At least 16 people, including children, lost their lives after a building collapsed in Syria's northern city of Aleppo early on Sunday (January 22), the state news agency SANA quoting an interior ministry statement.&nbsp;The report mentioned that the five-story building, housing about 30 people, collapsed overnight in the Sheikh Maksoud neighbourhood.&nbsp;

As per the state media, search and rescue efforts were ongoing. The building was apparently under the control of the US-backed group YPG.&nbsp;

Reports have mentioned that water leakages had weakened the structure's foundation and were the reason apparently for the tragic collapse. However, there's no official statement regarding the reason.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peru-unrest-police-raid-university-in-lima-arrest-over-200-protesters-554913">Peru unrest: Police raid university in Lima, arrest over 200 protesters&nbsp;</a>

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Photos from the site showed dozens of firefighters and other emergency services present there. Residents were also helping the rescuers to search through the rubble for any survivors.&nbsp;

The news agency The Associated Press reported that those who received injuries were rushed to the hospitals and many were seen mourning at the entrance of a nearby hospital as the bodies arrived in ambulances and on the back of trucks.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least 16 people, including children, lost their lives after a building collapsed in Syria's northern city of Aleppo early on Sunday (January 22), the state news agency SANA quoting an interior ministry statement.

At least 16 people, including children, lost their lives after a building collapsed in Syria's northern city of Aleppo early on Sunday (January 22), the state news agency SANA quoting an interior ministry statement. The report mentioned that the five-story building, housing about 30 people, collapsed overnight in the Sheikh Maksoud neighbourhood. As per the state media, search and rescue efforts were ongoing. The building was apparently under the control of the US-backed group YPG. Reports have mentioned that water leakages had weakened the structure's foundation and were the reason apparently for the tragic collapse. However, there's no official statement regarding the reason. ALSO READ | Peru unrest: Police raid university in Lima, arrest over 200 protesters Watch this report: × ALSO READ | US: 10 killed, 10 injured in mass shooting at Lunar New Year event near Los Angeles, suspect at large Photos from the site showed dozens of firefighters and other emergency services present there. Residents were also helping the rescuers to search through the rubble for any survivors. The news agency The Associated Press reported that those who received injuries were rushed to the hospitals and many were seen mourning at the entrance of a nearby hospital as the bodies arrived in ambulances and on the back of trucks. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Syria: At least 16 killed, including children, as building collapses in Aleppo

Three people were killed in a massive fire that broke out inside a Perth hotel. The authorities called emergency services which included 60 firefighters, 21 ambulance crews and nine fire trucks to the New County Hotel on County Place at around 05:10 am (local time).

Two people residing in neighbouring flats along with hotel guests were evacuated and the area was cordoned off by the police who appealed&nbsp;the people to avoid the area. Around eleven people were provided medical help at the scene of the incident by the Scottish Ambulance Service.

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This shocking video shows flames shooting from the window of the New County Hotel in Perth. 
 
Three people died in the fire, which broke out at around 5am this morning. 
 
Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. 
 
Here's what we know so far: <a href="https://t.co/69BHAxj1iN">https://t.co/69BHAxj1iN</a> <a href="https://t.co/07WpEi2PTb">pic.twitter.com/07WpEi2PTb</a>
— The Courier (@thecourieruk) <a href="https://twitter.com/thecourieruk/status/1609942840083103746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The authorities were able to extinguish the fire at around 6:30 am (local time) after which&nbsp;they discovered the bodies in a subsequent search.

Speaking about the incident, the residents of the city expressed their shock at the tragedy. "We were wakened at 05:00 when the alarms went off and the lights were flashing in my room," said one of the residents.

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"Obviously as we were watching it unfold, police incident units were arriving. The fire brigade and 21 ambulances were outside. It was pretty horrendous to watch. It was frightening. When I saw the private ambulance I knew it only meant one thing. Then I realised it was major," the resident added. &nbsp;

The death of a dog in the blaze was also confirmed by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Senior fire officer of the area Jason Sharp said that firefighters did their best to save many casualties from the hotel before sending them into the care of paramedics.

Police Scotland said that a joint investigation was being conducted by their officers along with the fire service. Chief Supt Phil Davison said, "Our thoughts are very much with the families and loved ones of those who have died at what is a very difficult time for everyone."

Local MSP and Deputy First Minister John Swinney appreciated the work of emergency services.

"The news of the major fire at the New County Hotel in Perth and the loss of life that has been associated with that has been an absolutely tragic start to 2023 in the city of Perth. I extend my deepest sympathies to everybody who has been involved in this tragedy and affected by this tragedy," he said.

WATCH| WION Dispatch: Armed men open fire in Kabul building housing Chinese nationals

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"There has been a huge effort by the emergency services to try to avoid the loss of life and address the very serious fire that has emerged, and a whole host of support work has been put in place to assist those who have been affected, and I'm grateful to everybody for their efforts in these very sad circumstances," he added.&nbsp;

Perth and Kinross Council's deputy leader and Councillor Eric Drysdale said, "The loss of three people in a dreadful fire is truly shocking and my heart goes out to the family and friends of the deceased."

 
(With inputs from agencies)

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Three people were killed in a massive fire that broke out inside a Perth hotel. The authorities called emergency services which included 60 firefighters, 21 ambulance crews and nine fire trucks to the New County Hotel on County Place at around 05:10 am (local time).

Three people were killed in a massive fire that broke out inside a Perth hotel. The authorities called emergency services which included 60 firefighters, 21 ambulance crews and nine fire trucks to the New County Hotel on County Place at around 05:10 am (local time). Two people residing in neighbouring flats along with hotel guests were evacuated and the area was cordoned off by the police who appealed the people to avoid the area. Around eleven people were provided medical help at the scene of the incident by the Scottish Ambulance Service. This shocking video shows flames shooting from the window of the New County Hotel in Perth. Three people died in the fire, which broke out at around 5am this morning. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. Here's what we know so far: https://t.co/69BHAxj1iN pic.twitter.com/07WpEi2PTb — The Courier (@thecourieruk) January 2, 2023 × The authorities were able to extinguish the fire at around 6:30 am (local time) after which they discovered the bodies in a subsequent search. Speaking about the incident, the residents of the city expressed their shock at the tragedy. "We were wakened at 05:00 when the alarms went off and the lights were flashing in my room," said one of the residents. ALSO READ| Cambodia casino fire caused by electrical short circuit, say authorities; death toll at 26 "Obviously as we were watching it unfold, police incident units were arriving. The fire brigade and 21 ambulances were outside. It was pretty horrendous to watch. It was frightening. When I saw the private ambulance I knew it only meant one thing. Then I realised it was major," the resident added. The death of a dog in the blaze was also confirmed by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Senior fire officer of the area Jason Sharp said that firefighters did their best to save many casualties from the hotel before sending them into the care of paramedics. Police Scotland said that a joint investigation was being conducted by their officers along with the fire service. Chief Supt Phil Davison said, "Our thoughts are very much with the families and loved ones of those who have died at what is a very difficult time for everyone." Local MSP and Deputy First Minister John Swinney appreciated the work of emergency services. "The news of the major fire at the New County Hotel in Perth and the loss of life that has been associated with that has been an absolutely tragic start to 2023 in the city of Perth. I extend my deepest sympathies to everybody who has been involved in this tragedy and affected by this tragedy," he said. WATCH| WION Dispatch: Armed men open fire in Kabul building housing Chinese nationals "There has been a huge effort by the emergency services to try to avoid the loss of life and address the very serious fire that has emerged, and a whole host of support work has been put in place to assist those who have been affected, and I'm grateful to everybody for their efforts in these very sad circumstances," he added. Perth and Kinross Council's deputy leader and Councillor Eric Drysdale said, "The loss of three people in a dreadful fire is truly shocking and my heart goes out to the family and friends of the deceased." (With inputs from agencies)

Massive fire breaks out at Perth hotel, leaving three dead

With no proper tools to douse fire, firefighters of Gaza struggle to fulfil their duty.

The West Asia Post: The struggle of Gaza's firefighters

Firefighters struggle to douse fire in buildings due to lack of proper equipment, this often results in more casualties and damage to property. Watch the video to know more.

Struggle of Gaza's firefighters: Ill-equipped firefighters struggle to douse fire

In UK, horrifying details of random racism, misogyny and bullying in the country's largest firefighting and rescue organization has come in the light. In an independent report found after a review of the London fire brigade female firefighters, they report that they have been groped, beaten and had their helmets filled with urine.

UK: Female firefighters groped and beaten, helmets filled with urine

UK: Misogyny and racism rampant at fire brigade

A massive fire broke out at the headquarters of Paraguay's national electoral body on Thursday (September 29), news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Immediately after the incident, firefighters and other emergency services rushed to the scene as a huge cloud of smoke came out of the Superior Court of Electoral Justice (TSJE) in the capital of Asuncion.&nbsp;

Asuncion houses materials and machines that will be used in the elections and where hundreds of officials work. &nbsp;It is said that this huge fire might cast doubts on primaries and general elections scheduled for the coming months.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-president-vladimir-putin-says-mistakes-of-military-mobilisation-should-be-corrected-521020">Russian President Vladimir Putin says 'mistakes' of military mobilisation should be corrected</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

As quoted by Reuters, Asuncion's electoral Justice Jorge Bogarin told a local radio station that there were no immediate reports of any deaths.&nbsp;

Bogarin further added that the firefighters were working to prevent the fire to spread further. He also mentioned that the cause of the fire could not be confirmed yet.&nbsp;

Reports have stated that Primaries for presidential candidates are currently scheduled for December 18.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-to-formalise-annexation-of-ukraine-territory-on-friday-520903">Putin to formalise post-vote annexation of Ukraine territory, UN warns against ‘illegal’ move</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

The general elections for president, vice president, governor and congressmen are scheduled for April 30 of next year.&nbsp;

In a news conference, TSJE President Jaime Bastard said that the fire may have damaged some 8,500 voting machines. Bastard also said that he would look into holding December's primaries in two different stages.&nbsp;

But, the idea has been questioned by the opposition. As quoted by Reuters, the president of the opposition Liberal Party Efrain Alegre said that breaking up the primaries would be a plan 'to carry out a fraud'.&nbsp;

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A massive fire broke out at the headquarters of Paraguay's national electoral body on Thursday (September 29), news agency Reuters reported. Immediately after the incident, firefighters and other emergency services rushed to the scene as a huge cloud of smoke came out of the Superior Court of Electoral Justice (TSJE) in the capital of Asuncion.

A massive fire broke out at the headquarters of Paraguay's national electoral body on Thursday (September 29), news agency Reuters reported. Immediately after the incident, firefighters and other emergency services rushed to the scene as a huge cloud of smoke came out of the Superior Court of Electoral Justice (TSJE) in the capital of Asuncion. Asuncion houses materials and machines that will be used in the elections and where hundreds of officials work. It is said that this huge fire might cast doubts on primaries and general elections scheduled for the coming months. ALSO READ | Russian President Vladimir Putin says 'mistakes' of military mobilisation should be corrected As quoted by Reuters, Asuncion's electoral Justice Jorge Bogarin told a local radio station that there were no immediate reports of any deaths. Bogarin further added that the firefighters were working to prevent the fire to spread further. He also mentioned that the cause of the fire could not be confirmed yet. Reports have stated that Primaries for presidential candidates are currently scheduled for December 18. ALSO READ | Putin to formalise post-vote annexation of Ukraine territory, UN warns against ‘illegal’ move The general elections for president, vice president, governor and congressmen are scheduled for April 30 of next year. In a news conference, TSJE President Jaime Bastard said that the fire may have damaged some 8,500 voting machines. Bastard also said that he would look into holding December's primaries in two different stages. But, the idea has been questioned by the opposition. As quoted by Reuters, the president of the opposition Liberal Party Efrain Alegre said that breaking up the primaries would be a plan 'to carry out a fraud'. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Paraguay: Firefighters extinguish fire at headquarters of national electoral body

More than 1,100 firefighters battled a huge wildfire in central Portugal on Tuesday. The fire, which has ravaged the Serra da Estrela national park, had been largely put out as of Sunday but reignited again on Monday leading to the evacuation of several villages.

Firefighters battle Portuguese wildfire as smoke reaches Madrid

Real-life superhero Nick Bostic, 25, is making headlines across the globe for his superhuman effort to rescue five children,&nbsp;not once but twice from a blazing fire. Reportedly, a few days back, Nick was out for a drive at night in&nbsp;Indiana's&nbsp;Lafayette area when he saw a two-storey house engulfed in flames.&nbsp;

With no cell phone on him and no opportunity to call&nbsp; 911, Nick, a pizza delivery boy by profession, rushed into the house and started with the rescue act.

Reportedly, the house owners,&nbsp;David and Tiera Barrett were out for dinner while their 18-year-old daughter&nbsp;Seionna, babysitted&nbsp;three siblings, aged 1, 6 and 13. One of the siblings had invited their friend to the house as well. In total, five children were in the house, when the fire started, the cause of which is still unknown.&nbsp;

Seionna first spotted the fire and ran upstairs to grab her siblings. However, by the time she ran downstairs, Nick had already entered the house from the back gate.

Racing through the smoke, Nick encountered four of the five kids on the stairs and escorted them safely out of the smoke and house. However, he quickly quizzed the kids if anybody was left back in there.

Nick goes into the house for a second time

Upon receiving info that 6-year-old Kaylani was still inside, Nick, without missing a heartbeat, scurried into the flaming house for a second time, wrapping his shirt around his mouth and nose to minimize smoke inhalation.

Not knowing where the little kid was, Nick used his ears to zone in on the location. After looking around, he&nbsp;found Kaylani and 'hightailed' upstairs to jump out of the window. Nick did fell while going upstairs but composed himself and jumped out of the window, making sure that the little&nbsp;Kaylani was on the opposite side of his arms at the time of impact.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heroic-moment-caught-on-camera-indian-rescuers-extract-boy-trapped-in-house-collapse-473755">Heroic moment caught on camera: Indian rescuers extract boy trapped in house collapse</a>

The body cam footage from the firefighters on the spot shows Nick running outside with the wailing kid in his arms. After passing the baby safely to firefighters, Nick crashes on the sidewalk and asks for oxygen. His hands could be seen burnt and cut due to the events inside the house.&nbsp;

"I can barely breathe," Bostic says in the video. "Is the baby OK? Please tell me the baby's OK."

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Pizza delivery driver Nick Bostic is being hailed a hero for running into this burning house in Indiana to rescue five children. A funding page to help him recover from his injuries has raised more than $500k. <a href="https://t.co/mMCYvWwgOA">pic.twitter.com/mMCYvWwgOA</a>
— TalkTV (@TalkTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkTV/status/1550074953403441153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Thankfully, the girl only suffered minor cuts and Bostic was taken to Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis where he spent two days before being discharged.&nbsp;

David Barrett, father of the kids thanked Nick by remarking, "Whatever brought him there at that moment.&nbsp;I feel like he was God-sent. He saved something that was priceless."

The family has stayed in touch with Nick and even accepted him as part of the family.&nbsp;"They (Barrett's) have welcomed me into their family as their own which is super cool I'm super honored for it," said Nick.&nbsp;

After Nick's heroic deed went viral on the realms of social media platforms, the good samaritans of the internet started a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/nick-bostic-hero">fundraiser</a> campaign to show their appreciation for him. So far, the campaign has collected over 500k for Nick.

<img alt="NicK Bostic" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="807c48d4-b120-49a5-bf17-b67843ea985f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Screenshot%202022-07-23%20144005.png" />

Meanwhile, Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski along with Fire and Police Department have planned to honour Nick at a&nbsp;Lafayette Aviators game (College basketball league) on August 2. The proceeds of the tickets will be added to the online fundraiser set up for Nick.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Real-life superhero Nick Bostic, 25, is making headlines across the globe for his superhuman effort to rescue five children, not once but twice from a blazing fire.

Real-life superhero Nick Bostic, 25, is making headlines across the globe for his superhuman effort to rescue five children, not once but twice from a blazing fire. Reportedly, a few days back, Nick was out for a drive at night in Indiana's Lafayette area when he saw a two-storey house engulfed in flames. With no cell phone on him and no opportunity to call 911, Nick, a pizza delivery boy by profession, rushed into the house and started with the rescue act. Reportedly, the house owners, David and Tiera Barrett were out for dinner while their 18-year-old daughter Seionna, babysitted three siblings, aged 1, 6 and 13. One of the siblings had invited their friend to the house as well. In total, five children were in the house, when the fire started, the cause of which is still unknown. Seionna first spotted the fire and ran upstairs to grab her siblings. However, by the time she ran downstairs, Nick had already entered the house from the back gate. Racing through the smoke, Nick encountered four of the five kids on the stairs and escorted them safely out of the smoke and house. However, he quickly quizzed the kids if anybody was left back in there. Nick goes into the house for a second time Upon receiving info that 6-year-old Kaylani was still inside, Nick, without missing a heartbeat, scurried into the flaming house for a second time, wrapping his shirt around his mouth and nose to minimize smoke inhalation. Not knowing where the little kid was, Nick used his ears to zone in on the location. After looking around, he found Kaylani and 'hightailed' upstairs to jump out of the window. Nick did fell while going upstairs but composed himself and jumped out of the window, making sure that the little Kaylani was on the opposite side of his arms at the time of impact. Read more: Heroic moment caught on camera: Indian rescuers extract boy trapped in house collapse The body cam footage from the firefighters on the spot shows Nick running outside with the wailing kid in his arms. After passing the baby safely to firefighters, Nick crashes on the sidewalk and asks for oxygen. His hands could be seen burnt and cut due to the events inside the house. "I can barely breathe," Bostic says in the video. "Is the baby OK? Please tell me the baby's OK." Pizza delivery driver Nick Bostic is being hailed a hero for running into this burning house in Indiana to rescue five children. A funding page to help him recover from his injuries has raised more than $500k. pic.twitter.com/mMCYvWwgOA — TalkTV (@TalkTV) July 21, 2022 × Thankfully, the girl only suffered minor cuts and Bostic was taken to Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis where he spent two days before being discharged. David Barrett, father of the kids thanked Nick by remarking, "Whatever brought him there at that moment. I feel like he was God-sent. He saved something that was priceless." The family has stayed in touch with Nick and even accepted him as part of the family. "They (Barrett's) have welcomed me into their family as their own which is super cool I'm super honored for it," said Nick. After Nick's heroic deed went viral on the realms of social media platforms, the good samaritans of the internet started a fundraiser campaign to show their appreciation for him. So far, the campaign has collected over 500k for Nick. Meanwhile, Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski along with Fire and Police Department have planned to honour Nick at a Lafayette Aviators game (College basketball league) on August 2. The proceeds of the tickets will be added to the online fundraiser set up for Nick. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Watch: Real life superman saves fives kids from a burning house

Wildfires require firefighters to make quick decisions. Often in difficult conditions like high winds and lightning. Other challenges include a century of reflexive wildfire suppression and overgrown forests. They have to make decisions like: What time of day is best to battle flames?

Dousing wildfires: How firefighting works

About four days after a wildfire started at the park, firefighters in California have begun to contain the blaze, which has threatened some of the oldest giant sequoia trees in the world.

Fire brigades remove burnt trees to contain Yosemite wildfire

United States is bracing itself for another summer of extreme heat, hurricanes, droughts and wildfire threats that are all escalating as a result of climate change. Weather authorities in southwest America have raised an alarm of a dangerous and deadly heat wave in the coming few days with this over 30 million people have been put under heat alert.

United States prepare for fire season amid workforce shortages

Firefighters finally manage to bring the situation under control a day after Greece witnessed a raging wildfire, one that destroyed several homes on the outskirts of Athens

Greece: Firefighters control wildfire

Over 200 firefighters from 30 agencies have been deployed in Colorado where wildfire flames burned 200 acres of land.

Wildfire rages on in Colorado, flames burn 200 acres of land

A training session on water rescues for firefighters in suburban St. Louis became a real-life experience when the crew had to jump into action to save two teenagers.

Two people were spotted crossing Creve Coeur Lake by Maryland Heights Fire Protection District crews as they were closing up training Tuesday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Watching in horror, the firefighters witnessed the ice on the lake break and the two fall through.

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"Training was wrapping up when one of our chiefs spotted 2 people running across the lake. &nbsp;In less than 15 seconds of the teens being spotted running across, the ice broke and they were in the water" said the fire department, in a Facebook post describing the incident.

"The crew that was still present went into response mode along with the two chiefs. &nbsp;A full response was requested. &nbsp;The Maryland Heights Fire Protection District crew along with the Pattonville Fire Protection District assisted by Creve Coeur Fire Protection District responded. &nbsp;The initial crew were able to get 4 rescuers on the ice and remove the victims in a very timely fashion."

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With the help of Pattonville and Creve Coeur fire departments, the training firefighters were able to rescue the teens from the ice-covered lake in just minutes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/just-rocks-or-dinosaur-eggs-archaeologists-discover-mystery-objects-in-this-indian-state-452072" hreflang="en">Just rocks or dinosaur eggs? Archaeologists discover mystery objects in this Indian state</a>

The Maryland Heights Fire District posted a video of the rescue on YouTube and detailed information about it on its Facebook page. Watch the daring rescue here:

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"We ask one thing from everyone- Stay off the ice!"

"These 2 were lucky with their outcome because we had crews within seconds but not everyone is that lucky." warned the firefighters.&nbsp;

Despite the cultural significance of ice activities for many countries, they pose high risks in terms of safety, according to the condition and stability of the ice.&nbsp;

In order for ice to remain stable and thick, cold winters are needed. Warm winters can degrade ice conditions and increase the risk of falling through the ice.&nbsp;

As the temperature steadily rises due to global warming, lakes, rivers, and seas will experience earlier ice break-up, later ice formation, shorter ice cover seasons, and decreased ice thickness.

A training session on water rescues for firefighters in suburban St. Louis became a real-life experience when the crew had to jump into action to save two teenagers.

A training session on water rescues for firefighters in suburban St. Louis became a real-life experience when the crew had to jump into action to save two teenagers. Two people were spotted crossing Creve Coeur Lake by Maryland Heights Fire Protection District crews as they were closing up training Tuesday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Watching in horror, the firefighters witnessed the ice on the lake break and the two fall through. Also read | Afghan neighbour sends homemade meal to UK woman in her sickness, winning hearts on internet "Training was wrapping up when one of our chiefs spotted 2 people running across the lake. In less than 15 seconds of the teens being spotted running across, the ice broke and they were in the water" said the fire department, in a Facebook post describing the incident. "The crew that was still present went into response mode along with the two chiefs. A full response was requested. The Maryland Heights Fire Protection District crew along with the Pattonville Fire Protection District assisted by Creve Coeur Fire Protection District responded. The initial crew were able to get 4 rescuers on the ice and remove the victims in a very timely fashion." × With the help of Pattonville and Creve Coeur fire departments, the training firefighters were able to rescue the teens from the ice-covered lake in just minutes. Also read | Just rocks or dinosaur eggs? Archaeologists discover mystery objects in this Indian state The Maryland Heights Fire District posted a video of the rescue on YouTube and detailed information about it on its Facebook page. Watch the daring rescue here: × "We ask one thing from everyone- Stay off the ice!" "These 2 were lucky with their outcome because we had crews within seconds but not everyone is that lucky." warned the firefighters. Despite the cultural significance of ice activities for many countries, they pose high risks in terms of safety, according to the condition and stability of the ice. In order for ice to remain stable and thick, cold winters are needed. Warm winters can degrade ice conditions and increase the risk of falling through the ice. As the temperature steadily rises due to global warming, lakes, rivers, and seas will experience earlier ice break-up, later ice formation, shorter ice cover seasons, and decreased ice thickness.

Watch: When a training session turns into a life-saving mission. Firefighters rescue teens from a icy death

The Fauna Care and Assessment Center of the Regional Autonomous Corporation of Cundinamarca has a human family for a newborn sloth rescued by firefighters in rural Colombia.&nbsp;

Patricia Rojas, a companion animal veterinarian, has been caring for the tiny creature since its arrival, giving it a toy animal to cuddle with and bottle-feeding it every three to four hours while undergoing daily check-ups.

Biologists, veterinarians, and zoo technicians work around the clock at the CAV to establish a transitional zone for animals so they can be rehabilitated and released back into their native environments. 
&nbsp;

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According to the United Nations Environment Program, six species of sloths reside in Central and South America, and their native habitats have been disrupted by deforestation and degradation of tropical forests.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Fauna Care and Assessment Center of the Regional Autonomous Corporation of Cundinamarca has a human family for a newborn sloth rescued by firefighters in rural Colombia.

The Fauna Care and Assessment Center of the Regional Autonomous Corporation of Cundinamarca has a human family for a newborn sloth rescued by firefighters in rural Colombia. Patricia Rojas, a companion animal veterinarian, has been caring for the tiny creature since its arrival, giving it a toy animal to cuddle with and bottle-feeding it every three to four hours while undergoing daily check-ups. Biologists, veterinarians, and zoo technicians work around the clock at the CAV to establish a transitional zone for animals so they can be rehabilitated and released back into their native environments. × According to the United Nations Environment Program, six species of sloths reside in Central and South America, and their native habitats have been disrupted by deforestation and degradation of tropical forests. (With inputs from agencies)

Colombian authorities nurture orphan baby sloth rescued by firefighters

A horrible house fire early on Christmas morning claimed the lives of three members of a Pennsylvania family of five, including two children.

After Christmas tree lights malfunctioned and caused the fire, Eric and Kristin King's home in Quakertown, in the southeastern section of the state, caught fire while the family slept.

The house was completely damaged. According to the Bucks County Coroner, two of the children, Liam, 11, and Patrick, 8, were dead, along with their father, Eric, 41, and his two dogs.

Kristin and her 13-year-old son Brady were both able to make it out alive.

At one point, firefighters were able to reach inside the house at one point, but the fierce flames pushed them back.

Officials say firefighters tried multiple times to reach the trapped victims inside the house but were unable to do so.

Kristin and her son, Brady, were able to flee through the back door of the house.

The fire also damaged the family home next door, but luckily, a family of four was able to escape unharmed.

Within hours of the fire, a GoFundMe page put up to aid Kristin and Brady had raised over $400,000.

(With inputs from agencies)

A horrible house fire early on Christmas morning claimed the lives of three members of a Pennsylvania family of five, including two children. After Christmas tree lights malfunctioned and caused the fire, Eric and Kristin King's home in Quakertown, in the southeastern section of the state, caught fire while the family slept.

A horrible house fire early on Christmas morning claimed the lives of three members of a Pennsylvania family of five, including two children. After Christmas tree lights malfunctioned and caused the fire, Eric and Kristin King's home in Quakertown, in the southeastern section of the state, caught fire while the family slept. The house was completely damaged. According to the Bucks County Coroner, two of the children, Liam, 11, and Patrick, 8, were dead, along with their father, Eric, 41, and his two dogs. Kristin and her 13-year-old son Brady were both able to make it out alive. At one point, firefighters were able to reach inside the house at one point, but the fierce flames pushed them back. Officials say firefighters tried multiple times to reach the trapped victims inside the house but were unable to do so. Kristin and her son, Brady, were able to flee through the back door of the house. The fire also damaged the family home next door, but luckily, a family of four was able to escape unharmed. Within hours of the fire, a GoFundMe page put up to aid Kristin and Brady had raised over $400,000. (With inputs from agencies)

Father and his two sons killed in Christmas tree fire in US

Algerian firefighters were still struggling Sunday to put out 19 blazes in the north of the country, where 90 people were killed in wildfires this week.

A statement from the emergency services said its teams were trying to extinguish 19 fires in 10 provinces.

It said six blazes were still raging in Bejaia, three in El Tarf and two in Tizi Ouzou, the worst-hit province where entire villages were destroyed.

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The government has blamed arsonists and a blistering heatwave for dozens of blazes that have raged across the country's north since Monday, but experts have also criticised authorities for failing to prepare for the annual phenomenon.

The fires have killed 90 people, including 33 soldiers, according to reports from local authorities.

Algeria is Africa's biggest country by surface area, and although much of the interior is desert, the country's north has over four million hectares of forest, which is hit every summer by fires.

Last year some 44,000 hectares went up in flames.

Algerian firefighters were still struggling Sunday to put out 19 blazes in the north of the country, where 90 people were killed in wildfires this week. A statement from the emergency services said its teams were trying to extinguish 19 fires in 10 provinces.

Algerian firefighters were still struggling Sunday to put out 19 blazes in the north of the country, where 90 people were killed in wildfires this week. A statement from the emergency services said its teams were trying to extinguish 19 fires in 10 provinces. It said six blazes were still raging in Bejaia, three in El Tarf and two in Tizi Ouzou, the worst-hit province where entire villages were destroyed. Also read | Nigeria imposes partial curfew after deadly attack The government has blamed arsonists and a blistering heatwave for dozens of blazes that have raged across the country's north since Monday, but experts have also criticised authorities for failing to prepare for the annual phenomenon. The fires have killed 90 people, including 33 soldiers, according to reports from local authorities. Algeria is Africa's biggest country by surface area, and although much of the interior is desert, the country's north has over four million hectares of forest, which is hit every summer by fires. Last year some 44,000 hectares went up in flames.

Firefighters in Algeria still at work to extinguish 19 blazes

Italian firefighters said Thursday they had battled more than 500 blazes overnight as another death was reported, taking the total toll linked to wildfires to four over the past week.

An anticyclone dubbed Lucifer is sweeping across&nbsp;Italy, sending temperatures soaring and causing what is believed to be a new European record of 48.8 degrees Celsius&nbsp;in Sicily on Wednesday.

Southern Europe has experienced intense heatwaves and wildfires this summer, with deaths also recorded in Greece and Turkey, as experts warn that climate change increases the intensity and frequency of such extreme weather events.

The searing heat is due to continue in&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;for several days and risks fuelling fires that have already plagued much of the country's south in recent weeks, notably in Sicily and the region of Calabria.

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The burned body of a 79-year-old man was found in the Reggio Calabria area on Wednesday, while another man, aged 77, died in the same region after trying to shelter his herd from the flames, news agencies reported.

Their deaths follow those of a 53-year-old woman and her 35-year-old nephew, also in Reggio Calabria, who died last Friday trying to save the family olive grove.

The fire service on Thursday morning reported making 528 interventions in the past 12 hours, 230 in Sicily, "where the situation is currently under control", including in the Madonie mountain range, near Palermo.

Regional authorities in Sicily have declared a state of emergency as a result of the fires, while 50 voluntary fire-fighting teams from around&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;have flown in to help battle the blazes.&nbsp;

The fire service reported 100 interventions overnight in Calabria, with particularly difficult blazes in the areas of Reggio Calabria, Catanzaro and Cosenza.&nbsp;

An anticyclone is an area of high atmospheric pressure that in summer brings dry, hot weather.&nbsp;

Across the Mediterranean, Algeria has also been hit by fires, with the North African country starting three days of mourning on Thursday after the death toll rose to 69.

The Mediterranean has been singled out as a "climate change hotspot", with increasing temperatures and aridity lengthening fire seasons and doubling the areas potential burnt, according to a draft UN assessment seen exclusively by AFP.

Italian firefighters said Thursday they had battled more than 500 blazes overnight as another death was reported, taking the total toll linked to wildfires to four over the past week.

Italian firefighters said Thursday they had battled more than 500 blazes overnight as another death was reported, taking the total toll linked to wildfires to four over the past week. An anticyclone dubbed Lucifer is sweeping across Italy, sending temperatures soaring and causing what is believed to be a new European record of 48.8 degrees Celsius in Sicily on Wednesday. Southern Europe has experienced intense heatwaves and wildfires this summer, with deaths also recorded in Greece and Turkey, as experts warn that climate change increases the intensity and frequency of such extreme weather events. The searing heat is due to continue in Italy for several days and risks fuelling fires that have already plagued much of the country's south in recent weeks, notably in Sicily and the region of Calabria. Also read | Australia: Teen to face 5 years in jail for forcing quokka to vape The burned body of a 79-year-old man was found in the Reggio Calabria area on Wednesday, while another man, aged 77, died in the same region after trying to shelter his herd from the flames, news agencies reported. Their deaths follow those of a 53-year-old woman and her 35-year-old nephew, also in Reggio Calabria, who died last Friday trying to save the family olive grove. The fire service on Thursday morning reported making 528 interventions in the past 12 hours, 230 in Sicily, "where the situation is currently under control", including in the Madonie mountain range, near Palermo. Regional authorities in Sicily have declared a state of emergency as a result of the fires, while 50 voluntary fire-fighting teams from around Italy have flown in to help battle the blazes. The fire service reported 100 interventions overnight in Calabria, with particularly difficult blazes in the areas of Reggio Calabria, Catanzaro and Cosenza. An anticyclone is an area of high atmospheric pressure that in summer brings dry, hot weather. Across the Mediterranean, Algeria has also been hit by fires, with the North African country starting three days of mourning on Thursday after the death toll rose to 69. The Mediterranean has been singled out as a "climate change hotspot", with increasing temperatures and aridity lengthening fire seasons and doubling the areas potential burnt, according to a draft UN assessment seen exclusively by AFP.

Italy firefighters battle 500 blazes after record heat

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

Wildfires are scorching vast areas of drought-hit western United States and Canad and firefighting resources are being severely stretched, authorities said on Saturday.

2,200 firefighters are struggling to control the vast Bootleg Fire that's raging in southern Oregon near the border with California. Some firefighters were forced to retreat.

California has vowed to send firefighters to help in Oregon. California itself is hit by wildfires.

And Canada was bringing in some 100 firefighters from Mexico to bolster their exhausted counterparts in northwestern Ontario, provincial authorities announced.

The Bootleg Fire, by far the biggest active blaze in the US, is covering 274,000 acres. It is an area larger than New York City. The fire remains just seven per cent controlled, as per Inciweb website.

"(The) fire remains very active with significant acreage increases due to hot, dry, and breezy conditions," the official site said.

It has destroyed at least 20 homes.

Authorities said the huge blaze had generated ominous and dangerous "fire clouds" reaching miles in the air, able to spawn huge outbreaks of dry lightning and "fire tornadoes."&nbsp;

Firefighter commander Rob Allen noted that the fire's 200-mile (320-kilometer) perimeter is "an enormous amount of line to build and hold."

"We are continuing to use every resource, from dozers to air tankers," he said Friday.

"We have had record heat, and just all the worst possible conditions at one time," Suzanne Flory, a US Forest Service spokesperson, told the Oregonian newspaper.

Meantime, dangerous dry lightning storms were forecast in California.

(With inputs from agencies)

Wildfires are scorching vast areas of drought-hit western United States and Canad and firefighting resources are being severely stretched, authorities said on Saturday.

Wildfires are scorching vast areas of drought-hit western United States and Canad and firefighting resources are being severely stretched, authorities said on Saturday. 2,200 firefighters are struggling to control the vast Bootleg Fire that's raging in southern Oregon near the border with California. Some firefighters were forced to retreat. California has vowed to send firefighters to help in Oregon. California itself is hit by wildfires. And Canada was bringing in some 100 firefighters from Mexico to bolster their exhausted counterparts in northwestern Ontario, provincial authorities announced. The Bootleg Fire, by far the biggest active blaze in the US, is covering 274,000 acres. It is an area larger than New York City. The fire remains just seven per cent controlled, as per Inciweb website. "(The) fire remains very active with significant acreage increases due to hot, dry, and breezy conditions," the official site said. It has destroyed at least 20 homes. Authorities said the huge blaze had generated ominous and dangerous "fire clouds" reaching miles in the air, able to spawn huge outbreaks of dry lightning and "fire tornadoes." Firefighter commander Rob Allen noted that the fire's 200-mile (320-kilometer) perimeter is "an enormous amount of line to build and hold." "We are continuing to use every resource, from dozers to air tankers," he said Friday. "We have had record heat, and just all the worst possible conditions at one time," Suzanne Flory, a US Forest Service spokesperson, told the Oregonian newspaper. Meantime, dangerous dry lightning storms were forecast in California. (With inputs from agencies)

Wildfires in US, Canada stretch firefighter resources

A wildfire in Northern California that continues to grow overnight on Sunday has now partly being contained by the firefighters. The US National weather service has issued heat warnings that will remain in place through Tuesday evening.

California wildfire partly contained by firefighters, mandatory evacuations ordered

Firefighters in Northern Ireland are spending a second day batting fires across difficult terrain on the Mourne Mountains.&nbsp;

More than 70 firefighters and 10 fire trucks from across Northern Ireland were involved Saturday in trying to contain the wildfire, while helicopters from both Britain and Ireland are set to join the effort.&nbsp;

The wildfire has been raging since Friday morning in the Slieve Donard area, the highest point in Northern Ireland, with a peak of 850 meters (2,780 feet).&nbsp;

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has urged people to stay away from the area as it declared a major incident.&nbsp;

Northern Ireland's first minister, Arlene Foster, said the wildfire is ‘devastating and tragic’, adding that the impact on local wildlife and flora is 'unimaginable’.&nbsp;

Assistant Fire Commander Aidan Jennings said the cause of the wildfire is unknown at present but noted they are 'predominantly caused by human behavior’. He said firefighters are wearing personal protective equipment and travelling for up to an hour and a half to get up the slopes.&nbsp;

"We're working with small pumps out of rivers but predominantly it is a physical, hard, beating-out job up there," he said.&nbsp;

He said the fire was moving quickly, pressed by an easterly wind. The weather has been relatively dry in recent weeks. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Firefighters in Northern Ireland are spending a second day batting fires across difficult terrain on the Mourne Mountains. More than 70 firefighters and 10 fire trucks from across Northern Ireland were involved Saturday in trying to contain the wildfire, while helicopters from both Britain and Ireland are set to join the effort.

Firefighters in Northern Ireland are spending a second day batting fires across difficult terrain on the Mourne Mountains. More than 70 firefighters and 10 fire trucks from across Northern Ireland were involved Saturday in trying to contain the wildfire, while helicopters from both Britain and Ireland are set to join the effort. The wildfire has been raging since Friday morning in the Slieve Donard area, the highest point in Northern Ireland, with a peak of 850 meters (2,780 feet). The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has urged people to stay away from the area as it declared a major incident. Northern Ireland's first minister, Arlene Foster, said the wildfire is ‘devastating and tragic’, adding that the impact on local wildlife and flora is 'unimaginable’. Assistant Fire Commander Aidan Jennings said the cause of the wildfire is unknown at present but noted they are 'predominantly caused by human behavior’. He said firefighters are wearing personal protective equipment and travelling for up to an hour and a half to get up the slopes. "We're working with small pumps out of rivers but predominantly it is a physical, hard, beating-out job up there," he said. He said the fire was moving quickly, pressed by an easterly wind. The weather has been relatively dry in recent weeks.

Wildfire in Northern Ireland declared a 'major incident' 

South African firefighters contained a wildfire along Cape Town's Table Mountain on Monday more than 24 hours after it began, damaging historical sites and forcing people to evacuate their homes and schools to close. &nbsp;

Winds of up to 45 kilometres per hour put water-bombing helicopters out of action and more than 250 firefighters were tackling fast-spreading flare-ups from the ground only. &nbsp;

Officials believe the blaze may have been started deliberately and a suspect was detained on Sunday evening. They also said it was one of the most damaging cultural heritage fires ever.&nbsp;

"With regards to the damage to historical buildings, it is quite substantial," said Arlene Wehr, the incident commander at the city's fire services, at a media briefing.&nbsp;

City of Cape Town mayor, Dan Plato, described the fire, which has so far destroyed more than 400 hectares of vegetation in the Table Mountain National Park, as one of the biggest in the city's recent history.&nbsp;

The fire started early on Sunday morning on the slopes of Devils' Peak, another part of Cape Town's mountainous backdrop, forcing University of Cape Town students to evacuate residences as runaway flames set several campus buildings ablaze, including a library housing historic books and scripts.&nbsp;

Other properties damaged includes the popular hikers' restaurant at Rhodes memorial and the thatch-roofed Mostert Mill, built around 1796 and South Africa's oldest working mill.&nbsp;

"It is not only the historic buildings themselves that have been lost, but their contents and collections," said the Cape Town Heritage Trust in a statement. &nbsp;

Two firefighters sustained burn wounds and were hospitalised for treatment, officials said, as a change in wind direction saw the fire spread rapidly towards the city bowl overnight.&nbsp;

All schools in the Vredehoek area were asked to evacuate, a disaster management spokeswoman said, adding that homes used to accommodate travelling cabinet ministers in Walmer Estate were also being cleared. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

South African firefighters contained a wildfire along Cape Town's Table Mountain on Monday more than 24 hours after it began, damaging historical sites and forcing people to evacuate their homes and schools to close.

South African firefighters contained a wildfire along Cape Town's Table Mountain on Monday more than 24 hours after it began, damaging historical sites and forcing people to evacuate their homes and schools to close. Winds of up to 45 kilometres per hour put water-bombing helicopters out of action and more than 250 firefighters were tackling fast-spreading flare-ups from the ground only. Officials believe the blaze may have been started deliberately and a suspect was detained on Sunday evening. They also said it was one of the most damaging cultural heritage fires ever. "With regards to the damage to historical buildings, it is quite substantial," said Arlene Wehr, the incident commander at the city's fire services, at a media briefing. City of Cape Town mayor, Dan Plato, described the fire, which has so far destroyed more than 400 hectares of vegetation in the Table Mountain National Park, as one of the biggest in the city's recent history. The fire started early on Sunday morning on the slopes of Devils' Peak, another part of Cape Town's mountainous backdrop, forcing University of Cape Town students to evacuate residences as runaway flames set several campus buildings ablaze, including a library housing historic books and scripts. Other properties damaged includes the popular hikers' restaurant at Rhodes memorial and the thatch-roofed Mostert Mill, built around 1796 and South Africa's oldest working mill. "It is not only the historic buildings themselves that have been lost, but their contents and collections," said the Cape Town Heritage Trust in a statement. Two firefighters sustained burn wounds and were hospitalised for treatment, officials said, as a change in wind direction saw the fire spread rapidly towards the city bowl overnight. All schools in the Vredehoek area were asked to evacuate, a disaster management spokeswoman said, adding that homes used to accommodate travelling cabinet ministers in Walmer Estate were also being cleared. (With inputs from agencies)

Firefighters contain windswept blaze on Table Mountain in South Africa 

Santa Claus has come to town on the back of a fire truck in the Colombian city of Medellin. The city's local firefighters donned on Santa Claus costumes and headed to a local hospital to spread a little Christmas cheer.

Santa's helpers: firefighters spread Christmas joy to Colombia hospital

“It is the cause, not the death, that makes the martyr”- Napoleon Bonaparte&nbsp;

Wise words that have been defining heroes since ever, but what if the hero gives his life to his cause with utmost selflessness and is forced to live a miserable and an incomplete life thereafter? &nbsp;

The world has been witnessing a series of dreadful wildfires this year in Australia, Brazil, Indonesia and the United States of America bringing irreparable damage to life and property as some of these forests may never recover. In addition to contributing to climate change, forest fires present a more immediate and very grave threat to public health. Every year, the smoke that rises from burning landscapes causes increased heart and lung diseases – health conditions that increase the risk of severe illness or death from Covid-19 – as well as thousands of premature deaths among people exposed to the haze. Research from National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) published in 2013 shows that firefighters are diagnosed with and die from cancer at higher rates than the general population. It confirmed earlier research finding elevated risk for the profession for certain cancers.&nbsp;

Firefighters at an exposed risk of cancer&nbsp;

Who could be more exposed to this haze than the people fighting the fires? All firefighters put their own lives at risk to save others in their communities. In addition to the danger of putting out fires, firefighters are at an increased risk for different types of cancer due to the smoke and hazardous chemicals they are exposed to in the line of duty. There have been multiple studies that show this increased risk for cancer.&nbsp;

So, what causes this risk for cancer in them specifically?&nbsp;

Modern homes and buildings contain many synthetic and plastic materials which create more smoke when burning than natural materials. When materials burn, they release a number of carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a group of more than 100 chemicals. Exposure to some PAHs can cause cancer. Firefighters may also encounter other known carcinogens such as asbestos and diesel exhaust. These carcinogens can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA), offers protection and lessens exposure. However, toxic chemicals can still penetrate the turnout gear and expose the skin to toxins.&nbsp;

Female firefighters have high concentrations of cancer linked chemicals than other professions&nbsp;

Earlier this year in March, a study extensively on women firefighters reported that female firefighters in San Francisco have higher concentrations of certain cancer-linked chemicals in their blood than women in other occupations, according to the first study to investigate how women in the profession are exposed to chemicals in the line of duty. When the San Francisco Fire Department suffered a shocking spate of breast cancers in 2012, it prompted a collaborative effort to investigate the exposure among women to hazardous chemicals, specifically PFAs. &nbsp;

Gear treated with ‘forever chemicals’ poses risk to firefighters&nbsp;

The smoke is inevitable and not much can be done about it. However, Firefighters face occupational hazards on a daily basis. Now, new research shows they face additional risk just by gearing up. Fabric used for firefighter turnout gear tested positive for the presence of polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), according to the study published in Environmental Science and Technology Letters, led by Graham Peaslee, professor of physics at the University of Notre Dame. PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because once released into the environment they do not break down, and they build up in our blood and organs. Exposure to PFAS increases the risk of cancer. &nbsp;

Peaslee’s team tested more than 30 samples of used and unused personal protective equipment (PPE) from six specialty textile manufacturers in the United States and found them to be treated extensively with PFAS or constructed with fluoropolymers, a type of PFAS used to make textiles oil and water resistant. Firefighter’s PPE or “turnout gear” is comprised of three layers — a thermal layer, worn closest to the skin, covered by a moisture barrier designed for water resistance and the outer shell. Peaslee and his team found high concentrations of fluorine on the moisture barrier and outer shell. Some of these chemicals have the ability to migrate off treated surfaces and materials, meaning the PFAS in the moisture barrier and outer shell PPE could potentially contaminate the thermal layer and come in direct contact with skin.&nbsp;

“If they touch the gear, it gets on their hands, and if they go fight a fire and they put the gear on and take it off and then go eat and don’t wash hands, it could transfer hand to mouth,” said Peaslee. “And if you’re sweating and you have sweat pores, could some of these chemicals come off on the thermal layer and get into the skin? The answer is probably.” Peaslee’s study is the first to identify this potential source of PFAS exposure in firefighting PPE and argues that more studies are needed.

“It is the cause, not the death, that makes the martyr”- Napoleon Bonaparte Wise words that have been defining heroes since ever, but what if the hero gives his life to his cause with utmost selflessness and is forced to live a miserable and an incomplete life thereafter?

“It is the cause, not the death, that makes the martyr”- Napoleon Bonaparte Wise words that have been defining heroes since ever, but what if the hero gives his life to his cause with utmost selflessness and is forced to live a miserable and an incomplete life thereafter? The world has been witnessing a series of dreadful wildfires this year in Australia, Brazil, Indonesia and the United States of America bringing irreparable damage to life and property as some of these forests may never recover. In addition to contributing to climate change, forest fires present a more immediate and very grave threat to public health. Every year, the smoke that rises from burning landscapes causes increased heart and lung diseases – health conditions that increase the risk of severe illness or death from Covid-19 – as well as thousands of premature deaths among people exposed to the haze. Research from National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) published in 2013 shows that firefighters are diagnosed with and die from cancer at higher rates than the general population. It confirmed earlier research finding elevated risk for the profession for certain cancers. Firefighters at an exposed risk of cancer Who could be more exposed to this haze than the people fighting the fires? All firefighters put their own lives at risk to save others in their communities. In addition to the danger of putting out fires, firefighters are at an increased risk for different types of cancer due to the smoke and hazardous chemicals they are exposed to in the line of duty. There have been multiple studies that show this increased risk for cancer. So, what causes this risk for cancer in them specifically? Modern homes and buildings contain many synthetic and plastic materials which create more smoke when burning than natural materials. When materials burn, they release a number of carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a group of more than 100 chemicals. Exposure to some PAHs can cause cancer. Firefighters may also encounter other known carcinogens such as asbestos and diesel exhaust. These carcinogens can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA), offers protection and lessens exposure. However, toxic chemicals can still penetrate the turnout gear and expose the skin to toxins. Female firefighters have high concentrations of cancer linked chemicals than other professions Earlier this year in March, a study extensively on women firefighters reported that female firefighters in San Francisco have higher concentrations of certain cancer-linked chemicals in their blood than women in other occupations, according to the first study to investigate how women in the profession are exposed to chemicals in the line of duty. When the San Francisco Fire Department suffered a shocking spate of breast cancers in 2012, it prompted a collaborative effort to investigate the exposure among women to hazardous chemicals, specifically PFAs. Gear treated with ‘forever chemicals’ poses risk to firefighters The smoke is inevitable and not much can be done about it. However, Firefighters face occupational hazards on a daily basis. Now, new research shows they face additional risk just by gearing up. Fabric used for firefighter turnout gear tested positive for the presence of polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), according to the study published in Environmental Science and Technology Letters, led by Graham Peaslee, professor of physics at the University of Notre Dame. PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because once released into the environment they do not break down, and they build up in our blood and organs. Exposure to PFAS increases the risk of cancer. Peaslee’s team tested more than 30 samples of used and unused personal protective equipment (PPE) from six specialty textile manufacturers in the United States and found them to be treated extensively with PFAS or constructed with fluoropolymers, a type of PFAS used to make textiles oil and water resistant. Firefighter’s PPE or “turnout gear” is comprised of three layers — a thermal layer, worn closest to the skin, covered by a moisture barrier designed for water resistance and the outer shell. Peaslee and his team found high concentrations of fluorine on the moisture barrier and outer shell. Some of these chemicals have the ability to migrate off treated surfaces and materials, meaning the PFAS in the moisture barrier and outer shell PPE could potentially contaminate the thermal layer and come in direct contact with skin. “If they touch the gear, it gets on their hands, and if they go fight a fire and they put the gear on and take it off and then go eat and don’t wash hands, it could transfer hand to mouth,” said Peaslee. “And if you’re sweating and you have sweat pores, could some of these chemicals come off on the thermal layer and get into the skin? The answer is probably.” Peaslee’s study is the first to identify this potential source of PFAS exposure in firefighting PPE and argues that more studies are needed.

As the wild forests burn across the world, firefighters fight occupational hazards on a daily basis

New York firefighter Louis DeRosa played the U.S. national anthem with an electric guitar outside the New York-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital on Friday (April 24) to honour health care workers on the frontline of the coronavirus epidemic.

New York firefighter rocks national anthem to honour health care workers

Australian authorities say a specialist firefighting team was able to help save a group of pre-historic pine trees from wildfires tearing through the nation.

Firefighters save prehistoric trees from wildfires

Sydney's iconic Opera House was lit up on Saturday with images of valiant firefighters who are battling devastating <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-bushfires-cooler-temperature-and-rainfall-ease-conditions-ahead-of-rough-night-273517">blazes in Australia</a>.&nbsp;

The light installation came as a gesture of gratitude and hope to all those affected by the country’s ongoing bushfire crisis.&nbsp;

The display had photographs from the fire ground where one image showed a woman hugging a volunteer firefighter while the other one was of a sign which read, "Thank you firies!"

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The crisis is now becoming increasingly political.&nbsp;

Australian PM Scott Morrison has proposed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-proposes-high-powered-inquiry-into-bushfires-response-273680">high-powered enquiry into bushfires response</a>.

After facing pressure from all ends to tackle the climate change crisis and acknowledging the role of climate change in this summer's bushfire crisis, Morrison said his government will look into improving its performance on curbing emissions but ruled out carbon tax as a response.

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Morrison has also announced a 76 million dollar mental health package for those affected by the devastating bushfires.

As part of the health package, firefighters and residents in fire-affected communities will be able to access free psychological counselling.&nbsp;

As blazes show no signs of abating, the death toll in the worst fire season on record has risen to 28 since October 2019.

More than 2,000 homes have been destroyed by the wild bushfires, razing off over than 10.3 million hectares of land - an area the size of South Korea. It is estimated that over a whopping 1 billion animals have been killed in the catastrophe. &nbsp;

Sydney's iconic Opera House was lit up on Saturday with images of valiant firefighters who are battling devastating blazes in Australia. The light installation came as a gesture of gratitude and hope to all those affected by the country’s ongoing bushfire crisis.

Sydney's iconic Opera House was lit up on Saturday with images of valiant firefighters who are battling devastating blazes in Australia. The light installation came as a gesture of gratitude and hope to all those affected by the country’s ongoing bushfire crisis. The display had photographs from the fire ground where one image showed a woman hugging a volunteer firefighter while the other one was of a sign which read, "Thank you firies!" × The crisis is now becoming increasingly political. Australian PM Scott Morrison has proposed a high-powered enquiry into bushfires response. After facing pressure from all ends to tackle the climate change crisis and acknowledging the role of climate change in this summer's bushfire crisis, Morrison said his government will look into improving its performance on curbing emissions but ruled out carbon tax as a response. Morrison has also announced a 76 million dollar mental health package for those affected by the devastating bushfires. As part of the health package, firefighters and residents in fire-affected communities will be able to access free psychological counselling. As blazes show no signs of abating, the death toll in the worst fire season on record has risen to 28 since October 2019. More than 2,000 homes have been destroyed by the wild bushfires, razing off over than 10.3 million hectares of land - an area the size of South Korea. It is estimated that over a whopping 1 billion animals have been killed in the catastrophe.

Australia bushfires: Sydney Opera House lights up in tribute to valiant firefighters

The toddler son of a volunteer firefighter killed battling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-orders-mass-evacuation-over-bushfire-danger-military-moves-in-to-help-271499">wildfires in Australia</a> received one of the service's highest honours on behalf of his father during an emotional funeral on Thursday.

Nineteen-month-old Harvey Keaton stood quietly, sucking on a pacifier, as the fire service commissioner pinned a posthumous commendation for bravery and service to his neatly pressed, oversized Rural Fire Services (RFS) shirt.

Watch: Australia bushfires: Over 4,000 people trapped in Mallacoota beaches

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Harvey's father, 32-year-old <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-leader-curtails-holiday-as-firefighters-killed-in-huge-blazes-269260">Geoffrey Keaton</a>, was one of three volunteer firefighters killed in recent weeks. Keaton and a colleague died last month when a burnt tree fell in the path of their fire truck, causing it to roll. The third firefighter died this week in what was described by authorities as a "fire tornado".

Dozens of firefighters saluted and formed a guard of honour as Keaton's hearse drove into a Sydney cemetery, according to pictures of the funeral posted online by the fire service.

A mug placed on the coffin had a picture of father and son stick figures and the inscription: "Daddy I love you to the moon and back!"

Another photograph from the funeral showed Harvey being held by his mother, Keaton's fiance Jess Hayes, as they looked at a portrait of the firefighter atop his coffin.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-scrambles-to-reach-thousands-stranded-by-bushfires-at-least-8-dead-271387">NSW state Royal Fire Services</a> Commissioner Craig Fitzsimmons, who has been giving daily briefings on the crisis, knelt down to pin the medal on Harvey's shirt.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who has faced some criticism for his response to the fires, also attended.

The NSW RFS said on Twitter it had "farewelled one of our own".

Eight people have been killed by wildfires in the eastern states of New South Wales and Victoria since Monday, and 18 are still missing.

Fierce fires have flared around Australia for several weeks, prompting mass evacuations, devastating towns and destroying homes. They have also raised questions about Australia's readiness to deal with climate change.

The toddler son of a volunteer firefighter killed battling wildfires in Australia received one of the service's highest honours on behalf of his father during an emotional funeral on Thursday.

The toddler son of a volunteer firefighter killed battling wildfires in Australia received one of the service's highest honours on behalf of his father during an emotional funeral on Thursday. Nineteen-month-old Harvey Keaton stood quietly, sucking on a pacifier, as the fire service commissioner pinned a posthumous commendation for bravery and service to his neatly pressed, oversized Rural Fire Services (RFS) shirt. Watch: Australia bushfires: Over 4,000 people trapped in Mallacoota beaches × Harvey's father, 32-year-old Geoffrey Keaton, was one of three volunteer firefighters killed in recent weeks. Keaton and a colleague died last month when a burnt tree fell in the path of their fire truck, causing it to roll. The third firefighter died this week in what was described by authorities as a "fire tornado". Dozens of firefighters saluted and formed a guard of honour as Keaton's hearse drove into a Sydney cemetery, according to pictures of the funeral posted online by the fire service. A mug placed on the coffin had a picture of father and son stick figures and the inscription: "Daddy I love you to the moon and back!" Another photograph from the funeral showed Harvey being held by his mother, Keaton's fiance Jess Hayes, as they looked at a portrait of the firefighter atop his coffin. NSW state Royal Fire Services Commissioner Craig Fitzsimmons, who has been giving daily briefings on the crisis, knelt down to pin the medal on Harvey's shirt. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who has faced some criticism for his response to the fires, also attended. The NSW RFS said on Twitter it had "farewelled one of our own". Eight people have been killed by wildfires in the eastern states of New South Wales and Victoria since Monday, and 18 are still missing. Fierce fires have flared around Australia for several weeks, prompting mass evacuations, devastating towns and destroying homes. They have also raised questions about Australia's readiness to deal with climate change.

Toddler son receives posthumous medal for killed Australian firefighter

Thousands of tourists risked being stranded in Australia's southeast Monday, as a new heatwave left <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/christmas-presents-for-australian-firefighters-royal-baking-session-on-christmas-270174">firefighters</a> across the country bracing for another round of potentially catastrophic bushfire.

Hundreds of blazes&nbsp;are burning across Australia, which is experiencing a devastating summer bushfire season fuelled by a prolonged drought and climate change.

More than 30,000 people were told to evacuate&nbsp;Victoria state's popular East Gippsland region Sunday amid fears soaring temperatures and gusting winds would stoke three large blazes, cutting off the last major road still open.

Victoria Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said residents and holidaymakers still in the area faced being stranded as it was now "too late to leave", with his agency warning it was "not possible" to provide aid to all visitors in the area.

Neighbouring South Australia is experiencing "catastrophic" fire conditions in some areas as temperatures reach above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and storms bring damaging winds.

The Country Fire Service's Brenton Eden&nbsp;said it would be a "very dangerous" day for people in the state, with lightning already sparking a number of blazes.

"Winds are gusting and unfortunately this is a dry lightning front that is going to move rapidly across South Australia," he told national broadcaster ABC.

Conditions are also expected to deteriorate over the next two days in worst-hit New South Wales, where 100 fires were burning&nbsp;Monday morning including more than 40 uncontained.

This season's bushfires have killed 10 people, destroyed more than 1,000 homes and scorched more than three million hectares (7.4 million acres)&nbsp;an area bigger than Belgium.

Sydney and other major cities have been shrouded in toxic bushfire smoke haze for weeks,&nbsp;forcing children to play indoors and causing professional sporting events to be canceled.

The crisis has focused attention on climate change which scientists say is creating a longer and more intense <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bushfire-threat-spreads-wreaks-havoc-in-australia-as-sydney-chokes-263481">bushfire</a> season and sparked street protests calling for immediate action to tackle global warming.

While conservative Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australian-pm-scott-morrison-to-visit-india-in-january-269023">Scott Morrison</a> belatedly acknowledged a link between the fires and climate change, he has continued his staunch support of Australia's lucrative coal mining industry and ruled out further action to reduce emissions.

A petition to cancel Sydney's famous New Year's Eve fireworks and use the money to fight bushfires ringing the city has topped 270,000 signatures, but officials say the show will go on.

Sydney has spent Aus$6.5 million ($4.5 million) on this year's fireworks display funds that the Change.org petition argues would be better spent on supporting volunteer firefighters and farmers suffering through a brutal drought.

Thousands of tourists risked being stranded in Australia's southeast Monday, as a new heatwave left firefighters across the country bracing for another round of potentially catastrophic bushfire.

Thousands of tourists risked being stranded in Australia's southeast Monday, as a new heatwave left firefighters across the country bracing for another round of potentially catastrophic bushfire. Hundreds of blazes are burning across Australia, which is experiencing a devastating summer bushfire season fuelled by a prolonged drought and climate change. More than 30,000 people were told to evacuate Victoria state's popular East Gippsland region Sunday amid fears soaring temperatures and gusting winds would stoke three large blazes, cutting off the last major road still open. Victoria Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said residents and holidaymakers still in the area faced being stranded as it was now "too late to leave", with his agency warning it was "not possible" to provide aid to all visitors in the area. Neighbouring South Australia is experiencing "catastrophic" fire conditions in some areas as temperatures reach above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and storms bring damaging winds. The Country Fire Service's Brenton Eden said it would be a "very dangerous" day for people in the state, with lightning already sparking a number of blazes. "Winds are gusting and unfortunately this is a dry lightning front that is going to move rapidly across South Australia," he told national broadcaster ABC. Conditions are also expected to deteriorate over the next two days in worst-hit New South Wales, where 100 fires were burning Monday morning including more than 40 uncontained. This season's bushfires have killed 10 people, destroyed more than 1,000 homes and scorched more than three million hectares (7.4 million acres) an area bigger than Belgium. Sydney and other major cities have been shrouded in toxic bushfire smoke haze for weeks, forcing children to play indoors and causing professional sporting events to be canceled. The crisis has focused attention on climate change which scientists say is creating a longer and more intense bushfire season and sparked street protests calling for immediate action to tackle global warming. While conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison belatedly acknowledged a link between the fires and climate change, he has continued his staunch support of Australia's lucrative coal mining industry and ruled out further action to reduce emissions. A petition to cancel Sydney's famous New Year's Eve fireworks and use the money to fight bushfires ringing the city has topped 270,000 signatures, but officials say the show will go on. Sydney has spent Aus$6.5 million ($4.5 million) on this year's fireworks display funds that the Change.org petition argues would be better spent on supporting volunteer firefighters and farmers suffering through a brutal drought.

Tourists at risk as heatwave fuels Australia bushfires

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