Massive wildfires are raging across the Isle of Bute in Scotland, with drone footage capturing thick smoke and flames engulfing large areas. Firefighters are battling nearly 90 separate blazes amid dry conditions. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has urged residents and visitors to stay alert and avoid risky outdoor activities.

Drone video shows wildfire rage on Scottish island of Bute

US legal history recorded its biggest claim settlement on Friday when the Los Angeles County reached a $4 billion agreement. The agreement settles over 7,000 claims of sexual abuse in juvenile facilities since 1959. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is expected to formally approve the $4 billion agreement over the next two weeks.

LA County: $4 billion settlement in child sex abuse cases

Scenes of devastation dominate South Korea's Southeastern regions, in the country's worst wildfire crisis in history.

South Korea battles raging wildfires

​South Korea is battling its worst wildfires on record, resulting in at least 27 deaths and the destruction of hundreds of buildings, including the historic Gounsa temple. The fires also threaten UNESCO sites like the Hahoe Folk Village, prompting emergency alerts. ​

Strong winds fan deadly South Korea wildfires

NASA researchers conducted initial validation of a new airspace management system designed to enable crews to use aircraft to fight and monitor wildland fires 24 hours a day. Watch to know more!

NASA develops new wildland fire airspace management system

At least two regions in western Japan have experienced wildfires, causing damage to many homes and requiring the evacuation of scores of inhabitants while hundreds of firemen fought the spreading mountain fire. Large trees were burning on a slope near Iwahari, Ehime Prefecture, and a helicopter was observed sprinkling water on the flames. Watch to know more!

Japan wildfire: Deadly wildfires damage homes in western Japan

The death toll climbed up to 24 on Wednesday (Mar 26) as South Korea&rsquo;s worst-ever wildfire rages in the south-east region, said officials. Around 27,000 people have been forced to urgently evacuate as more than a dozen fires broke out over the weekend, cutting off roads and disrupting communication lines.&nbsp;
The blazes have resulted in &ldquo;unprecedented damage&rdquo; and are threatening two UNESCO-listed sites, as wind-driven flames engulf neighbourhoods.
&ldquo;Twenty-four people are confirmed dead in the wildfires so far,&rdquo; while 12 have been seriously injured, a ministry of interior and safety official told AFP. The official added that these &ldquo;preliminary figures&rdquo; and the death toll could rise.
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While most who lost their lives due to fires were local residents, at least three firefighters were killed. A firefighting helicopter pilot was also killed when his aircraft crashed in a mountain area, the official added.
According to the interior ministry, the fires have brought 17,398 hectares (42,991 acres) to ashes, 87 per cent of which burns in Uiseong county alone, making it South Korea's second largest after the April 2000 inferno that scorched 23,913 hectares.
<h2>&lsquo;Unprecedented damage&rsquo;</h2>
&ldquo;Wildfires burning for a fifth consecutive day... are causing unprecedented damage,&rdquo; said South Korea's acting president Han Duck-soo.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-wildfires-8891086">VIDEO: South Korea's raging wildfires kill at least 18, destroy 1,300-year-old temple</a>
The blazes were &ldquo;developing in a way that is exceeding both existing prediction models and earlier expectations,&rdquo; he told an emergency safety and disaster meeting.
A crisis alert has been raised to its highest level by the government. In addition, some inmates have been transferred out of prisons in the area.
&ldquo;Throughout the night, chaos continued as power and communication lines were cut in several areas and roads were blocked,&rdquo; Han Duck-soo said.&nbsp;
The wildfires are &ldquo;the most devastating&rdquo; yet in South Korea, he added.
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Authorities have been battling the inferno using helicopters but halted such operations after a helicopter crashed, killing the pilot. Officials said that changing wind patterns and dry weather have highlighted limitations of conventional firefighting techniques.
<h2>UNESCO sites at risk</h2>
The blazes are also threatening two UNESCO-listed tourist locations, Byeongsan Seowon and historic Hahoe Folk Village.
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By late Wednesday (Mar 26), the fires had reached five kilometres away from Hahoe, a village with some houses covered with thatched roofs. While firefighters have been on standby near Byeongsan Seowon, known for its pavilion-style ancient academies.
s the sky over the historic locations turned grey with smoke and ash in the air, fire trucks were spraying water and fire-retardants in an attempt to save them.
<h2>Unusual dry weather</h2>
Authorities have attributed the fires to unusually dry weather with below-average precipitation, which they have linked with climate change and heatwaves.
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&ldquo;We can&rsquo;t say that it&rsquo;s only due to climate change, but climate change is directly (and) indirectly affecting the changes we are experiencing now. This is a sheer fact,&rdquo; Yeh Sang-Wook, professor of climatology at Seoul's Hanyang University, told AFP.
&ldquo;Wildfires will become more frequent,&rdquo; he added.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World | The blazes have resulted in “unprecedented damage” and are threatening two UNESCO-listed sites, as wind-driven flames engulf neighbourhoods.

The death toll climbed up to 24 on Wednesday (Mar 26) as South Korea’s worst-ever wildfire rages in the south-east region, said officials. Around 27,000 people have been forced to urgently evacuate as more than a dozen fires broke out over the weekend, cutting off roads and disrupting communication lines. The blazes have resulted in “unprecedented damage” and are threatening two UNESCO-listed sites, as wind-driven flames engulf neighbourhoods. “Twenty-four people are confirmed dead in the wildfires so far,” while 12 have been seriously injured, a ministry of interior and safety official told AFP. The official added that these “preliminary figures” and the death toll could rise. Also read | Helicopter fighting South Korea wildfires crashes, Pilot killed While most who lost their lives due to fires were local residents, at least three firefighters were killed. A firefighting helicopter pilot was also killed when his aircraft crashed in a mountain area, the official added. According to the interior ministry, the fires have brought 17,398 hectares (42,991 acres) to ashes, 87 per cent of which burns in Uiseong county alone, making it South Korea's second largest after the April 2000 inferno that scorched 23,913 hectares. ‘Unprecedented damage’ “Wildfires burning for a fifth consecutive day... are causing unprecedented damage,” said South Korea's acting president Han Duck-soo. Also read | VIDEO: South Korea's raging wildfires kill at least 18, destroy 1,300-year-old temple The blazes were “developing in a way that is exceeding both existing prediction models and earlier expectations,” he told an emergency safety and disaster meeting. A crisis alert has been raised to its highest level by the government. In addition, some inmates have been transferred out of prisons in the area. “Throughout the night, chaos continued as power and communication lines were cut in several areas and roads were blocked,” Han Duck-soo said. The wildfires are “the most devastating” yet in South Korea, he added. Also read | South Korea’s Truth Commission holds government responsible for fraudulent foreign adoption program Authorities have been battling the inferno using helicopters but halted such operations after a helicopter crashed, killing the pilot. Officials said that changing wind patterns and dry weather have highlighted limitations of conventional firefighting techniques. UNESCO sites at risk The blazes are also threatening two UNESCO-listed tourist locations, Byeongsan Seowon and historic Hahoe Folk Village. Also read | Wildfires devastate South Korea, killing 18, forcing 27,000 to flee By late Wednesday (Mar 26), the fires had reached five kilometres away from Hahoe, a village with some houses covered with thatched roofs. While firefighters have been on standby near Byeongsan Seowon, known for its pavilion-style ancient academies. s the sky over the historic locations turned grey with smoke and ash in the air, fire trucks were spraying water and fire-retardants in an attempt to save them. Unusual dry weather Authorities have attributed the fires to unusually dry weather with below-average precipitation, which they have linked with climate change and heatwaves. Also read | How a washing machine helped catch a rapist in South Korea “We can’t say that it’s only due to climate change, but climate change is directly (and) indirectly affecting the changes we are experiencing now. This is a sheer fact,” Yeh Sang-Wook, professor of climatology at Seoul's Hanyang University, told AFP. “Wildfires will become more frequent,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea wildfires: 24 killed as inferno threatens UNESCO-listed sites with ‘unprecedented damage’

At least eighteen people have died as massive wildfires rage across South Korea. About 27,000 to be evacuated as firefighters battle strong winds and dry conditions. The southeastern regions have declared an emergency. Watch this report for more details!

Wildfires ravage South Korea, killing 18 and destroying a 1,300-year-old temple

At least four people, including three firefighters and a civil servant, have died as massive wildfires rage across South Korea. Over 200 residents from 15 villages were ordered to evacuate as emergency crews, including helicopters, battled the flames. The southeastern regions have declared an emergency. Watch this report for more details!

South Korea wildfires spread, forcing evacuations, burning away temples and UNESCO site

Deadly Tornadoes Rip Through US; Home, Schools And Businesses Devastated. Massive tornadoes tore through southeastern US states, leaving a trail of destruction. Missouri has reported 12 storm-related fatalities, with widespread damage to buildings and uprooted trees. Authorities are assessing the devastation as rescue efforts continue.

Tornadoes, wildfires and dust storms sweep US

A thick blanket of smoke has engulfed New York's Long Island as wildfires force evacuation of a military base and closure of a major highway. A state of emergency has been declared by New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
&ldquo;I am issuing a State of Emergency as Suffolk County fights brush fires in the Pine Barrens. I have spoken to Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine and offered any necessary state resources,&rdquo; she wrote in an X post.
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<h2>Firefighters battle blaze</h2>
According to the state governor, the New York National Guard deployed multiple Black Hawk helicopters loaded with 660-gallon buckets of water to control the fires.
In a statement, the governor said, &ldquo;We are deploying resources as quickly as possible, and I have mobilized our agencies, the National Guard and the State Police to provide air and ground support to ensure we keep our Long Islanders safe.&rdquo;
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According to Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine, the fire crews in Suffolk County responded to at least three major bushfires on the East End. By Saturday (March 8) evening, the Westhampton fire was about 80 per cent contained, he added.
The blaze damaged two commercial structures and injured a firefighter, who suffered a second-degree burn to his face, according to Romaine.&nbsp;
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Several local roads and highways, including a section of the Sunrise Highway, have been shut down due to fires.
Southampton residents have been advised to avoid going outdoors for the next 24 hours due to high winds and danger due to wildfires. According to Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services, there was a heightened risk of the fire spreading to dry conditions and strong winds.
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<h2>Videos emerge on social media&nbsp;</h2>
People have been sharing several videos of the wildfires on social media, showing scary visuals.<a href="https://twitter.com/AntiWokeWar_/status/1898544937617989811?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"></a>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
NY Gov Hochul has declared a state of emergency due to Long Island wildfires scorching thousands of acres. Brush fires near Westhampton led to road closures on Sunrise Highway. Officials say fires are uncontrolled due to high winds and dry conditions. National Guard and state&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/T6adYjWOJq">pic.twitter.com/T6adYjWOJq</a>
&mdash; Anti-Woke Warrior (@AntiWokeWar_) <a href="https://twitter.com/AntiWokeWar_/status/1898544937617989811?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2025</a></blockquote>

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🚨 Breaking: The Hamptons on Long Island are on fire. Evacuations are underway. <a href="https://t.co/ISFFjOvqVq">pic.twitter.com/ISFFjOvqVq</a>
&mdash; Stock Mom&trade; (@TheRealStockMom) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealStockMom/status/1898453851952537612?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
A view from Crews responding to the fire on Long Island, New York near the Hamptons. At least 20 Fire companies responding along with a large scale aviation response. Thanks to the subscriber who shared this. 🙏 Good luck out there! <a href="https://t.co/tshuh6gv9f">pic.twitter.com/tshuh6gv9f</a>
&mdash; The Hotshot Wake Up (@HotshotWake) <a href="https://twitter.com/HotshotWake/status/1898485840319238170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
(With inputs from agencies)

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World | Trending | According to the state governor, the New York National Guard deployed multiple Black Hawk helicopters loaded with 660-gallon buckets of water to control the fires.

A thick blanket of smoke has engulfed New York's Long Island as wildfires force evacuation of a military base and closure of a major highway. A state of emergency has been declared by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “I am issuing a State of Emergency as Suffolk County fights brush fires in the Pine Barrens. I have spoken to Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine and offered any necessary state resources,” she wrote in an X post. Also read | Aurora alert! Northern lights as far as New York might dazzle skies. When to watch Firefighters battle blaze According to the state governor, the New York National Guard deployed multiple Black Hawk helicopters loaded with 660-gallon buckets of water to control the fires. In a statement, the governor said, “We are deploying resources as quickly as possible, and I have mobilized our agencies, the National Guard and the State Police to provide air and ground support to ensure we keep our Long Islanders safe.” Also read | WATCH: Man who climbed Big Ben tower with Palestinian flag comes down after 16 hours According to Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine, the fire crews in Suffolk County responded to at least three major bushfires on the East End. By Saturday (March 8) evening, the Westhampton fire was about 80 per cent contained, he added. The blaze damaged two commercial structures and injured a firefighter, who suffered a second-degree burn to his face, according to Romaine. Also read | WATCH | Pro-Ukraine protesters chased JD Vance while he was with his 3-year-old daughter Several local roads and highways, including a section of the Sunrise Highway, have been shut down due to fires. Southampton residents have been advised to avoid going outdoors for the next 24 hours due to high winds and danger due to wildfires. According to Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services, there was a heightened risk of the fire spreading to dry conditions and strong winds. Also read | Anti-Musk protests erupt at Tesla dealerships across US, nine arrested in New York Videos emerge on social media People have been sharing several videos of the wildfires on social media, showing scary visuals. NY Gov Hochul has declared a state of emergency due to Long Island wildfires scorching thousands of acres. Brush fires near Westhampton led to road closures on Sunrise Highway. Officials say fires are uncontrolled due to high winds and dry conditions. National Guard and state… pic.twitter.com/T6adYjWOJq — Anti-Woke Warrior (@AntiWokeWar_) March 9, 2025 🚨 Breaking: The Hamptons on Long Island are on fire. Evacuations are underway. pic.twitter.com/ISFFjOvqVq — Stock Mom™ (@TheRealStockMom) March 8, 2025 A view from Crews responding to the fire on Long Island, New York near the Hamptons. At least 20 Fire companies responding along with a large scale aviation response. Thanks to the subscriber who shared this. 🙏 Good luck out there! pic.twitter.com/tshuh6gv9f — The Hotshot Wake Up (@HotshotWake) March 8, 2025 (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Scary visuals emerge as state of emergency declared in New York’s Long Island amid wildfires

Firefighters in the United States' North and South Carolina have been battling dozens of wildfires over the weekend, prompting authorities to order some residents to evacuate.

Crews make progress containing Carolinas wildfire

Dozens of forest fire hotspots are active this Tuesday in the province of Corrientes, in the northeast of Argentina, where between 200,000 and 250,000 hectares have been destroyed this year.

Wildfires rage in Argentina: El Bolson wildfire kills elderly man, evacuations continue

Wildfires rage in Corrientes, Argentina; firefighters warn of months-long battle

A new study says the hot, dry, windy conditions that led to the recent Southern California fires were about 35% more likely because of climate change.

Climate change set the stage for Los Angeles fire, study finds

President Donald Trump has blamed a fish for the wildfires in LA.  In an apparent dig, one of Trump's Executive orders directed the federal agencies “to route more water" from across the state to prioritize water needs by humans instead of trying to protect a nearly extinct tiny fish species. Watch this video to find out more.

Trump criticises California's water policy

A C-130J Super Hercules flew low over the flames in Los Angeles County, dropping fire retardant. California Air National Guard released the video showing cockpit view of plane. Powerful winds and bone-dry conditions could pose a challenge to firefighters. A motorist also captured a dramatic video of the Sepulveda Fire. It burned alongside Los Angeles' 405 freeway near the Getty Museum. Watch in for more details!

California Wildfire: Super Hercules Battles A New, Wind-fueled Fire In Los Angeles

Millions in the U.S. are crippled by rare, record-breaking disasters. While California is witnessing fresh wildfire in LA, prompting evacuation orders for over 50,000 people, the situation is 'polar' opposite in Texas, Florida and Louisiana where historic storm has put parts under thick coat of snow.

As fresh wildfire breaks out in California, rare storm grips Texas, Florida, Louisiana

California is battling yet another wildfire, while still dealing with the aftermath of massive wildfires just days ago. A new wildfire has rapidly spread to more than 9,400 acres, fueled by strong winds and dry brush.

Los Angeles Wildfires: Most of southern California remains under red-flag warning

Los Angeles Wildfires: New Hughes fire breaks out about 80 km north of Los Angeles

High winds have been a key ingredient of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, and after a brief pause at the end of last week, they are forecast to intensify through the middle of this week. This is certain to complicate the fight against blazes which are likely to be one of the costliest natural disasters ever in the U.S.

Los Angeles Wildfire: Dry winds that fuelled the California wildfires are back

Los Angeles Wildfire: California braces for return of dangerous winds

High winds have been a key ingredient of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, and after a brief pause at the end of last week, they are forecast to intensify through the middle of this week. This is certain to complicate the fight against blazes that are likely to be one of the costliest natural disasters ever in the U.S.

Los Angeles wildfire: High winds worsen California wildfires

Powerful winds are threatening to spark further flare-ups in California and stoke the massive wildfires that are still burning around LA. The tragedy has killed at least 24 people and left the city shaken. It has been over a week since the disaster hit America's second-largest city, destroying more than 12,000 buildings, and more than 90,000 people are still displaced. Forecasters have predicted the return of particularly dangerous Santa Ana winds. Watch in for more details!

California Wildfire: Hundreds Of Search And Rescue Workers Comb Debris Of Burned Houses | WION

California wildfire: Los Angeles at risk of further flare-ups

Wildfires are still burning in Los Angeles. Over 9,000 buildings have been consumed, and at least 24 lives have been lost, according to officials. Meanwhile, premieres, events, and film and TV productions are being canceled across the city.

California Wildfire: Hollywood Impacted By Fires | Several Events, Premiers Cancelled | WION News

Accuweather predicts the Los Angeles fires will likely inflict damages and economic loss ranging from 135 billion to 150 billion dollars.

This comes a day after its preliminary assessment, which pledged the damages at over 55 billion dollars.

California Wildfire: Strong Winds Create ‘Critical’ Conditions, Death Toll Rises To 25 | World DNA

As crews combat the raging wildfires in southern California, striking images show air tankers releasing vivid red and pink fire retardant over Los Angeles suburbs. The brightly colored substance has become a familiar sight, coating rooftops, cars, and driveways in its path.

California wildfires: What's in the pink powder covering Los Angeles?

The devastating winds that have been transforming wildfires into blowtorches have persisted for another week. The fires are threatening lives and wreaking havoc on homes, businesses, and cultural landmarks in Los Angeles and the rest of Southern California.

Economic losses mounting from Los Angeles fires

Firefighters in California are preparing for the return of dangerous winds, including hurricane-force winds that could spark further flare-ups and reignite the wildfires.

California wildfires: California braces for return of dangerous winds

As the death toll rises to at least 24, firefighters are preparing for the return of fierce Santa Ana winds that are predicted to fuel wildfires burning throughout southern California.

While peak winds will be weaker than they were last week, they will still be "strong enough to potentially cause explosive fire growth," according to the National Weather Service's warning of a "particularly dangerous situation" on Sunday night. In the mountainous areas of Ventura and Los Angeles counties, the agency expects gusts of up to 70 mph.

California Wildfire: Dangerous Winds Expected To Amplify Los Angeles Wildfires | WION Newspoint

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