in Patras and the neighbouring city of Aigio had been put on notice to admit any injured people, while the coastguard have been on standby to rescue any swimmers overcome by smoke. According to the civil protection agency, 56 forest fires had broken out over the past 24 hours, although most were quickly brought under control. Greece is hit by forest fires every summer, but experts have warned that global warming increases both their frequency and intensity. The country has been in the grip of another heat wave since Friday, with temperatures hovering between 42 and 44 degrees Celsius, weather forecasters say. Several days ago, a fire ravaged Mount Penteli, close to the capital Athens, but caused no casualties. It was the same area where a fire in July 2018 went on to claim 102 lives in Greece's worst-ever toll from a forest inferno.

Dozen homes destroyed, five hospitalised in Greece forest fire

Nearly 300 firefighters, two water bomber planes and five helicopters were battling Sunday to put out a forest fire in Greece&nbsp;that has so far destroyed around 20 homes and injured eight people, authorities said.

Five villages have been evacuated and eight people hospitalised with burns and respiratory problems since the fire broke out early Saturday near Patras,&nbsp;in the Peloponnese, about 210 kilometres&nbsp;west of Athens, the firefighting service said.&nbsp;

The mayor of nearby Aigialeias, Dimitris Kalogeropoulos, called it "an immense catastrophe".&nbsp;

"There has not yet been an official assessment of the damage, but around 10 houses in the area of Ziria have burnt down, as well as farming sheds and animals stables, which is a lot for the residents of the region who make their living from agriculture," he told the ANA news agency.

Aigialeias' town hall provided emergency accommodation on Saturday for people who had to flee their villages.

The local newspaper, Patrastimes, reported that around 30 houses, farming sheds and stables were consumed by flames in the villages of Ziria, Kamares, Achaias and Labiri.

"We slept outside overnight, terrified that we would not have a house when we woke up," a Labiri resident told Greek TV station Skai.

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The seaside resort of Loggos was also evacuated, with nearly 100 residents and tourists sent to the nearby city of Aigio.&nbsp;

'Situation is better'

Civil Protection Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis, who visited the scene to assess the damage on Sunday, said "the current situation is better than it was on Saturday".

"A hundred properties have been saved thanks to the firefighters' battle against the flames," he said. "We remain cautious and will support our citizens affected by this fire."

A motorway in the region was shut down as was the Rio-Antirrio bridge across the Gulf of Corinth connecting the Peloponnese and mainland Greece, ANA reported.&nbsp;

Hospitals in Patras and Aigio were put on notice to admit any injured people, while the coastguard has been on standby to rescue any swimmers overcome by smoke.

According to the civil protection agency, 58 forest fires have broken out over the past 24 hours, although most were quickly brought under control.

The EU's European Forest Fire Information System said that 13,511 hectares had been burnt as of Sunday.

Greece is hit by forest fires every summer, but experts have warned that global warming increases both their frequency and intensity.

The country has been in the grip of another heat wave since Friday, with temperatures hovering between 42 and 44 degrees Celsius, weather forecasters say.

Several days ago, a fire ravaged Mount Penteli, close to the capital Athens, but caused no casualties.

It was the same area where a fire began in July 2018 that went on to claim 102 lives in Greece's worst-ever toll from a forest inferno.

Nearly 300 firefighters, two water bomber planes and five helicopters were battling Sunday to put out a forest fire in Greece that has so far destroyed around 20 homes and injured eight people, authorities said.

Nearly 300 firefighters, two water bomber planes and five helicopters were battling Sunday to put out a forest fire in Greece that has so far destroyed around 20 homes and injured eight people, authorities said. Five villages have been evacuated and eight people hospitalised with burns and respiratory problems since the fire broke out early Saturday near Patras, in the Peloponnese, about 210 kilometres west of Athens, the firefighting service said. The mayor of nearby Aigialeias, Dimitris Kalogeropoulos, called it "an immense catastrophe". "There has not yet been an official assessment of the damage, but around 10 houses in the area of Ziria have burnt down, as well as farming sheds and animals stables, which is a lot for the residents of the region who make their living from agriculture," he told the ANA news agency. Aigialeias' town hall provided emergency accommodation on Saturday for people who had to flee their villages. The local newspaper, Patrastimes, reported that around 30 houses, farming sheds and stables were consumed by flames in the villages of Ziria, Kamares, Achaias and Labiri. "We slept outside overnight, terrified that we would not have a house when we woke up," a Labiri resident told Greek TV station Skai. Also read | Greek FM Nikos Dendias says India, Greece, UAE to establish trilateral dialogue; hits out Turkey The seaside resort of Loggos was also evacuated, with nearly 100 residents and tourists sent to the nearby city of Aigio. 'Situation is better' Civil Protection Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis, who visited the scene to assess the damage on Sunday, said "the current situation is better than it was on Saturday". "A hundred properties have been saved thanks to the firefighters' battle against the flames," he said. "We remain cautious and will support our citizens affected by this fire." A motorway in the region was shut down as was the Rio-Antirrio bridge across the Gulf of Corinth connecting the Peloponnese and mainland Greece, ANA reported. Hospitals in Patras and Aigio were put on notice to admit any injured people, while the coastguard has been on standby to rescue any swimmers overcome by smoke. According to the civil protection agency, 58 forest fires have broken out over the past 24 hours, although most were quickly brought under control. The EU's European Forest Fire Information System said that 13,511 hectares had been burnt as of Sunday. Greece is hit by forest fires every summer, but experts have warned that global warming increases both their frequency and intensity. The country has been in the grip of another heat wave since Friday, with temperatures hovering between 42 and 44 degrees Celsius, weather forecasters say. Several days ago, a fire ravaged Mount Penteli, close to the capital Athens, but caused no casualties. It was the same area where a fire began in July 2018 that went on to claim 102 lives in Greece's worst-ever toll from a forest inferno.

Greek firefighters battle to extinguish forest blaze

Four people were reported dead Thursday and more than 180 injured as thousands of firefighters battled huge blazes spreading across the Mediterranean resort regions of Turkey's southern coast.

Officials also launched an investigation into suspicions the fires that broke out Wednesday in four locations to the east of the tourist hotspot Antalya were the result of arson.

Turkey's disaster and emergencies office said three people were killed -- including an 82-year-old who lived alone.

The NTV channel later said a 25-year-old man died in Marmaris while trying to bring aid.

The fires first emerged across a sparsely populated region about 75 kilometres (45 miles) east of Antalya -- a resort especially popular with Russian and other eastern European tourists.

But they were creeping closer Thursday to sandy beaches dotted with hotels and resorts.

Images on social media and Turkish TV showed residents jumping out of their cars and running for their lives through smoke-filled streets lit up by orange flames.

The heavy clouds of smoke turned the sky dark orange over a beachfront hotel complex in the town of Manavgat.

At least 183 people were hospitalised.

Agriculture Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said a hotel was also being evacuated near the tourist city of Bodrum -- some 300 kilometres west of Antalya -- as new fires broke out across the southern coast.

Full mobilisation

The fires were raging with temperatures approaching 40 degrees&nbsp;Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and wind gusts of 50 kilometres (30 miles) an hour.

But Antalya mayor Muhittin Bocek said he suspected foul play because the fires started in four locations at once.

"This suggests an arson attack, but we do not have clear information about that at this stage," Bocek said.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said an investigation had already been launched.

The Russian embassy said Moscow had sent three giant firefighting aircraft to dump fire retardant on the burning forests to contain the flames.

Greece's foreign minister Nikos Dendias told his Turkish counterpart that Greece, whose ties with its neighbour are tense, was "ready to help if needed," the Turkish ministry said.

Azerbaijan also offered help.

More than 4,000 Turkish firefighters had been dispatched across the region to help contain the damage and search for people needing help.

They rescued 10 people on Thursday who were stranded on a boat in a lake that was surrounded by burning forest.

"All of the state's means have been mobilised," Environment Minister Murat Kurum said. "All our teams are in the field."

Four people were reported dead Thursday and more than 180 injured as thousands of firefighters battled huge blazes spreading across the Mediterranean resort regions of Turkey's southern coast.

Four people were reported dead Thursday and more than 180 injured as thousands of firefighters battled huge blazes spreading across the Mediterranean resort regions of Turkey's southern coast. Officials also launched an investigation into suspicions the fires that broke out Wednesday in four locations to the east of the tourist hotspot Antalya were the result of arson. Turkey's disaster and emergencies office said three people were killed -- including an 82-year-old who lived alone. The NTV channel later said a 25-year-old man died in Marmaris while trying to bring aid. The fires first emerged across a sparsely populated region about 75 kilometres (45 miles) east of Antalya -- a resort especially popular with Russian and other eastern European tourists. But they were creeping closer Thursday to sandy beaches dotted with hotels and resorts. Images on social media and Turkish TV showed residents jumping out of their cars and running for their lives through smoke-filled streets lit up by orange flames. The heavy clouds of smoke turned the sky dark orange over a beachfront hotel complex in the town of Manavgat. At least 183 people were hospitalised. Agriculture Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said a hotel was also being evacuated near the tourist city of Bodrum -- some 300 kilometres west of Antalya -- as new fires broke out across the southern coast. Full mobilisation The fires were raging with temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and wind gusts of 50 kilometres (30 miles) an hour. But Antalya mayor Muhittin Bocek said he suspected foul play because the fires started in four locations at once. "This suggests an arson attack, but we do not have clear information about that at this stage," Bocek said. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said an investigation had already been launched. The Russian embassy said Moscow had sent three giant firefighting aircraft to dump fire retardant on the burning forests to contain the flames. Greece's foreign minister Nikos Dendias told his Turkish counterpart that Greece, whose ties with its neighbour are tense, was "ready to help if needed," the Turkish ministry said. Azerbaijan also offered help. More than 4,000 Turkish firefighters had been dispatched across the region to help contain the damage and search for people needing help. They rescued 10 people on Thursday who were stranded on a boat in a lake that was surrounded by burning forest. "All of the state's means have been mobilised," Environment Minister Murat Kurum said. "All our teams are in the field."

Forest fires rage near Turkish resorts, killing four

In Pics | Forest fire ravages through area near Athens

Thousands of residents fled blazes in western Canada on Wednesday with several hundred soldiers scheduled to deploy to fight this year's virulent and early fires, which are wreaking havoc across portions of western North America.

"I have a holiday trailer that is my new home," said Margo Wagner, head of a district in the western province of British Columbia, who has found herself among the evacuees.

The fire marks the second time in four years that her home in the province's central Canim Lake rural area has been threatened by a blaze.

South of the border, a number of communities in the United States are being threatened by wildfires, creating conditions so extreme that the blazes have generated their own weather, according to experts.

Nearly 80 huge fires are currently ravaging hundreds of thousands of acres (hectares) in California, Oregon, Montana and Nevada.

The largest among these is still the Bootleg Fire in Oregon, which has burned through a section of land the same size as the city of Los Angeles, in just two weeks.

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"The fire got so big and it creates so much energy that it started to create its own weather," Marcus Kauffman, a specialist with the Oregon Department of Forestry, told AFP, adding that the blaze "feeds on itself" and has even been making its own lightning.

Firefighters' work over the past two weeks "has undoubtedly protected hundreds of homes and we remain vigilant to the task at hand," said Ian Yocum of the Oregon State Fire Marshal.

In neighboring California, several towns were evacuated as they faced rising flames from the Dixie Fire, a conflagration that may have been caused by a tree falling on Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&amp;E) lines.

Last year the company pleaded guilty to manslaughter and causing a fire that devastated the nearby town of Paradise, California in 2018, due to faulty lines.

On Wednesday, it announced its intention to bury thousands of miles (kilometers) of power lines, starting with those located in areas prone to fires.

'Absolutely' scary

Back in Canada, British Columbia declared a state of emergency on Monday, with more than 5,700 people under an evacuation order.

"We did it in 2017 and we will do it again in 2021. Is it stressful? Is it scary? Absolutely it is," Wagner said.

Other neighboring areas are preparing for the worst since weather conditions -- particularly wind and heat -- are not expected to give the more than 3,000 firefighters already battling the blazes a break anytime soon.

"I have been living here in Ashcroft for almost 25 years now and I have never seen anything like this before," said Mayor Barbara Roden, whose municipality in the center of the province has been on high alert since July 14.

"The most frightening thing in a lot of ways is that we're all looking at the calendar and this is only half way through July," she said.

Climate change amplifies droughts which dry out regions, creating ideal conditions for wildfires.

The Canadian armed forces are preparing to deploy 350 additional troops to British Columbia and 120 to Manitoba, a central province also struggling with large fire outbreaks, according to the Canadian Joint Operations Command.

In Ontario, some 75 military personnel are helping firefighters.

Thousands of residents fled blazes in western Canada on Wednesday with several hundred soldiers scheduled to deploy to fight this year's virulent and early fires, which are wreaking havoc across portions of western North America.

Thousands of residents fled blazes in western Canada on Wednesday with several hundred soldiers scheduled to deploy to fight this year's virulent and early fires, which are wreaking havoc across portions of western North America. "I have a holiday trailer that is my new home," said Margo Wagner, head of a district in the western province of British Columbia, who has found herself among the evacuees. The fire marks the second time in four years that her home in the province's central Canim Lake rural area has been threatened by a blaze. South of the border, a number of communities in the United States are being threatened by wildfires, creating conditions so extreme that the blazes have generated their own weather, according to experts. Nearly 80 huge fires are currently ravaging hundreds of thousands of acres (hectares) in California, Oregon, Montana and Nevada. The largest among these is still the Bootleg Fire in Oregon, which has burned through a section of land the same size as the city of Los Angeles, in just two weeks. Also read | To cheer up children, window cleaners become ‘superheroes’ in Canada "The fire got so big and it creates so much energy that it started to create its own weather," Marcus Kauffman, a specialist with the Oregon Department of Forestry, told AFP, adding that the blaze "feeds on itself" and has even been making its own lightning. Firefighters' work over the past two weeks "has undoubtedly protected hundreds of homes and we remain vigilant to the task at hand," said Ian Yocum of the Oregon State Fire Marshal. In neighboring California, several towns were evacuated as they faced rising flames from the Dixie Fire, a conflagration that may have been caused by a tree falling on Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) lines. Last year the company pleaded guilty to manslaughter and causing a fire that devastated the nearby town of Paradise, California in 2018, due to faulty lines. On Wednesday, it announced its intention to bury thousands of miles (kilometers) of power lines, starting with those located in areas prone to fires. 'Absolutely' scary Back in Canada, British Columbia declared a state of emergency on Monday, with more than 5,700 people under an evacuation order. "We did it in 2017 and we will do it again in 2021. Is it stressful? Is it scary? Absolutely it is," Wagner said. Other neighboring areas are preparing for the worst since weather conditions -- particularly wind and heat -- are not expected to give the more than 3,000 firefighters already battling the blazes a break anytime soon. "I have been living here in Ashcroft for almost 25 years now and I have never seen anything like this before," said Mayor Barbara Roden, whose municipality in the center of the province has been on high alert since July 14. "The most frightening thing in a lot of ways is that we're all looking at the calendar and this is only half way through July," she said. Climate change amplifies droughts which dry out regions, creating ideal conditions for wildfires. The Canadian armed forces are preparing to deploy 350 additional troops to British Columbia and 120 to Manitoba, a central province also struggling with large fire outbreaks, according to the Canadian Joint Operations Command. In Ontario, some 75 military personnel are helping firefighters.

More residents flee as fires ravage western Canada

The Western United States is battling multiple wildfires and record-breaking heat for the past few days. At least 70 large wildfires burning across the drought-hit western US have engulfed more than one million acres in flames.

Firefighters battle at least 70 wildfires burning across Western US

General Motors has urged owners of 2017-2019 Bolt EVs that were part of a recent recall not to park their vehicles inside or charge them unattended overnight after two of the vehicles caught fire.

World Business Watch: GM warns some Bolt EV owners to park outside because of fire risks

At least 52 people died and 22 have been wounded when a massive fire engulfed the coronavirus isolation ward of the Al-Hussein hospital in the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah. The fire broke has been brought under control by local civil defence forces.

Iraq: 52 dead, 22 injured in a massive fire at Al-Hussein hospital in Nasiriyah

The owner of the Bangladesh factory, the fire at which killed 52 people was arrested and charged with murder on Saturday. Seven others have been arrested. It has now emerged that children as young as 11 had been working there.

The fire at the factory broke out on Thursday and raged for more than a day. A separate inquiry into the use of child labour has been launched.

Jayedul Alam, police chief for Narayanganj district where the factory is located, said the entrance had been padlocked at the time of the blaze and the factory breached multiple safety regulations.

"It was a deliberate murder," the police chief told AFP. All eight people detained face murder charges.

Before his arrest, Hashem told the Daily Star newspaper the fire "may have been a result of workers' carelessness", suggesting a discarded cigarette could have sparked the carnage.

Emergency services found 48 of the bodies on third floor of Hashem Food an Beverage factory outside Dhaka

The fire department said the exit door to the main staircase had been padlocked and highly flammable chemicals and plastics had been stored in the building.

Monnujan Sufian, state minister for labour, said inquiries had begun into the use of child workers at the factory.

(With inputs from agencies)

The owner of the Bangladesh factory, the fire at which killed 52 people was arrested and charged with murder on Saturday. Seven others have been arrested. It has now emerged that children as young as 11 had been working there.

The owner of the Bangladesh factory, the fire at which killed 52 people was arrested and charged with murder on Saturday. Seven others have been arrested. It has now emerged that children as young as 11 had been working there. The fire at the factory broke out on Thursday and raged for more than a day. A separate inquiry into the use of child labour has been launched. Jayedul Alam, police chief for Narayanganj district where the factory is located, said the entrance had been padlocked at the time of the blaze and the factory breached multiple safety regulations. "It was a deliberate murder," the police chief told AFP. All eight people detained face murder charges. Before his arrest, Hashem told the Daily Star newspaper the fire "may have been a result of workers' carelessness", suggesting a discarded cigarette could have sparked the carnage. Emergency services found 48 of the bodies on third floor of Hashem Food an Beverage factory outside Dhaka The fire department said the exit door to the main staircase had been padlocked and highly flammable chemicals and plastics had been stored in the building. Monnujan Sufian, state minister for labour, said inquiries had begun into the use of child workers at the factory. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh factory fire: Owner charged with murder

At least 43 have been killed, 20 others injured and many are feared trapped after a massive fire raged through a factory in&nbsp;Bangladesh, officials said on Friday.

The cause of the fire, which originated at a ground floor of a multi-storey building of the juice factory on Thursday night in Narayanganj, 20 km (12 miles) from Dhaka, was not immediately known.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-bangladesh-sees-record-201-single-day-fatalities-396814">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: Bangladesh sees record 201 single-day fatalities</a>

"It is not clear how many workers are trapped. We are gathering information," Mustain Billah, the Narayanganj district administrator, told Reuters from the scene.

Two people died at the scene and a third in hospital, he added, with 20 people injured.

All of those were hurt as they jumped off the second floor and third floor of the building, Shah Alam, a fire service official said.

Such accidents in factories, many of which operate illegally and without proper fire safety measures, are common in&nbsp;Bangladesh.

At least 43 have been killed, 20 others injured and many are feared trapped after a massive fire raged through a factory in Bangladesh, officials said on Friday.

At least 43 have been killed, 20 others injured and many are feared trapped after a massive fire raged through a factory in Bangladesh, officials said on Friday. The cause of the fire, which originated at a ground floor of a multi-storey building of the juice factory on Thursday night in Narayanganj, 20 km (12 miles) from Dhaka, was not immediately known. Also read | COVID-19: Bangladesh sees record 201 single-day fatalities "It is not clear how many workers are trapped. We are gathering information," Mustain Billah, the Narayanganj district administrator, told Reuters from the scene. Two people died at the scene and a third in hospital, he added, with 20 people injured. All of those were hurt as they jumped off the second floor and third floor of the building, Shah Alam, a fire service official said. Such accidents in factories, many of which operate illegally and without proper fire safety measures, are common in Bangladesh.

Fire at Bangladesh juice factory kills at least 43, many feared trapped

In Pics | Deadly forest fire in Cyprus finally brought under control

The European Union on Saturday deployed aerial assistance to help&nbsp;Cyprus&nbsp;contain a huge forest fire raging north of the cities of Limassol and Larnaca, a blaze one official called the worst on record.

The blaze, fanned by strong winds, affected at least six communities in the foothills of the Troodos mountain range, an area of pine forest and densely vegetated shrubland.

The EU's executive, the European Commission, said fire-fighting planes had departed from Greece to battle the fire and Italy was also planning to deploy aerial fire-fighters.

The EU's emergency Copernicus satellite was also activated to provide damage assessment maps of the affected areas, the Commission said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippine-military-plane-carrying-85-people-crashes-40-rescued-395665">Also read |&nbsp;Philippine military plane carrying 85 people crashes; 40 rescued</a>

"It is the worst forest fire in the history of&nbsp;Cyprus," Forestries Department Director Charalambos Alexandrou told&nbsp;Cyprus's Omega TV.

Attempts were being made to prevent the blaze from crossing the mountains and stop it before reaching Machairas, a pine forestland and one of the highest peaks in&nbsp;Cyprus.

Alexandrou said the perimeter of the fire was "at least 40 kilometres".

Dozens of properties were damaged, but no injuries were reported. There were widespread power cuts in the area. Plumes of smoke were visible in the capital Nicosia, some 75 km (45 miles) away.

Officials said that in addition to Greece's assistance with two aircraft, help was also expected from Israel.

"This is a very difficult day for&nbsp;Cyprus. All of the state's mechanisms are in gear, and the priority is for no loss of life," Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades tweeted.

Israel accepted Nicosia's plea for help, a statement from Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said, and will send firefighting aircraft to&nbsp;Cyprus&nbsp;on Sunday.

The cause of the fire, which started around midday, was unclear.&nbsp;Cyprus&nbsp;has experienced a heatwave this week, with temperatures exceeding 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). Police said they were questioning a 67 year old person in connection with the blaze.

"It passed through like a whirlwind, it destroyed everything," said Vassos Vassiliou, the community leader of Arakapas, one of the communities affected.

The European Union on Saturday deployed aerial assistance to help Cyprus contain a huge forest fire raging north of the cities of Limassol and Larnaca, a blaze one official called the worst on record.

The European Union on Saturday deployed aerial assistance to help Cyprus contain a huge forest fire raging north of the cities of Limassol and Larnaca, a blaze one official called the worst on record. The blaze, fanned by strong winds, affected at least six communities in the foothills of the Troodos mountain range, an area of pine forest and densely vegetated shrubland. The EU's executive, the European Commission, said fire-fighting planes had departed from Greece to battle the fire and Italy was also planning to deploy aerial fire-fighters. The EU's emergency Copernicus satellite was also activated to provide damage assessment maps of the affected areas, the Commission said in a statement. Also read | Philippine military plane carrying 85 people crashes; 40 rescued "It is the worst forest fire in the history of Cyprus," Forestries Department Director Charalambos Alexandrou told Cyprus's Omega TV. Attempts were being made to prevent the blaze from crossing the mountains and stop it before reaching Machairas, a pine forestland and one of the highest peaks in Cyprus. Alexandrou said the perimeter of the fire was "at least 40 kilometres". Dozens of properties were damaged, but no injuries were reported. There were widespread power cuts in the area. Plumes of smoke were visible in the capital Nicosia, some 75 km (45 miles) away. Officials said that in addition to Greece's assistance with two aircraft, help was also expected from Israel. "This is a very difficult day for Cyprus. All of the state's mechanisms are in gear, and the priority is for no loss of life," Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades tweeted. Israel accepted Nicosia's plea for help, a statement from Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said, and will send firefighting aircraft to Cyprus on Sunday. The cause of the fire, which started around midday, was unclear. Cyprus has experienced a heatwave this week, with temperatures exceeding 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). Police said they were questioning a 67 year old person in connection with the blaze. "It passed through like a whirlwind, it destroyed everything," said Vassos Vassiliou, the community leader of Arakapas, one of the communities affected.

EU deploys assistance for Cyprus as huge forest fire rages

Since the pandemic began, we have seen things that we never thought would be possible. From the world shutting down completely to a large vessel getting stuck in Suez Canal, the years 2020 and 2021 have been years of first.<o:p></o:p>

Another devastating addition to this list of firsts is a massive fire in the Gulf of Mexico.<o:p></o:p>

On Friday, a fire broke out in the southern waters of the Gulf of Mexico as an underwater pipeline leaked and set the ocean on fire.

<o:p></o:p>

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Various video and photo footages of the tragedy show bright orange-yellow flames bursting from the water, that replicates scenes from various end-pf-the-world movies. <o:p></o:p>

An oil pipeline connected to Pemex’s Ku-Maloob-Zaap offshore platform complex ruptured leading to a massive fire that resembled molten lava and formed a literal 'eye of fire' in the Gulf of Mexico.<o:p></o:p>

"The incident was dealt with immediately when the security protocols were activated and with the accompaniment of nearby fire fighting vessels such as Santa Cruz Island, Campeche Bay and Bourbon Alienor," a statement by the company read.

<o:p>While the incident stressed on the dangers such pipelines carry, Twitter could not believe that such an incident was even possible in real life, and compared it to reel-life scenes.</o:p>

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waiting for godzilla to pop out the Gulf of Mexico <a href="https://t.co/8ipS3XOtge">pic.twitter.com/8ipS3XOtge</a>
— ً (@_akaCJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/_akaCJ/status/1411128237078556675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Me when I check why Gulf of Mexico. Godzilla and Cthulhu are trending <a href="https://t.co/4QgWglpCE4">pic.twitter.com/4QgWglpCE4</a>
— cesar (@jebaiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/jebaiting/status/1411123035810058242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Hey maybe when the Gulf of Mexico is ablaze in a fiery hellscape, it might be time to drop fossil fuels and take climate change seriously.<a href="https://t.co/rJyx7H8Tht">pic.twitter.com/rJyx7H8Tht</a>
— Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen) <a href="https://twitter.com/briantylercohen/status/1411109360151928833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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this is what started the fire in the Gulf of Mexico <a href="https://t.co/YjVzGmkurC">pic.twitter.com/YjVzGmkurC</a>
— anthony✈️ (@happyjetsfan_) <a href="https://twitter.com/happyjetsfan_/status/1411106678834176001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Gulf of Mexico is on fire. No, it’s not a kaiju rupture, an oil pipeline broke and exploded <a href="https://t.co/mOeqHpabIg">pic.twitter.com/mOeqHpabIg</a>
— Nuice Media (@nuicemedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/nuicemedia/status/1411158689277300738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://t.co/dm60RsRlUX">pic.twitter.com/dm60RsRlUX</a>
— The Frogman (@thefrogfeed) <a href="https://twitter.com/thefrogfeed/status/1411079912719536132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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When Alka Yagnik sang "Paani mein aag lagaayi" I thought it was not possible. But here we are <a href="https://t.co/xD29le3MqP">https://t.co/xD29le3MqP</a>
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) <a href="https://twitter.com/sagarcasm/status/1411203740619608068?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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As soon as the incident was reported, three boats were put to the mission of extinguishing the fire. However, one small boat, that was trying to extinguish the flames from a distance, has caught everyone’s attention and has become the centre of memes. <o:p></o:p>

Check out how Twitter reacted to it:

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There's only one way to put out that oil fire <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GulfofMexico?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GulfofMexico</a> <a href="https://t.co/AKF5BEYf0E">pic.twitter.com/AKF5BEYf0E</a>
— pauly casillas (@PaulyPeligroso) <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulyPeligroso/status/1411157935116357638?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A picture speaks a thousand words! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GulfofMexico?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GulfofMexico</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClimateEmergency?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClimateEmergency</a> <a href="https://t.co/VAkddLZauM">pic.twitter.com/VAkddLZauM</a>
— Fahad Rehman (@FahadRehmanFSP) <a href="https://twitter.com/FahadRehmanFSP/status/1411359943018434573?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Maybe we can phase out this stuff by uh.....2050 <a href="https://t.co/iU9bdPYuDa">pic.twitter.com/iU9bdPYuDa</a>
— jordan (@JordanUhl) <a href="https://twitter.com/JordanUhl/status/1411090272805662720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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And what is this one doing? <a href="https://t.co/wgtmY1ifyp">pic.twitter.com/wgtmY1ifyp</a>
— Bla B (@bmusonza) <a href="https://twitter.com/bmusonza/status/1411077378332364802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://t.co/3YPGkW3pYK">pic.twitter.com/3YPGkW3pYK</a>
— Misifú (@menganita79) <a href="https://twitter.com/menganita79/status/1411088251557978114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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new meme template <a href="https://t.co/USB4P5X6Pu">https://t.co/USB4P5X6Pu</a> <a href="https://t.co/jZbteMUgCb">pic.twitter.com/jZbteMUgCb</a>
— danné🇲🇾 (@farisofarr) <a href="https://twitter.com/farisofarr/status/1411128270678945799?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://t.co/a9NBdFfbg2">pic.twitter.com/a9NBdFfbg2</a>
— #FreeJulianAssange (@OfficialMetaMC) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialMetaMC/status/1411086944625328128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<h5>&nbsp;</h5>

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Like when your kid thinks he's halping in the kitchen <a href="https://t.co/1eXm6FzasG">pic.twitter.com/1eXm6FzasG</a>
— Charlie (@chthomas) <a href="https://twitter.com/chthomas/status/1411101683636064258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=&lt;blockquote class=twitter-tweet&gt;&lt;p lang=en dir=ltr&gt;Like when your kid thinks he's halping in the kitchen &lt;a data-cke-saved-href=https://t.co/1eXm6FzasG href=https://t.co/1eXm6FzasG&gt;pic.twitter.com/1eXm6FzasG&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Charlie (@chthomas) &lt;a data-cke-saved-href=https://twitter.com/chthomas/status/1411101683636064258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw href=https://twitter.com/chthomas/status/1411101683636064258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&gt;July 2, 2021&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; <script async src=https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js charset=utf-8></script>" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
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Since the pandemic began, we have seen things that we never thought would be possible. From the world shutting down completely to a large vessel getting stuck in Suez Canal, the years 2020 and 2021 have been years of first.

Since the pandemic began, we have seen things that we never thought would be possible. From the world shutting down completely to a large vessel getting stuck in Suez Canal, the years 2020 and 2021 have been years of first. Another devastating addition to this list of firsts is a massive fire in the Gulf of Mexico. On Friday, a fire broke out in the southern waters of the Gulf of Mexico as an underwater pipeline leaked and set the ocean on fire. pic.twitter.com/mqj4UCz40j — alan (@rootScythe) July 2, 2021 × Various video and photo footages of the tragedy show bright orange-yellow flames bursting from the water, that replicates scenes from various end-pf-the-world movies. An oil pipeline connected to Pemex’s Ku-Maloob-Zaap offshore platform complex ruptured leading to a massive fire that resembled molten lava and formed a literal 'eye of fire' in the Gulf of Mexico. "The incident was dealt with immediately when the security protocols were activated and with the accompaniment of nearby fire fighting vessels such as Santa Cruz Island, Campeche Bay and Bourbon Alienor," a statement by the company read. While the incident stressed on the dangers such pipelines carry, Twitter could not believe that such an incident was even possible in real life, and compared it to reel-life scenes. waiting for godzilla to pop out the Gulf of Mexico pic.twitter.com/8ipS3XOtge — ً (@_akaCJ) July 3, 2021 × Me when I check why Gulf of Mexico. Godzilla and Cthulhu are trending pic.twitter.com/4QgWglpCE4 — cesar (@jebaiting) July 3, 2021 × Hey maybe when the Gulf of Mexico is ablaze in a fiery hellscape, it might be time to drop fossil fuels and take climate change seriously.pic.twitter.com/rJyx7H8Tht — Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen) July 2, 2021 × this is what started the fire in the Gulf of Mexico pic.twitter.com/YjVzGmkurC — anthony✈️ (@happyjetsfan_) July 2, 2021 × The Gulf of Mexico is on fire. No, it’s not a kaiju rupture, an oil pipeline broke and exploded pic.twitter.com/mOeqHpabIg — Nuice Media (@nuicemedia) July 3, 2021 × pic.twitter.com/dm60RsRlUX — The Frogman (@thefrogfeed) July 2, 2021 × When Alka Yagnik sang "Paani mein aag lagaayi" I thought it was not possible. But here we are https://t.co/xD29le3MqP — Sagar (@sagarcasm) July 3, 2021 × As soon as the incident was reported, three boats were put to the mission of extinguishing the fire. However, one small boat, that was trying to extinguish the flames from a distance, has caught everyone’s attention and has become the centre of memes. Check out how Twitter reacted to it: There's only one way to put out that oil fire #GulfofMexico pic.twitter.com/AKF5BEYf0E — pauly casillas (@PaulyPeligroso) July 3, 2021 × A picture speaks a thousand words! #GulfofMexico #ClimateEmergency pic.twitter.com/VAkddLZauM — Fahad Rehman (@FahadRehmanFSP) July 3, 2021 × Maybe we can phase out this stuff by uh.....2050 pic.twitter.com/iU9bdPYuDa — jordan (@JordanUhl) July 2, 2021 × And what is this one doing? pic.twitter.com/wgtmY1ifyp — Bla B (@bmusonza) July 2, 2021 × pic.twitter.com/3YPGkW3pYK — Misifú (@menganita79) July 2, 2021 × new meme template https://t.co/USB4P5X6Pu pic.twitter.com/jZbteMUgCb — danné🇲🇾 (@farisofarr) July 3, 2021 × pic.twitter.com/a9NBdFfbg2 — #FreeJulianAssange (@OfficialMetaMC) July 2, 2021 × Like when your kid thinks he's halping in the kitchen pic.twitter.com/1eXm6FzasG — Charlie (@chthomas) July 2, 2021 ×

Watch: Ocean caught on fire as oil pipeline ruptures in Gulf of Mexico; Twitter reacts

A Palestinian man was killed by Israeli gunfire in the West Bank on Saturday, July 3, in an incident Israel's army described as a "violent confrontation" between Palestinians and Jewish settlers.

The statement by Israeli army did not confirm the fatality. However, it said that the troops had fired at a suspect who threw "a suspicious object that exploded on the soldiers", amid the unrest.&nbsp;

As per the Palestinian health ministry, Mohammad Fareed Hasan, who was in his 20s, was killed in his village of Qusra near the city Nablus by Israeli gunfire, while two others were wounded.

"Hasan was standing on the rooftop of his home when he was shot dead," said a report on the official Wafa news agency.&nbsp; 
Israel's army said, "a violent confrontation between tens of Palestinians and Israeli settlers developed adjacent to the village of

Qusra, south of Nablus, during which both sides hurled rocks at each other.&nbsp;

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"Troops who were present at the scene operated to distance both sides from the area using riot dispersal means.

"During the activity, a suspect was identified throwing a suspicious object that exploded on the soldiers, who responded by firing at the threat," the statement added.&nbsp;

Eleven days of deadly fighting between Israel and Gaza's Hamas Islamist rulers, as well as other Palestinian armed groups based in the enclave, ended on May 21 with a ceasefire declaration. There was no immediate indication as to which Gaza-based group was responsible for the balloon launch.&nbsp;

The conflict has killed 260 Palestinians including some fighters, according to Gaza authorities. In Israel, 13 people were killed, including a soldier, by rockets fired from Gaza, the police and army said.

Israel has maintained a crippling blockade on Gaza since 2007. This is the year Hamas took power, which the Jewish state says is necessary to contain armed groups in the enclave.&nbsp;

A Palestinian man was killed by Israeli gunfire in the West Bank on Saturday, July 3, in an incident Israel's army described as a "violent confrontation" between Palestinians and Jewish settlers.

A Palestinian man was killed by Israeli gunfire in the West Bank on Saturday, July 3, in an incident Israel's army described as a "violent confrontation" between Palestinians and Jewish settlers. The statement by Israeli army did not confirm the fatality. However, it said that the troops had fired at a suspect who threw "a suspicious object that exploded on the soldiers", amid the unrest. As per the Palestinian health ministry, Mohammad Fareed Hasan, who was in his 20s, was killed in his village of Qusra near the city Nablus by Israeli gunfire, while two others were wounded. "Hasan was standing on the rooftop of his home when he was shot dead," said a report on the official Wafa news agency. Israel's army said, "a violent confrontation between tens of Palestinians and Israeli settlers developed adjacent to the village of Qusra, south of Nablus, during which both sides hurled rocks at each other. Also Read | Israel strikes Gaza after incendiary balloon launch "Troops who were present at the scene operated to distance both sides from the area using riot dispersal means. "During the activity, a suspect was identified throwing a suspicious object that exploded on the soldiers, who responded by firing at the threat," the statement added. Eleven days of deadly fighting between Israel and Gaza's Hamas Islamist rulers, as well as other Palestinian armed groups based in the enclave, ended on May 21 with a ceasefire declaration. There was no immediate indication as to which Gaza-based group was responsible for the balloon launch. The conflict has killed 260 Palestinians including some fighters, according to Gaza authorities. In Israel, 13 people were killed, including a soldier, by rockets fired from Gaza, the police and army said. Israel has maintained a crippling blockade on Gaza since 2007. This is the year Hamas took power, which the Jewish state says is necessary to contain armed groups in the enclave.

Israeli fire kills Palestinian man in West Bank unrest

Ottawa prepared Friday to send military aircraft and other help to evacuate towns and fight more than 100 wildfires in western Canada fueled by a record-smashing heatwave.

According to wildfire officials, at least 152 fires were active in British Columbia, 89 of them sparked in the last two days. Most were caused by lightning strikes.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met in the afternoon with an incident response group that included several ministers. He said he had already spoken with British Columbia's premier, as well as local mayors and indigenous chiefs in communities under threat.

"We will be there to help," he told a news conference.

The response group decided to set up an operations centre in Edmonton to "provide support across the region as needed," said Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan.

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He also said that armed forces will be positioned across the region to provide logistical assistance "if requested." The military resources would include military helicopters and possibly Hercules turboprop transport planes.

"The dry conditions and the extreme heat in British Columbia are unprecedented," said Public Safety Minister Bill Blair. "These wildfires show that we are in the earliest stages of what promises to be a long and challenging summer."

Roughly 1,000 people have already fled the wildfires in British Columbia, and authorities are searching for many who have gone missing.

The village of Lytton, 250 kilometers (155 miles) northeast of Vancouver, was evacuated Wednesday night because of a fire that flared up suddenly and spread quickly.

The fire came a day after the village set a Canadian record-high temperature on Tuesday of 49.6 degrees Celsius (121 degrees Fahrenheit).

'Unprecedented' deaths

Late Friday, the British Columbia province medical examiner's office said there had been 719 deaths in the past week, an "unprecedented number." This provisional death toll is "three times more" than the average number of deaths recorded over this period under normal circumstances.

"It is believed likely the extreme weather BC has experienced in the past week is a significant contributing factor to the increased number of deaths," Lisa Lapointe, the province's chief coroner, said in a statement.

Lytton resident Jeff Chapman told the CBC he witnessed his parents die in the fire that engulfed the town.

With only minutes to react, the elderly couple sought shelter from the smoke and flames in a trench in their backyard, as Chapman ran for safety at nearby rail tracks.

From that vantage, he said he saw the fires sweep across and destroy most of the town.

His distressed voice could be heard pleading for help over the crackling flames in a video on CBC. The ground, he said, was too hot to go back for his parents.

"Today our thoughts are mostly with families that are grieving, that are facing terrible loss," said Trudeau during his press conference.

"But of course, we also have to reflect on the fact that extreme weather events are getting more frequent and climate change has a significant role to play in that."

Meanwhile, a heat wave that stretched at the beginning of the week from the US state of Oregon to Canada's Arctic territories has started moving eastward, late Thursday touching parts of Ontario in central Canada.

British Columbia also warned Friday of flooding from melting mountain snow caps and glaciers under the heat dome, which occurs when hot air is trapped by high pressure fronts, heating the ground.

Ottawa prepared Friday to send military aircraft and other help to evacuate towns and fight more than 100 wildfires in western Canada fueled by a record-smashing heatwave.

Ottawa prepared Friday to send military aircraft and other help to evacuate towns and fight more than 100 wildfires in western Canada fueled by a record-smashing heatwave. According to wildfire officials, at least 152 fires were active in British Columbia, 89 of them sparked in the last two days. Most were caused by lightning strikes. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met in the afternoon with an incident response group that included several ministers. He said he had already spoken with British Columbia's premier, as well as local mayors and indigenous chiefs in communities under threat. "We will be there to help," he told a news conference. The response group decided to set up an operations centre in Edmonton to "provide support across the region as needed," said Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan. Also Read | Pakistan inducts China-made VT-4 battle tanks He also said that armed forces will be positioned across the region to provide logistical assistance "if requested." The military resources would include military helicopters and possibly Hercules turboprop transport planes. "The dry conditions and the extreme heat in British Columbia are unprecedented," said Public Safety Minister Bill Blair. "These wildfires show that we are in the earliest stages of what promises to be a long and challenging summer." Roughly 1,000 people have already fled the wildfires in British Columbia, and authorities are searching for many who have gone missing. The village of Lytton, 250 kilometers (155 miles) northeast of Vancouver, was evacuated Wednesday night because of a fire that flared up suddenly and spread quickly. The fire came a day after the village set a Canadian record-high temperature on Tuesday of 49.6 degrees Celsius (121 degrees Fahrenheit). 'Unprecedented' deaths Late Friday, the British Columbia province medical examiner's office said there had been 719 deaths in the past week, an "unprecedented number." This provisional death toll is "three times more" than the average number of deaths recorded over this period under normal circumstances. "It is believed likely the extreme weather BC has experienced in the past week is a significant contributing factor to the increased number of deaths," Lisa Lapointe, the province's chief coroner, said in a statement. Lytton resident Jeff Chapman told the CBC he witnessed his parents die in the fire that engulfed the town. With only minutes to react, the elderly couple sought shelter from the smoke and flames in a trench in their backyard, as Chapman ran for safety at nearby rail tracks. From that vantage, he said he saw the fires sweep across and destroy most of the town. His distressed voice could be heard pleading for help over the crackling flames in a video on CBC. The ground, he said, was too hot to go back for his parents. "Today our thoughts are mostly with families that are grieving, that are facing terrible loss," said Trudeau during his press conference. "But of course, we also have to reflect on the fact that extreme weather events are getting more frequent and climate change has a significant role to play in that." Meanwhile, a heat wave that stretched at the beginning of the week from the US state of Oregon to Canada's Arctic territories has started moving eastward, late Thursday touching parts of Ontario in central Canada. British Columbia also warned Friday of flooding from melting mountain snow caps and glaciers under the heat dome, which occurs when hot air is trapped by high pressure fronts, heating the ground.

Military put on standby to evacuate fire-threatened towns in western Canada

Canada's government warned Friday of a "long and challenging summer" ahead as it prepared military aircraft to help evacuate towns and fight more than 100 wildfires fueled by a record-smashing heatwave.

At least 152 fires were active in the western province of British Columbia, 89 of them sparked in the last two days, according to officials. Most were caused by lightning strikes.

The fires were north of the city of Kamloops, 350 kilometres (220 miles) northeast of Vancouver.

While the immediate blame for the scorching heat in Canada has been placed on a high-pressure "heat dome" trapping warm air in the region, climate change is causing record-setting temperatures to become more frequent.

Globally, the decade to 2019 was the hottest recorded, and the five hottest years on record have all occurred within the last five years.

"The dry conditions and the extreme heat in British Columbia are unprecedented," Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said Friday. "These wildfires show that we are in the earliest stages of what promises to be a long and challenging summer."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met Friday afternoon with an incident response group that included several ministers. He said he had already spoken with British Columbia's premier, as well as local mayors and indigenous chiefs in communities under threat.

"We will be there to help," he told a news conference.

The response group announced it would set up an operations centre in Edmonton, where armed forces will be able to provide logistical support. Military aircraft were also deployed to help.

Roughly 1,000 people have already fled the wildfires in British Columbia, and authorities are searching for many who have gone missing.

Late Friday, the British Columbia medical examiner's office said there had been 719 deaths in the past week, "three times more" than the average number of deaths recorded over this period under normal circumstances.

"It is believed likely the extreme weather BC has experienced in the past week is a significant contributing factor to the increased number of deaths," Lisa Lapointe, the province's chief coroner, said in a statement.

The village of Lytton, 250 kilometres (155 miles) northeast of Vancouver, was evacuated Wednesday night because of a fire that flared up suddenly and spread quickly. Nearly 90 per cent of the village was torched, according to Brad Vis, an MP for the area.

The fire came a day after the village set a Canadian record-high temperature on Tuesday of 49.6 degrees Celsius (121 degrees Fahrenheit).

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"I cannot stress enough how extreme the fire risk is at this time in almost every part of British Columbia and I urge British Columbians to listen carefully to officials in your communities and follow those directions," provincial Premier John Horgan said.

&nbsp;'Concerning' heat

The heatwave continued to spread across central Canada on Friday. In addition to British Columbia, heatwave warnings were issued for the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, as well as parts of the Northwest Territories and northern Ontario.

"A dangerous long-duration heatwave will continue" and will bring "very warm temperatures over the next couple of days," Environment Canada warned in bulletins for British Columbia.

"The duration of this heatwave is concerning as there is little relief at night with elevated overnight temperatures."

Lytton resident Jeff Chapman told the CBC he saw his parents die in the fire that engulfed the town.

With only minutes to react, the elderly couple sought shelter from the smoke and flames in a trench in their backyard, as Chapman ran for safety at nearby rail tracks. From that vantage, he said, he saw the fires sweep across and destroy most of the town.

"Today our thoughts are mostly with families that are grieving, that are facing terrible loss," said Trudeau during his press conference.

British Columbia also warned Friday of flooding from melting mountain snowcaps and glaciers under the heat dome.

Further south, the US states of Washington and Oregon have also been sweltering under record-high temperatures this week.

Hundreds of firefighters scrambled Friday to contain three wildfires in&nbsp;drought-hit northern California that have scorched nearly 40,000 acres, including a popular tourist lake preparing to welcome hordes of visitors for the July 4 holiday weekend.

Evacuation orders were in place along stretches of Shasta Lake -- a camping and boating hotspot 160 kilometres south of the Oregon border -- as soaring temperatures and high winds spur blazes at a relatively early stage in the region's fire season.

Around 40 structures were destroyed, including at least half a dozen homes near the town of Lakehead.

More than 500 lightning strikes were recorded in California in the last 24 hours, threatening to cause more fires.

Canada's government warned Friday of a "long and challenging summer" ahead as it prepared military aircraft to help evacuate towns and fight more than 100 wildfires fueled by a record-smashing heatwave.

Canada's government warned Friday of a "long and challenging summer" ahead as it prepared military aircraft to help evacuate towns and fight more than 100 wildfires fueled by a record-smashing heatwave. At least 152 fires were active in the western province of British Columbia, 89 of them sparked in the last two days, according to officials. Most were caused by lightning strikes. The fires were north of the city of Kamloops, 350 kilometres (220 miles) northeast of Vancouver. While the immediate blame for the scorching heat in Canada has been placed on a high-pressure "heat dome" trapping warm air in the region, climate change is causing record-setting temperatures to become more frequent. Globally, the decade to 2019 was the hottest recorded, and the five hottest years on record have all occurred within the last five years. "The dry conditions and the extreme heat in British Columbia are unprecedented," Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said Friday. "These wildfires show that we are in the earliest stages of what promises to be a long and challenging summer." Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met Friday afternoon with an incident response group that included several ministers. He said he had already spoken with British Columbia's premier, as well as local mayors and indigenous chiefs in communities under threat. "We will be there to help," he told a news conference. The response group announced it would set up an operations centre in Edmonton, where armed forces will be able to provide logistical support. Military aircraft were also deployed to help. Roughly 1,000 people have already fled the wildfires in British Columbia, and authorities are searching for many who have gone missing. Late Friday, the British Columbia medical examiner's office said there had been 719 deaths in the past week, "three times more" than the average number of deaths recorded over this period under normal circumstances. "It is believed likely the extreme weather BC has experienced in the past week is a significant contributing factor to the increased number of deaths," Lisa Lapointe, the province's chief coroner, said in a statement. The village of Lytton, 250 kilometres (155 miles) northeast of Vancouver, was evacuated Wednesday night because of a fire that flared up suddenly and spread quickly. Nearly 90 per cent of the village was torched, according to Brad Vis, an MP for the area. The fire came a day after the village set a Canadian record-high temperature on Tuesday of 49.6 degrees Celsius (121 degrees Fahrenheit). Also Read | Myanmar protesters burn junta leader's images on his birthday "I cannot stress enough how extreme the fire risk is at this time in almost every part of British Columbia and I urge British Columbians to listen carefully to officials in your communities and follow those directions," provincial Premier John Horgan said. 'Concerning' heat The heatwave continued to spread across central Canada on Friday. In addition to British Columbia, heatwave warnings were issued for the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, as well as parts of the Northwest Territories and northern Ontario. "A dangerous long-duration heatwave will continue" and will bring "very warm temperatures over the next couple of days," Environment Canada warned in bulletins for British Columbia. "The duration of this heatwave is concerning as there is little relief at night with elevated overnight temperatures." Lytton resident Jeff Chapman told the CBC he saw his parents die in the fire that engulfed the town. With only minutes to react, the elderly couple sought shelter from the smoke and flames in a trench in their backyard, as Chapman ran for safety at nearby rail tracks. From that vantage, he said, he saw the fires sweep across and destroy most of the town. "Today our thoughts are mostly with families that are grieving, that are facing terrible loss," said Trudeau during his press conference. British Columbia also warned Friday of flooding from melting mountain snowcaps and glaciers under the heat dome. Further south, the US states of Washington and Oregon have also been sweltering under record-high temperatures this week. Hundreds of firefighters scrambled Friday to contain three wildfires in drought-hit northern California that have scorched nearly 40,000 acres, including a popular tourist lake preparing to welcome hordes of visitors for the July 4 holiday weekend. Evacuation orders were in place along stretches of Shasta Lake -- a camping and boating hotspot 160 kilometres south of the Oregon border -- as soaring temperatures and high winds spur blazes at a relatively early stage in the region's fire season. Around 40 structures were destroyed, including at least half a dozen homes near the town of Lakehead. More than 500 lightning strikes were recorded in California in the last 24 hours, threatening to cause more fires.

Military put on standby to evacuate Canada's fire-threatened towns

Lightning strikes in Western Canada over the past two days soared nearly tenfold from the same time a year ago, triggered in part by a record-breaking heatwave, meteorologists said, warning of more strikes over the weekend that could further stoke forest fires fanned by high winds.

Over 710,000 lightning strikes were recorded in British Columbia and western Alberta between 3 p.m. on Wednesday and 6 a.m. on Thursday, up from an average of 8,300 from the same period over the past five years, said Chris Vagasky, a meteorologist with Vaisala, a global environmental measurements company which collects the data.

The Pacific province of British Columbia has been recovering from the grip of an unprecedented heatwave, which has so far caused 719 confirmed deaths, triple what would normally occur in the same time period, the province's chief coroner said on Friday.

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During the heatwave, the town of Lytton broke Canada's 80-plus-year-old heat record with a 49.6°C (121.28°F) temperature. A forest fire that started on Wednesday razed Lytton to the ground and caused two deaths. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

British Columbia usually accounts for about 5% of Canada's total lighting strikes each year, but it has reported its annual number in less than 48 hours, Vagasky said.

The figure is comparable to "what you would typically see on some of the bigger lightning days in really lightning prone regions of the United States, like Texas or Oklahoma," Vagasky said and is unheard of for a region like British Columbia.

The high number of lightning strikes was caused in part by the heatwave, which created high levels of moisture in the atmosphere in the form of melting snow and evaporation of water from vegetation, said Jonathan Bau, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada.

The moisture fueled the unusually fierce thunderstorms.

"We're not in the middle of summer where everything's dried out," Bau said, adding that more lightning was forecast for the weekend.

The strikes caused several forest fires across central British Columbia, with 136 fires burning as of Friday afternoon, B.C. officials said at a briefing.

The fires are expected to burn through 100,000 hectares (247,105 acres) by the end of the weekend, officials said, a significantly higher figure than by this point in previous years - B.C. does not usually see its forest fire season ramp up until late July.

Over 1,300 homes have been ordered evacuated, and it is not known how many people are missing. The Red Cross is running a phone line for family reunification, officials said.

Lightning strikes in Western Canada over the past two days soared nearly tenfold from the same time a year ago, triggered in part by a record-breaking heatwave, meteorologists said, warning of more strikes over the weekend that could further stoke forest fires fanned by high winds.

Lightning strikes in Western Canada over the past two days soared nearly tenfold from the same time a year ago, triggered in part by a record-breaking heatwave, meteorologists said, warning of more strikes over the weekend that could further stoke forest fires fanned by high winds. Over 710,000 lightning strikes were recorded in British Columbia and western Alberta between 3 p.m. on Wednesday and 6 a.m. on Thursday, up from an average of 8,300 from the same period over the past five years, said Chris Vagasky, a meteorologist with Vaisala, a global environmental measurements company which collects the data. The Pacific province of British Columbia has been recovering from the grip of an unprecedented heatwave, which has so far caused 719 confirmed deaths, triple what would normally occur in the same time period, the province's chief coroner said on Friday. Also Read | US looks into having 3 Central Asian states take in at-risk Afghans: Sources During the heatwave, the town of Lytton broke Canada's 80-plus-year-old heat record with a 49.6°C (121.28°F) temperature. A forest fire that started on Wednesday razed Lytton to the ground and caused two deaths. The cause of the fire was under investigation. British Columbia usually accounts for about 5% of Canada's total lighting strikes each year, but it has reported its annual number in less than 48 hours, Vagasky said. The figure is comparable to "what you would typically see on some of the bigger lightning days in really lightning prone regions of the United States, like Texas or Oklahoma," Vagasky said and is unheard of for a region like British Columbia. The high number of lightning strikes was caused in part by the heatwave, which created high levels of moisture in the atmosphere in the form of melting snow and evaporation of water from vegetation, said Jonathan Bau, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada. The moisture fueled the unusually fierce thunderstorms. "We're not in the middle of summer where everything's dried out," Bau said, adding that more lightning was forecast for the weekend. The strikes caused several forest fires across central British Columbia, with 136 fires burning as of Friday afternoon, B.C. officials said at a briefing. The fires are expected to burn through 100,000 hectares (247,105 acres) by the end of the weekend, officials said, a significantly higher figure than by this point in previous years - B.C. does not usually see its forest fire season ramp up until late July. Over 1,300 homes have been ordered evacuated, and it is not known how many people are missing. The Red Cross is running a phone line for family reunification, officials said.

Western Canada lightning strikes up tenfold, stoking fires

Hundreds of&nbsp;firefighters&nbsp;on Friday scrambled to contain three wildfires in&nbsp;drought-hit northern California that have scorched nearly 40,000 acres, including a popular tourist lake preparing to welcome hordes of visitors for the July 4 holiday weekend.

Evacuation orders were in place along stretches of Shasta Lake -- a camping and boating hotspot 100 miles (160 kilometres) south of the Oregon border -- as soaring temperatures and high winds spur blazes at a relatively early stage in the region's fire season.&nbsp;

Around 40 structures were destroyed, including at least half a dozen homes near the town of Lakehead, an AFP photographer said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-looks-into-having-3-central-asian-states-take-in-at-risk-afghans-sources-395460">Also Read |&nbsp;US looks into having 3 Central Asian states take in at-risk Afghans: Sources</a>

"We were fully booked, but right now you can't get in even if you want to," said Cecil Hengst, the owner of the Lakehead&nbsp;Campground and RV Park, forced to temporarily close by evacuation orders.

"This (fire) got really close... it's a bad one," said Hengst, 63, who has been in the area for 12 years.

"Everything's so dry with the drought. We have had very little rain, our lake levels are so low right now for this time of year. It's perfect conditions for fires right now."

Authorities said the Salt Fire threatening the region was sparked by a vehicle travelling on the Interstate-5 -- a major highway that runs from Canada to Mexico, which was briefly closed to traffic Thursday as flames encroached.

Further north, the larger Lava and Tennant fires continued to spread in mainly remote forested areas, sending up dense grey smoke plumes that blanketed much of the region.

The Lava Fire was sparked by lightning last week, and more than 500 further lightning strikes were recorded in California over the past 24 hours, threatening to prompt new blazes.

Dozens of fires are raging in western North America, from Canada to California, after a deadly heatwave that has largely begun to ease in recent days.&nbsp;

More high temperatures are forecast in northern California in the coming week.

California has experienced some 600 more wildfires this year than at the same time in 2020 -- the worst year in modern history when the state saw more than four million acres scorched.

Hundreds of firefighters on Friday scrambled to contain three wildfires in drought-hit northern California that have scorched nearly 40,000 acres, including a popular tourist lake preparing to welcome hordes of visitors for the July 4 holiday weekend.

Hundreds of firefighters on Friday scrambled to contain three wildfires in drought-hit northern California that have scorched nearly 40,000 acres, including a popular tourist lake preparing to welcome hordes of visitors for the July 4 holiday weekend. Evacuation orders were in place along stretches of Shasta Lake -- a camping and boating hotspot 100 miles (160 kilometres) south of the Oregon border -- as soaring temperatures and high winds spur blazes at a relatively early stage in the region's fire season. Around 40 structures were destroyed, including at least half a dozen homes near the town of Lakehead, an AFP photographer said. Also Read | US looks into having 3 Central Asian states take in at-risk Afghans: Sources "We were fully booked, but right now you can't get in even if you want to," said Cecil Hengst, the owner of the Lakehead Campground and RV Park, forced to temporarily close by evacuation orders. "This (fire) got really close... it's a bad one," said Hengst, 63, who has been in the area for 12 years. "Everything's so dry with the drought. We have had very little rain, our lake levels are so low right now for this time of year. It's perfect conditions for fires right now." Authorities said the Salt Fire threatening the region was sparked by a vehicle travelling on the Interstate-5 -- a major highway that runs from Canada to Mexico, which was briefly closed to traffic Thursday as flames encroached. Further north, the larger Lava and Tennant fires continued to spread in mainly remote forested areas, sending up dense grey smoke plumes that blanketed much of the region. The Lava Fire was sparked by lightning last week, and more than 500 further lightning strikes were recorded in California over the past 24 hours, threatening to prompt new blazes. Dozens of fires are raging in western North America, from Canada to California, after a deadly heatwave that has largely begun to ease in recent days. More high temperatures are forecast in northern California in the coming week. California has experienced some 600 more wildfires this year than at the same time in 2020 -- the worst year in modern history when the state saw more than four million acres scorched.

Fires grip California tourist spots ahead of holiday weekend

About 1,000 people were evacuated in western Canada, authorities said Thursday, as fires raged amid an unprecedented heatwave, charring most of at least one town.

The province of British Columbia has recorded 62 new fires in the past 24 hours, premier John Horgan told a press conference.

"I cannot stress enough how extreme the fire risk is at this time in almost every part of British Columbia," Horgan said.

The town of Lytton, 250 kilometres (155 miles) northeast of Vancouver, "has sustained structural damage and 90 per cent of the village is burned, including the centre of town," local MP Brad Vis said.

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The village's 250 residents were evacuated on Wednesday evening, one day after it set a jaw-dropping Canadian record high temperature of 49.6 degrees Celsius (121 degrees Fahrenheit).

The evacuation order was extended Wednesday night to residents of about 100 properties north of Lytton.&nbsp;

"The last 24 hours have been devastating for Lytton residents," Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan wrote on Twitter, adding that the Canadian armed forces "are ready to support residents as we move forward in the next steps."

Provincial authorities have not yet announced any injuries or death related to the fires, a number of which were also clustered north of the city of Kamloops, located some 150 kilometres northeast of Lytton.

Early Thursday evening, British Columbia fire authorities said the unprecedented hot and dry conditions had led them to expect another difficult day ahead.

Environment Canada said in a bulletin issued early Thursday morning for Prince George, BC area that "an exceptionally strong ridge of high pressure over British Columbia will continue to bring record-breaking temperatures over the next couple of days."

"The duration of this heatwave is concerning as there is little relief at night with elevated overnight temperatures," it added.&nbsp;

The heatwave continued to move eastward on Thursday into the central Canadian prairies.&nbsp;

In addition to British Columbia, heatwave warnings have been issued for the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and parts of the Northwest Territories, and now northern Ontario.&nbsp;

In addition to Western Canada, the US states of Washington and Oregon, across the border, have also been sweltering under record temperatures this week and several hundred sudden deaths have been reported.&nbsp;

About 1,000 people were evacuated in western Canada, authorities said Thursday, as fires raged amid an unprecedented heatwave, charring most of at least one town.

About 1,000 people were evacuated in western Canada, authorities said Thursday, as fires raged amid an unprecedented heatwave, charring most of at least one town. The province of British Columbia has recorded 62 new fires in the past 24 hours, premier John Horgan told a press conference. "I cannot stress enough how extreme the fire risk is at this time in almost every part of British Columbia," Horgan said. The town of Lytton, 250 kilometres (155 miles) northeast of Vancouver, "has sustained structural damage and 90 per cent of the village is burned, including the centre of town," local MP Brad Vis said. Also Read | US calls report of China building more than 100 nuclear missile silos 'concerning' The village's 250 residents were evacuated on Wednesday evening, one day after it set a jaw-dropping Canadian record high temperature of 49.6 degrees Celsius (121 degrees Fahrenheit). The evacuation order was extended Wednesday night to residents of about 100 properties north of Lytton. "The last 24 hours have been devastating for Lytton residents," Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan wrote on Twitter, adding that the Canadian armed forces "are ready to support residents as we move forward in the next steps." Provincial authorities have not yet announced any injuries or death related to the fires, a number of which were also clustered north of the city of Kamloops, located some 150 kilometres northeast of Lytton. Early Thursday evening, British Columbia fire authorities said the unprecedented hot and dry conditions had led them to expect another difficult day ahead. Environment Canada said in a bulletin issued early Thursday morning for Prince George, BC area that "an exceptionally strong ridge of high pressure over British Columbia will continue to bring record-breaking temperatures over the next couple of days." "The duration of this heatwave is concerning as there is little relief at night with elevated overnight temperatures," it added. The heatwave continued to move eastward on Thursday into the central Canadian prairies. In addition to British Columbia, heatwave warnings have been issued for the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and parts of the Northwest Territories, and now northern Ontario. In addition to Western Canada, the US states of Washington and Oregon, across the border, have also been sweltering under record temperatures this week and several hundred sudden deaths have been reported.

Approximately 1,000 evacuated as Canadian fires engulf town

Two more Catholic churches have been destroyed by fires in Canada.&nbsp;The two churches were located in indigenous communities in Western Canadian region of British Columbia. The incident follows grim discoveries of nearly 1,000 unmarked graves,&nbsp;at former church-run indigenous residential schools in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

T Ann's Catholic Church on the Upper Similkameen Indian Band and the&nbsp;Chopaka&nbsp;Catholic Church in the Lower Similkameen Indian Band are believed to have been set ablaze less than an hour apart in the early morning hours of Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sergeant Jason Bayda of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said in a statement, "Both churches have been destroyed. (fires&nbsp;are) suspicious, and (authorities) are looking to determine any possible connection to the church fires in both Penticton and Oliver."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Two other Catholic Churches had been destroyed in fires a week ago, on the day which Canada marks as the National Indigenous People's Day. No arrests have been made so far.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The destruction of the four Churches comes at a testing time for Canada's indigenous peoples. The community is still struggling with the discovery of nearly a thousand bodies of indigenous children in mass graves at Church-run residential schools in Canada.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The remains of 215 schoolchildren were discovered at a former residential school in Kamloops last month. While ground-penetrating radar mapping also helped locate 751 more unmarked graves at another school in&nbsp;Marieval&nbsp;this week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau&nbsp;apologised&nbsp;for the&nbsp;'harmful'&nbsp;government policy of indigenous assimilation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A truth and reconciliation commission concluded Canada had committed&nbsp;'cultural genocide'.&nbsp;

The Canadian government's indigenous assimilation policy operated between 1831&nbsp;and&nbsp;1996.&nbsp;The policy backed residential schools run by the Catholic Church&nbsp;where&nbsp;over 150,000 indigenous children were forcefully enrolled.&nbsp;

Around&nbsp;4,000 children died of disease and neglect as&nbsp;many indigenous children were physically&nbsp;and&nbsp;sexually assaulted in these schools.&nbsp;Many indigenous children were&nbsp;also&nbsp;never reintegrated in their communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trudeau has urged the Pope to come to Canada&nbsp;and&nbsp;apologise&nbsp;for the Church's role in running these indigenous residential schools.

The Canadian Prime Minister said, "I have spoken personally directly with His Holiness Pope Francis to impress upon him how important it is not just that he makes an apology but that he makes an apology to indigenous Canadians on&nbsp;our&nbsp;soil. I know that the Catholic church leadership is looking and very actively engaged in what next steps can be taken."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Pope Francis stopped short of a direct apology but said he was pained by the discovery of the remains of 215 children and called for respect for the rights and cultures of native people.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Two more Catholic churches have been destroyed by fires in Canada. The two churches were located in indigenous communities in Western Canadian region of British Columbia.

Two more Catholic churches have been destroyed by fires in Canada. The two churches were located in indigenous communities in Western Canadian region of British Columbia. The incident follows grim discoveries of nearly 1,000 unmarked graves, at former church-run indigenous residential schools in the country. T Ann's Catholic Church on the Upper Similkameen Indian Band and the Chopaka Catholic Church in the Lower Similkameen Indian Band are believed to have been set ablaze less than an hour apart in the early morning hours of Saturday. Sergeant Jason Bayda of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said in a statement, "Both churches have been destroyed. (fires are) suspicious, and (authorities) are looking to determine any possible connection to the church fires in both Penticton and Oliver." Two other Catholic Churches had been destroyed in fires a week ago, on the day which Canada marks as the National Indigenous People's Day. No arrests have been made so far. The destruction of the four Churches comes at a testing time for Canada's indigenous peoples. The community is still struggling with the discovery of nearly a thousand bodies of indigenous children in mass graves at Church-run residential schools in Canada. The remains of 215 schoolchildren were discovered at a former residential school in Kamloops last month. While ground-penetrating radar mapping also helped locate 751 more unmarked graves at another school in Marieval this week. On Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologised for the 'harmful' government policy of indigenous assimilation. A truth and reconciliation commission concluded Canada had committed 'cultural genocide'. The Canadian government's indigenous assimilation policy operated between 1831 and 1996. The policy backed residential schools run by the Catholic Church where over 150,000 indigenous children were forcefully enrolled. Around 4,000 children died of disease and neglect as many indigenous children were physically and sexually assaulted in these schools. Many indigenous children were also never reintegrated in their communities. Trudeau has urged the Pope to come to Canada and apologise for the Church's role in running these indigenous residential schools. The Canadian Prime Minister said, "I have spoken personally directly with His Holiness Pope Francis to impress upon him how important it is not just that he makes an apology but that he makes an apology to indigenous Canadians on our soil. I know that the Catholic church leadership is looking and very actively engaged in what next steps can be taken." Earlier this month, Pope Francis stopped short of a direct apology but said he was pained by the discovery of the remains of 215 children and called for respect for the rights and cultures of native people.

Two more Catholic churches destroyed by fires in Canada 

A fire swept through a marina in Hong Kong in the early hours of Sunday, igniting fuel tanks as it passed along a line of closely moored cabin cruisers, and resulting in at least 10 sinking before firefighters extinguished the blaze. 
 
Authorities in the Asian financial hub said at least 16 vessels were set ablaze, including those that sank, but there were no serious casualties. 
 
The fire at the shelter in the city’s Aberdeen district began around 2.30 am (1830 GMT on Saturday) and took firefighters more than six hours to put out. 
 
Fuel tanks could be heard exploding as thick smoke billowed skyward, covering the marina and neighbouring tower blocks, video footage showed. 
 
Around 35 people were rescued from the vessels, RTHK public broadcaster reported, citing the fire services department. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

A fire swept through a marina in Hong Kong in the early hours of Sunday, igniting fuel tanks as it passed along a line of closely moored cabin cruisers, and resulting in at least 10 sinking before firefighters extinguished the blaze.

A fire swept through a marina in Hong Kong in the early hours of Sunday, igniting fuel tanks as it passed along a line of closely moored cabin cruisers, and resulting in at least 10 sinking before firefighters extinguished the blaze. Authorities in the Asian financial hub said at least 16 vessels were set ablaze, including those that sank, but there were no serious casualties. The fire at the shelter in the city’s Aberdeen district began around 2.30 am (1830 GMT on Saturday) and took firefighters more than six hours to put out. Fuel tanks could be heard exploding as thick smoke billowed skyward, covering the marina and neighbouring tower blocks, video footage showed. Around 35 people were rescued from the vessels, RTHK public broadcaster reported, citing the fire services department. (With inputs from agencies)

Ten cabin cruisers sink in Hong Kong marina fire

Federal police said Monday that they were investigating "suspicious" fires that destroyed two Catholic churches built around 1910 in indigenous communities in western Canada.

The Sacred Heart Church on Penticton Indian Band lands and St. Gregory's Church on Osoyoos Indian Band lands in the Oliver area of British Columbia province, went up in flames at around the same time, between 1 am and 3 am local time.

Their destruction comes weeks after unmarked graves of 215 children were found in nearby Kamloops at one of many boarding schools set up a century ago to forcibly assimilate Canada's indigenous peoples.

The discovery at the Kamloops Indian Residential School shocked Canadians, and renewed calls for Pope Francis to apologize for abuses at the schools run by the church on behalf of the federal government.

Sergeant Jason Bayda said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is investigating the two fires. "Both churches burned to the ground and police are treating the fires as suspicious," he said.

Although too early to conclude arson, he added, "We are sensitive to the recent events" in Kamloops.

Earlier, Bob Graham, chief of the volunteer fire department in Oliver, British Columbia, told public broadcaster CBC, "We believe by looking at the scene and the surroundings, that there was a liquid accelerant used."&nbsp;

"Early indications are that it was set," he said of the St. Gregory's Church blaze, adding that the wooden church was completely gutted.

Forty kilometers (25 miles) north, Chief Greg Gabriel of the Penticton Indian Band said investigators were sifting through blackened rubble and reviewing surveillance footage for clues about what sparked the Sacred Heart Church fire.

"It's hoped that they will find something that they can use to determine the cause and maybe who's responsible," he told CBC.

Some 150,000 indigenous, Inuit and Metis youngsters were taken from their communities and enrolled at Canada's residential schools, where students were physically and sexually abused by headmasters and teachers who stripped them of their culture and language.

Today those experiences are blamed for a high incidence of poverty, alcoholism and domestic violence, as well as high suicide rates, in Canada's indigenous communities.

"There's a lot of anger in every indigenous community across Canada after those 215 innocent children's graves were discovered," Gabriel commented.

"I'm not saying this may be the cause of our church going up in flames," he said, "But there's a lot of anger."

Federal police said Monday that they were investigating "suspicious" fires that destroyed two Catholic churches built around 1910 in indigenous communities in western Canada.

Federal police said Monday that they were investigating "suspicious" fires that destroyed two Catholic churches built around 1910 in indigenous communities in western Canada. The Sacred Heart Church on Penticton Indian Band lands and St. Gregory's Church on Osoyoos Indian Band lands in the Oliver area of British Columbia province, went up in flames at around the same time, between 1 am and 3 am local time. Their destruction comes weeks after unmarked graves of 215 children were found in nearby Kamloops at one of many boarding schools set up a century ago to forcibly assimilate Canada's indigenous peoples. The discovery at the Kamloops Indian Residential School shocked Canadians, and renewed calls for Pope Francis to apologize for abuses at the schools run by the church on behalf of the federal government. Sergeant Jason Bayda said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is investigating the two fires. "Both churches burned to the ground and police are treating the fires as suspicious," he said. Although too early to conclude arson, he added, "We are sensitive to the recent events" in Kamloops. Earlier, Bob Graham, chief of the volunteer fire department in Oliver, British Columbia, told public broadcaster CBC, "We believe by looking at the scene and the surroundings, that there was a liquid accelerant used." "Early indications are that it was set," he said of the St. Gregory's Church blaze, adding that the wooden church was completely gutted. Forty kilometers (25 miles) north, Chief Greg Gabriel of the Penticton Indian Band said investigators were sifting through blackened rubble and reviewing surveillance footage for clues about what sparked the Sacred Heart Church fire. "It's hoped that they will find something that they can use to determine the cause and maybe who's responsible," he told CBC. Some 150,000 indigenous, Inuit and Metis youngsters were taken from their communities and enrolled at Canada's residential schools, where students were physically and sexually abused by headmasters and teachers who stripped them of their culture and language. Today those experiences are blamed for a high incidence of poverty, alcoholism and domestic violence, as well as high suicide rates, in Canada's indigenous communities. "There's a lot of anger in every indigenous community across Canada after those 215 innocent children's graves were discovered," Gabriel commented. "I'm not saying this may be the cause of our church going up in flames," he said, "But there's a lot of anger."

'Suspicious fires': Two century-old churches go up in flames in Canada indigenous communities

A major fire broke out at India’s Mata Vaishno Devi temple on Tuesday, destroying one building in the Katra region of Jammu and Kashmir.

The fire started at the Kalika Bhavan building around 4:15 pm inside a cash counting room, but has been brought under control now.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/scientists-find-new-coronavirus-variant-in-india-which-causes-severe-pneumonia-pathological-changes-in-lungs-390159" hreflang="en">Scientists find new coronavirus variant in India which causes severe pneumonia, 'pathological changes in lungs'</a>

It is believed to have started from an electrical short circuit in the building. The fire officials reported to the scene around 4:30 and the fire was brought under control by 5 pm.

"We got a call around 4.30 pm. Initial reports suggest the fire broke out due to electric (short)circuit," Shailender Singh, the Senior Superintendent of Police for Reasi district said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-absence-of-art-galleries-kashmiri-artists-paint-public-spaces-to-showcase-their-work-390142" hreflang="en">In absence of art galleries, Kashmiri artists paint public spaces to showcase their work</a>

While the building has been damaged and there has been a loss of cash and documents, there has been no reported casualty. Some people did suffer minor injuries and are being treated at the nearby hospital.

"SHO (Station House Officer) Reasi rescued people who trapped inside the fire. Some suffered minor injuries and are getting medical attention," Singh reported.

A major fire broke out at India’s Mata Vaishno Devi temple on Tuesday, destroying one building in the Katra region of Jammu and Kashmir. The fire started at the Kalika Bhavan building around 4:15 pm inside a cash counting room, but has been brought under control now.

A major fire broke out at India’s Mata Vaishno Devi temple on Tuesday, destroying one building in the Katra region of Jammu and Kashmir. The fire started at the Kalika Bhavan building around 4:15 pm inside a cash counting room, but has been brought under control now. Also read | Scientists find new coronavirus variant in India which causes severe pneumonia, 'pathological changes in lungs' It is believed to have started from an electrical short circuit in the building. The fire officials reported to the scene around 4:30 and the fire was brought under control by 5 pm. "We got a call around 4.30 pm. Initial reports suggest the fire broke out due to electric (short)circuit," Shailender Singh, the Senior Superintendent of Police for Reasi district said. Also read | In absence of art galleries, Kashmiri artists paint public spaces to showcase their work While the building has been damaged and there has been a loss of cash and documents, there has been no reported casualty. Some people did suffer minor injuries and are being treated at the nearby hospital. "SHO (Station House Officer) Reasi rescued people who trapped inside the fire. Some suffered minor injuries and are getting medical attention," Singh reported.

Jammu: Cash counting room catches fire in Mata Vaishno Devi temple

At least 15 people have died after a blaze swept through a sanitiser factory in the western Indian city of Pune on Monday, police said.

"We have recovered 15 bodies so far," an officer in Pune's rural police control room, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP.

"The fire broke out around 4:15 pm at a sanitiser factory, we still don't know what sparked the fire."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vaccine-supply-will-be-increasing-in-the-coming-days-says-pm-modi-389960" hreflang="en">Vaccine supply will be increasing in the coming days, says PM Modi</a>

The officer could not say if there were any injured or missing.

The plant was located on the outskirts of Pune in a village, the Times of India reported.

Those killed were trapped in the factory when the fire broke out after an explosion inside a machine, the newspaper added, citing local revenue officials.

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Video footage aired by local media showed huge plumes of smoke billowing from the top of a building.

India is frequently rocked by industrial disasters that experts blame on poor planning and lax enforcement of safety rules.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences, and tweeted that financial compensation would be provided to the families of the victims as well as those injured.

At least 15 people have died after a blaze swept through a sanitiser factory in the western Indian city of Pune on Monday, police said. "We have recovered 15 bodies so far," an officer in Pune's rural police control room, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP.

At least 15 people have died after a blaze swept through a sanitiser factory in the western Indian city of Pune on Monday, police said. "We have recovered 15 bodies so far," an officer in Pune's rural police control room, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP. "The fire broke out around 4:15 pm at a sanitiser factory, we still don't know what sparked the fire." Also read | Vaccine supply will be increasing in the coming days, says PM Modi The officer could not say if there were any injured or missing. The plant was located on the outskirts of Pune in a village, the Times of India reported. Those killed were trapped in the factory when the fire broke out after an explosion inside a machine, the newspaper added, citing local revenue officials. Also read | IIT Madras alumni contribute $2 million for COVID-19 relief efforts in India Video footage aired by local media showed huge plumes of smoke billowing from the top of a building. India is frequently rocked by industrial disasters that experts blame on poor planning and lax enforcement of safety rules. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences, and tweeted that financial compensation would be provided to the families of the victims as well as those injured.

At least 15 dead in India sanitiser factory fire

Wildfires are sweeping across Bolivia's Pantanal wetlands near the border with Paraguay. The fires have put at risk thousands of hectares of an area known for its rich wildlife that was hit by major fires just two years ago.

Wildfires sweep across Bolivia's Pantanal wetlands

Talk about the cat's nine lives.

A feline’s magnificent jump for safety was caught on camera by the Chicago fire department when a fire broke on the fifth floor of a building.

A fire broke out in a building at the 65th and Lowe. The fire department was immediately called to&nbsp;the scene. As the Chicago Fire Department personnel were making a video of the exterior condition of the building, a black cat appeared in a smashed windowpane.

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Nine lives for a cat that jumped from fire at 65th and Lowe. Cat hit grass bounced and walked away! <a href="https://t.co/LRBsjMta2Z">pic.twitter.com/LRBsjMta2Z</a>
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The cat, within seconds, jumped straight down to save itself from the blaze. Upon jumping, the black cat narrowly missed a wall and instead landed on the nearby grassy area.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/science/we-finally-know-why-cats-love-to-sit-in-square-like-boxes-384538" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/we-finally-know-why-cats-love-to-sit-in-square-like-boxes-384538&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwji8qe0-8jwAhU6yzgGHfLtC8sQFjACegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1sKMf7F34xljm14tWf5ON9" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/we-finally-know-why-cats-love-to-sit-in-square-like-boxes-384538" target="_blank">We finally know why&nbsp;cats&nbsp;love to sit in square-like boxes!</a>

After landing on the grassy patch, it bounced once on impact of force, and immediately ran away to hide under a nearby parked car.

“It went under my car and hid until she felt better after a couple of minutes and came out and tried to scale the wall to get back in,” the fire department spokesman Larry Langford said.

The fire, which was contained in one apartment, was dealt with immediately and there were no casualties reported.

The cat was also reported to be safe and the authorities are looking for its owner.

The cause of the fire and the damage caused has not yet been reported.

Talk about the cat's nine lives. A feline’s magnificent jump for safety was caught on camera by the Chicago fire department when a fire broke on the fifth floor of a building.

Talk about the cat's nine lives. A feline’s magnificent jump for safety was caught on camera by the Chicago fire department when a fire broke on the fifth floor of a building. A fire broke out in a building at the 65th and Lowe. The fire department was immediately called to the scene. As the Chicago Fire Department personnel were making a video of the exterior condition of the building, a black cat appeared in a smashed windowpane. Nine lives for a cat that jumped from fire at 65th and Lowe. Cat hit grass bounced and walked away! pic.twitter.com/LRBsjMta2Z — Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) May 13, 2021 × The cat, within seconds, jumped straight down to save itself from the blaze. Upon jumping, the black cat narrowly missed a wall and instead landed on the nearby grassy area. Also read | We finally know why cats love to sit in square-like boxes! After landing on the grassy patch, it bounced once on impact of force, and immediately ran away to hide under a nearby parked car. “It went under my car and hid until she felt better after a couple of minutes and came out and tried to scale the wall to get back in,” the fire department spokesman Larry Langford said. The fire, which was contained in one apartment, was dealt with immediately and there were no casualties reported. The cat was also reported to be safe and the authorities are looking for its owner. The cause of the fire and the damage caused has not yet been reported.

Watch: Cat jumps off fifth floor to save itself from fire, bounces a bit, runs off

Syrian authorities are working on extinguishing a fire that erupted in its main Homs refinery in the west of the nation, state media said on Sunday.

The fire erupted in a distillation unit due to a leak in a pumping station, it said without elaborating.

State television showed live footage of fire engulfing parts of the refinery with black smoke plumes in the distance as firefighters tackled the flames.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="London firefighters tackle flames at 19-storey tower block">London firefighters tackle flames at 19-storey tower block</a>

There was a large fire and blast at Homs in January this year involving a nearby crude oil loading station and dozens of trucks that transport petroleum products across the country.

Both Homs refinery and Banias on the Mediterranean coast have faced supply shortages in recent months due to erratic supplies of Iranian crude oil to the sanctions-hit country that relies mainly on Tehran for its energy needs.

Syria has over the past year two years faced months of gasoline and fuel shortages, forcing it to ration supplies distributed across government-held areas and to apply several rounds of steep price hikes.

Syrian authorities are working on extinguishing a fire that erupted in its main Homs refinery in the west of the nation, state media said on Sunday. The fire erupted in a distillation unit due to a leak in a pumping station, it said without elaborating.

Syrian authorities are working on extinguishing a fire that erupted in its main Homs refinery in the west of the nation, state media said on Sunday. The fire erupted in a distillation unit due to a leak in a pumping station, it said without elaborating. State television showed live footage of fire engulfing parts of the refinery with black smoke plumes in the distance as firefighters tackled the flames. Also read | London firefighters tackle flames at 19-storey tower block There was a large fire and blast at Homs in January this year involving a nearby crude oil loading station and dozens of trucks that transport petroleum products across the country. Both Homs refinery and Banias on the Mediterranean coast have faced supply shortages in recent months due to erratic supplies of Iranian crude oil to the sanctions-hit country that relies mainly on Tehran for its energy needs. Syria has over the past year two years faced months of gasoline and fuel shortages, forcing it to ration supplies distributed across government-held areas and to apply several rounds of steep price hikes.

Syria says fire erupts in main Homs refinery: State media

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