The splitting headaches began when smoke from wildfires rolled in around Tim Hunt's suburban Seattle home. Next came a debilitating fatigue.

As deadly wildfires rage across the U.S. West, Hunt and others are struggling with some of the world's worst air pollution.

"I get out of bed to eat and drink water, and go back to bed," said the 64-year-old retired software engineer, who suffered lung damage in 2017 from a bad case of the flu. "It’s like there’s not enough oxygen in the air."

Enormous plumes of ash and smoke have spread from the region, where nearly 5 million acres were ablaze on Tuesday, compounding the public health crisis of the coronavirus pandemic.

In California, levels of lung-polluting particulate matter have jumped far beyond the summertime norm, bathing skies in eerie tones of orange and sepia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/trump-dismisses-climate-concerns-blames-poor-forest-management-for-western-wildfires-327587" hreflang="en">Trump dismisses climate concerns, blames 'poor' forest management for Western wildfires</a>

Hospitals in hard-hit Oregon report a 10% increase in emergency room visits for breathing problems. Doctors are being inundated with calls from worried patients.

"It's really putting a burden on our asthmatic patients," said Dr. Paul Williams, an allergy and immunology specialist in Everett, Washington. "They're calling us more often and they're requiring additional medications."

Air pollution, in the case of wildfire measured by the amount of fine particulate matter swirling in the air, is considered a serious health hazard linked to diseases including asthma, lung cancer, heart disease and early death.

Pollution has hit historic levels in five Oregon cities - Portland, Eugene, Bend, Medford and Klamath Falls, the state said Tuesday.

"I can't see out my window past two cars," said Dr. Gopal Allada, a pulmonologist who teaches at Oregon Health &amp; Science University School of Medicine. Allada's office is swamped with calls from patients experiencing breathing problems and asking for advice on what to do about symptoms that include coughing, wheezing, throat irritation, headache and racing heartbeat.

"We're just trying to field the calls," Allada said. "I would have loved to have had more people answering phones."

In Washington where Hunt lives, the air quality on Tuesday ranged from unhealthy to hazardous at every site monitored by the state.

Residents were stuffing towels in door cracks or sleeping in face masks to cope.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/dozens-remain-missing-as-wildfires-torch-millions-of-acres-in-us-west-327272" hreflang="en">Dozens remain missing as wildfires torch millions of acres in US West</a>

Particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers, known as PM2.5, is the key measure for harmful air pollution. The particles are smaller than the width of a human hair, small enough to burrow deep into a person's lungs and even find its way into the bloodstream.

Wildfire smoke mostly carries particulates from burning trees and plants, which are already harmful.

But smoke from devastated communities can also contain toxic chemicals from burned plastic and other manmade materials in cars and buildings such as asbestos, synthetic rubber compounds and heavy metals. These can then pollute not only air but nearby waterways or soils.

A Reuters analysis of California air quality data showed moderate to hazardous air quality on Sunday and Monday at all but about 20 of more than 120 sites monitored by environmental officials, even as some smoke started to abate. About 40 sites, including San Luis Obispo along the Pacific Coast and large swaths of the agricultural Central Valley and Sierra Nevada foothills, had higher levels of pollutants than usual for six days running, state data showed.

In San Francisco, an area usually spared poor air because of its proximity to the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean, levels of PM2.5 pollution have been three times California's standard limit of 35 micrograms per cubic meter for at least six days.

"I can't recall a time when we've had this amount of smoke for this long a time," said Sylvia Vanderspek, chief of the Air Quality Planning Branch of the California Air Resources Board.

COMPOUNDING COVID-19

The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic is also complicating efforts to help people at risk for lung and breathing problems, said Dr. Afif El-Hasan, a pediatrician in Southern California who volunteers with the American Lung Association.

Wildfire pollution can make people more susceptible to COVID-19, he said, and the best masks for filtering smoke are the same N-95 face coverings desperately needed by doctors and nurses treating COVID patients, making medical professionals hesitant to recommend that patients buy them.

It has also been difficult to help people find respite from the bad air, other than to recommend staying home and indoors.

"Normally when we give air quality alerts we say where people can go," said Dylan Darling, a spokesman for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. "Often the Oregon coast can provide refuge or the mountains. But right now there is not a place that’s good to go for fresh air."

The splitting headaches began when smoke from wildfires rolled in around Tim Hunt's suburban Seattle home. Next came a debilitating fatigue. As deadly wildfires rage across the U.

The splitting headaches began when smoke from wildfires rolled in around Tim Hunt's suburban Seattle home. Next came a debilitating fatigue. As deadly wildfires rage across the U.S. West, Hunt and others are struggling with some of the world's worst air pollution. "I get out of bed to eat and drink water, and go back to bed," said the 64-year-old retired software engineer, who suffered lung damage in 2017 from a bad case of the flu. "It’s like there’s not enough oxygen in the air." Enormous plumes of ash and smoke have spread from the region, where nearly 5 million acres were ablaze on Tuesday, compounding the public health crisis of the coronavirus pandemic. In California, levels of lung-polluting particulate matter have jumped far beyond the summertime norm, bathing skies in eerie tones of orange and sepia. Also read: Trump dismisses climate concerns, blames 'poor' forest management for Western wildfires Hospitals in hard-hit Oregon report a 10% increase in emergency room visits for breathing problems. Doctors are being inundated with calls from worried patients. "It's really putting a burden on our asthmatic patients," said Dr. Paul Williams, an allergy and immunology specialist in Everett, Washington. "They're calling us more often and they're requiring additional medications." Air pollution, in the case of wildfire measured by the amount of fine particulate matter swirling in the air, is considered a serious health hazard linked to diseases including asthma, lung cancer, heart disease and early death. Pollution has hit historic levels in five Oregon cities - Portland, Eugene, Bend, Medford and Klamath Falls, the state said Tuesday. "I can't see out my window past two cars," said Dr. Gopal Allada, a pulmonologist who teaches at Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine. Allada's office is swamped with calls from patients experiencing breathing problems and asking for advice on what to do about symptoms that include coughing, wheezing, throat irritation, headache and racing heartbeat. "We're just trying to field the calls," Allada said. "I would have loved to have had more people answering phones." In Washington where Hunt lives, the air quality on Tuesday ranged from unhealthy to hazardous at every site monitored by the state. Residents were stuffing towels in door cracks or sleeping in face masks to cope. Also read: Dozens remain missing as wildfires torch millions of acres in US West Particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers, known as PM2.5, is the key measure for harmful air pollution. The particles are smaller than the width of a human hair, small enough to burrow deep into a person's lungs and even find its way into the bloodstream. Wildfire smoke mostly carries particulates from burning trees and plants, which are already harmful. But smoke from devastated communities can also contain toxic chemicals from burned plastic and other manmade materials in cars and buildings such as asbestos, synthetic rubber compounds and heavy metals. These can then pollute not only air but nearby waterways or soils. A Reuters analysis of California air quality data showed moderate to hazardous air quality on Sunday and Monday at all but about 20 of more than 120 sites monitored by environmental officials, even as some smoke started to abate. About 40 sites, including San Luis Obispo along the Pacific Coast and large swaths of the agricultural Central Valley and Sierra Nevada foothills, had higher levels of pollutants than usual for six days running, state data showed. In San Francisco, an area usually spared poor air because of its proximity to the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean, levels of PM2.5 pollution have been three times California's standard limit of 35 micrograms per cubic meter for at least six days. "I can't recall a time when we've had this amount of smoke for this long a time," said Sylvia Vanderspek, chief of the Air Quality Planning Branch of the California Air Resources Board. COMPOUNDING COVID-19 The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic is also complicating efforts to help people at risk for lung and breathing problems, said Dr. Afif El-Hasan, a pediatrician in Southern California who volunteers with the American Lung Association. Wildfire pollution can make people more susceptible to COVID-19, he said, and the best masks for filtering smoke are the same N-95 face coverings desperately needed by doctors and nurses treating COVID patients, making medical professionals hesitant to recommend that patients buy them. It has also been difficult to help people find respite from the bad air, other than to recommend staying home and indoors. "Normally when we give air quality alerts we say where people can go," said Dylan Darling, a spokesman for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. "Often the Oregon coast can provide refuge or the mountains. But right now there is not a place that’s good to go for fresh air."

Headaches and hospital visits rise as wildfire smoke blankets western US

Colossal wildfires, massive smoke clouds & 'freaky' orange skies. The 2020 wildfire season in California has been record-breaking.

Worst summer in American history? Colossal wildfires and clouds of smoke

At least nine people were killed and hundreds of thousands evacuated as wildfires continue to impact US West Coast states on Thursday. In the state of Oregon, nearly 500,000 people, which is about an eighth of the state's population, were given evacuation orders.&nbsp;

Police said that in the last 48 hours, nine people have lost their lives in the fires, which include four casualties from California and Oregon and a one-year-old in Washington.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-six-die-in-wildfires-as-orange-skies-blacken-us-california-326449">At least six die in wildfires as orange skies blacken US</a>

Other than Oregon, thousands were evacuated from Washington and California too.&nbsp;

Currently, the crisis is most severe in Oregon, where around 3,000 firefighters are working to douse about three dozen flames, which the state governor claims have burnt 900,000 acres of land.&nbsp;

In the western US, about 100 major wildfires continue to cause destruction.&nbsp;

Wildfires destroyed over 3.1 million acres land in California this year, which is an overall record as six of state's largest-ever fires occured in 2020.&nbsp;

At least nine people were killed and hundreds of thousands evacuated as wildfires continue to impact US West Coast states on Thursday. In the state of Oregon, nearly 500,000 people, which is about an eighth of the state's population, were given evacuation orders.

At least nine people were killed and hundreds of thousands evacuated as wildfires continue to impact US West Coast states on Thursday. In the state of Oregon, nearly 500,000 people, which is about an eighth of the state's population, were given evacuation orders. Police said that in the last 48 hours, nine people have lost their lives in the fires, which include four casualties from California and Oregon and a one-year-old in Washington. Also read | At least six die in wildfires as orange skies blacken US Other than Oregon, thousands were evacuated from Washington and California too. Currently, the crisis is most severe in Oregon, where around 3,000 firefighters are working to douse about three dozen flames, which the state governor claims have burnt 900,000 acres of land. In the western US, about 100 major wildfires continue to cause destruction. Wildfires destroyed over 3.1 million acres land in California this year, which is an overall record as six of state's largest-ever fires occured in 2020.

US: Death toll of West Coast wildfires rises to 9; 500,000 ordered to evacuate in Oregon

At least six people died in the western United States as states such as Washington and Oregon apart from California are scrambling to control the rapidly spreading flames.&nbsp;

Three people died of a massive wildfire triggered by lightning in northern California, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes, authorities said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said the victims were found in two separate locations, as told by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

In pics | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/orange-skies-in-fire-ravaged-california-bay-reminds-people-of-dystopian-science-fiction-film-326427">Orange skies in fire-ravaged California bay reminds people of Dystopian science fiction film</a>

California Highway Patrol Officer Ben Draper said that one person who was apparently trying to escape the blazes was found dead in a car, reported Bay Area News Group.&nbsp;

Earlier, in a news conference, fire officials said hundreds, if not thousands of homes and other structures have been destroyed or damaged by fires northeast of San Francisco.&nbsp;

As firefighters are struggling to reach many areas burning, officials have warned of potential mass deaths under orange skies that have engulfed the region.&nbsp;

"This could be the greatest loss of human lives and property due to wildfire in our state's history," Oregon Governor Kate Brown said, adding that as many as five towns were "substantially destroyed".&nbsp;

The fatalities confirmed on Wednesday include a one-year-old kid who died as his parents tried to escape blazes 130 miles east of Seattle, in Washington state.&nbsp;

As many as two more deaths were reported in the Santiam Canyon region, 60 miles south of Portland, Oregon.

At least six people died in the western United States as states such as Washington and Oregon apart from California are scrambling to control the rapidly spreading flames.

At least six people died in the western United States as states such as Washington and Oregon apart from California are scrambling to control the rapidly spreading flames. Three people died of a massive wildfire triggered by lightning in northern California, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes, authorities said on Wednesday. Watch | × Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said the victims were found in two separate locations, as told by news agency Reuters. In pics | Orange skies in fire-ravaged California bay reminds people of Dystopian science fiction film California Highway Patrol Officer Ben Draper said that one person who was apparently trying to escape the blazes was found dead in a car, reported Bay Area News Group. Earlier, in a news conference, fire officials said hundreds, if not thousands of homes and other structures have been destroyed or damaged by fires northeast of San Francisco. As firefighters are struggling to reach many areas burning, officials have warned of potential mass deaths under orange skies that have engulfed the region. "This could be the greatest loss of human lives and property due to wildfire in our state's history," Oregon Governor Kate Brown said, adding that as many as five towns were "substantially destroyed". The fatalities confirmed on Wednesday include a one-year-old kid who died as his parents tried to escape blazes 130 miles east of Seattle, in Washington state. As many as two more deaths were reported in the Santiam Canyon region, 60 miles south of Portland, Oregon.

At least six die in wildfires as orange skies blacken US

Over 200 people, who were trapped in wildfires in northern California, were airlifted to safety by members of the California National Guard, officials said on Sunday.

California wildfires: More than 200 people airlifted to safety

Wildfires in California have torched a record more than two million acres, the state fire department said Monday, as an uncontrolled blaze forced many residents to flee their homes. California's governow has declared state of emergency.

California: Wildfires burn record 2 million acres, state of emergency declared

Raging wildfires have wreaked havoc in California as they have burned nearly one million acres in a week and destroyed hundreds of homes. The weekend weather, in addition, threatened to spark new fires and overwhelm the state's firefighting ability.

Wildfires continue to rage in California, at least 6 dead

Dozens of lightning-sparked California wildfires grew rapidly on Thursday, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate homes in the San Francisco Bay Area.

California has been hit by its worst lightning storms in nearly two decades, with around 11,000 strikes igniting over 370 fires this week and stretching firefighting resources to the limit, authorities said.

At least nine fires raced through hills and mountains in the North Bay's wine country about 35 miles (56 km) southwest of Sacramento, destroying over 105 homes and other structures.

Together they have doubled in size to 131,000 acres (53,000-hectares) since Wednesday, forming a "megafire" 10 times larger than New York's Manhattan Island across Napa, Yolo, Solano and two other counties.

Collectively known as the LNU Complex Fire, they sent wind-driven flames racing 120 feet a minute across grassland parched by record-breaking, triple-digit heat, according to fire authority Cal Fire.

"It's the scariest thing I've ever seen, the heat, and it came so fast," said Fairfield evacuee Stacy Kline.

A Vacaville PG&amp;E utility worker died on Wednesday helping first responders, and at least four civilians were injured, according to a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) spokeswoman.

In central California a firefighting helicopter crashed in Fresno County about 160 miles (260 km) south of San Francisco on Wednesday, killing contract pilot Mike Fournier, 52, a former TV helicopter pilot and high school football coach, his family said.

South of San Francisco, a cluster of lightning-strike fires doubled in size to 40,000 acres in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties around 13 miles south of Palo Alto, injuring three first responders, forcing 22,000 to evacuate and destroying 20 structures, CalFire said.

Another group of 20 fires, called the SCU Lightning Complex, jumped by nearly a third to around 140,000 acres on Thursday some 20 miles east of Palo Alto across four counties, injuring two first responders.

California has warmed 1 to 2 degrees Fahrenheit since the beginning of the 20th century, and higher temperatures are blamed for longer and more intense fire seasons that have caused eight of its 10 largest wildfires in the last 15 years.

Governor Gavin Newsom requested 375 fire crews from out of state as resources ran thin, in part as prisoners normally conscripted into firefighting were locked down for COVID-19 or released from prison to slow the spread of the virus.

To the east in drought-stricken Colorado, the state's second-largest wildfire in history grew slightly to 121,781 acres, containment ticking up to 14 percent as it burned in remote mountains near Grand Junction, about 190 miles west of Denver.

Dozens of lightning-sparked California wildfires grew rapidly on Thursday, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate homes in the San Francisco Bay Area. California has been hit by its worst lightning storms in nearly two decades, with around 11,000 strikes igniting over 370 fires this week and stretching firefighting resources to the limit, authorities said.

Dozens of lightning-sparked California wildfires grew rapidly on Thursday, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate homes in the San Francisco Bay Area. California has been hit by its worst lightning storms in nearly two decades, with around 11,000 strikes igniting over 370 fires this week and stretching firefighting resources to the limit, authorities said. At least nine fires raced through hills and mountains in the North Bay's wine country about 35 miles (56 km) southwest of Sacramento, destroying over 105 homes and other structures. Together they have doubled in size to 131,000 acres (53,000-hectares) since Wednesday, forming a "megafire" 10 times larger than New York's Manhattan Island across Napa, Yolo, Solano and two other counties. Collectively known as the LNU Complex Fire, they sent wind-driven flames racing 120 feet a minute across grassland parched by record-breaking, triple-digit heat, according to fire authority Cal Fire. "It's the scariest thing I've ever seen, the heat, and it came so fast," said Fairfield evacuee Stacy Kline. A Vacaville PG&E utility worker died on Wednesday helping first responders, and at least four civilians were injured, according to a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) spokeswoman. In central California a firefighting helicopter crashed in Fresno County about 160 miles (260 km) south of San Francisco on Wednesday, killing contract pilot Mike Fournier, 52, a former TV helicopter pilot and high school football coach, his family said. South of San Francisco, a cluster of lightning-strike fires doubled in size to 40,000 acres in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties around 13 miles south of Palo Alto, injuring three first responders, forcing 22,000 to evacuate and destroying 20 structures, CalFire said. Another group of 20 fires, called the SCU Lightning Complex, jumped by nearly a third to around 140,000 acres on Thursday some 20 miles east of Palo Alto across four counties, injuring two first responders. California has warmed 1 to 2 degrees Fahrenheit since the beginning of the 20th century, and higher temperatures are blamed for longer and more intense fire seasons that have caused eight of its 10 largest wildfires in the last 15 years. Governor Gavin Newsom requested 375 fire crews from out of state as resources ran thin, in part as prisoners normally conscripted into firefighting were locked down for COVID-19 or released from prison to slow the spread of the virus. To the east in drought-stricken Colorado, the state's second-largest wildfire in history grew slightly to 121,781 acres, containment ticking up to 14 percent as it burned in remote mountains near Grand Junction, about 190 miles west of Denver.

Thousands evacuated as California wildfires double in size

Brazil’s Amazon rainforests have witnessed a 28 per cent increase in the number of forest fires in July compared to the same period last year.

As per data from the country’s National Institute for Space Research, 6,803 fires were recorded in the month of July alone, compared to 5,318 last year.

"Lungs of the earth" under danger

Over 60 per cent of the Amazon basin falls under Brazil. Dubbed as the “lungs of the earth”, the rainforest is crucial in limiting the impact of climate change.

However, President Jair Bolsonaro’s term has witnessed a record increase in deforestation and mining in closed forested areas, which has put scores of indigenous populations at risk. This incursion has also led to COVID-19 spreading in communities that live deep in the forests.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/brazil-fires-official-who-divulged-details-of-record-deforestation-in-the-amazon-313178" hreflang="en">Brazil fires official who divulged details of record-deforestation in the Amazon</a>

This is particularly worrying because usually August is when the fire season begins in the area. If the trend follows, we may witnessed record figures even this month.

Last August, a large number of forest fires ravaged parts of the rainforest.

&nbsp;"More than 1,000 fires in a single day is a 15-year record and shows the government's strategy of media-spectacle operations is not working on the ground," spokesman for Greenpeace, Romulo Batista said in a statement.

Most of these fires are triggered deliberately to clear land of vegetation and trees, making the process of clearing easier. A lot of this land is then used illegally to farm, mine, and to ranch.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/brazil-gold-rush-illegal-mining-threatens-amazon-tropical-rainforests-309257/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Not enough counter measures?

Bolsonaro too, has been outspoken about opening up the forest to bring in more business and industries into the country. He has also often denied climate change, a common tendency among far-right leaders.

2020 has been anyway devastating for Brazil’s Amazon, with the first half witnessing the most deforestation in the region ever!

Over 3,000 square kilometres (more than 1,100 square miles) of land was cleared. This is bigger than the country of Luxembourg.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/brazil-deforested-10000-square-km-of-amazon-rainforest-in-2019-up-34-on-year-304867" hreflang="en">Brazil deforested 10,000 square km of Amazon rainforest in 2019, up 34% on year</a>

However, some positive signs have come forward recently, as scientists call for leaders to make climate change the focus of all policy, otherwise we may perish sooner than expected, and extreme weather could become the norm.

On July 16, the government issued a four-month-long ban against burning in wetland region of Pantanal and in Amazon as a whole. Additionally, the military has been sent in to ensure environment action in the region. Environmentalists do feel that a more scientific approach is required to tackle the issue. Military may effectively misplace or temporarily end illegal activity, but only through scientists can the balance be restored in the oxygen providing forests.

Just in July, NASA warned of a drought in the Amazon owing to increased temperatures in the North Atlantic Ocean surface.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/inhabitants-of-the-amazon-basin-may-have-cultivated-plants-10000-years-ago-291762" hreflang="en">Inhabitants of the Amazon basin may have cultivated plants 10,000 years ago</a>

Brazil’s Amazon rainforests have witnessed a 28 per cent increase in the number of forest fires in July compared to the same period last year. As per data from the country’s National Institute for Space Research, 6,803 fires were recorded in the month of July alone, compared to 5,318 last year.

Brazil’s Amazon rainforests have witnessed a 28 per cent increase in the number of forest fires in July compared to the same period last year. As per data from the country’s National Institute for Space Research, 6,803 fires were recorded in the month of July alone, compared to 5,318 last year. "Lungs of the earth" under danger Over 60 per cent of the Amazon basin falls under Brazil. Dubbed as the “lungs of the earth”, the rainforest is crucial in limiting the impact of climate change. However, President Jair Bolsonaro’s term has witnessed a record increase in deforestation and mining in closed forested areas, which has put scores of indigenous populations at risk. This incursion has also led to COVID-19 spreading in communities that live deep in the forests. Also read: Brazil fires official who divulged details of record-deforestation in the Amazon This is particularly worrying because usually August is when the fire season begins in the area. If the trend follows, we may witnessed record figures even this month. Last August, a large number of forest fires ravaged parts of the rainforest. "More than 1,000 fires in a single day is a 15-year record and shows the government's strategy of media-spectacle operations is not working on the ground," spokesman for Greenpeace, Romulo Batista said in a statement. Most of these fires are triggered deliberately to clear land of vegetation and trees, making the process of clearing easier. A lot of this land is then used illegally to farm, mine, and to ranch. Not enough counter measures? Bolsonaro too, has been outspoken about opening up the forest to bring in more business and industries into the country. He has also often denied climate change, a common tendency among far-right leaders. 2020 has been anyway devastating for Brazil’s Amazon, with the first half witnessing the most deforestation in the region ever! Over 3,000 square kilometres (more than 1,100 square miles) of land was cleared. This is bigger than the country of Luxembourg. Also read: Brazil deforested 10,000 square km of Amazon rainforest in 2019, up 34% on year However, some positive signs have come forward recently, as scientists call for leaders to make climate change the focus of all policy, otherwise we may perish sooner than expected, and extreme weather could become the norm. On July 16, the government issued a four-month-long ban against burning in wetland region of Pantanal and in Amazon as a whole. Additionally, the military has been sent in to ensure environment action in the region. Environmentalists do feel that a more scientific approach is required to tackle the issue. Military may effectively misplace or temporarily end illegal activity, but only through scientists can the balance be restored in the oxygen providing forests. Just in July, NASA warned of a drought in the Amazon owing to increased temperatures in the North Atlantic Ocean surface. Also read: Inhabitants of the Amazon basin may have cultivated plants 10,000 years ago

Environmentalists shudder as Amazon rainforest witnesses record number of fires in July

More 250 firefighters backed by water-dropping aircraft struggle to contain a large wildfire fanned by strong winds in eastern Greece. Watch report.

Wildfires in Eastern Greece: 5 settlements forced to evacuate

The Arctic has transformed into an oven, the heatwaves have sparked hundreds of wildfires in Siberia. Watch this video to know more.

Siberia: Forest fire spreads in Arctic region due to heatwave

California has had 60% more wildfires so far in 2020 than last year because of drier weather, Governor Gavin Newsom said on Wednesday, and he promised increased funding for firefighting even as the state's budget faces a $54 billion hit from the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

California prepares for wildfires amid COVID-19 pandemic

Australia set up a national inquiry Thursday into its month-long bushfire crisis that affected three in four Australians and prompted widespread criticism of the government for its sluggish response to the blazes.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the vast scale of the fires -- which killed more than 30 people and destroyed thousands of homes -- required a new response from the bushfire-prone nation.

The Royal Commission inquiry will be tasked with finding ways to improve Australia's preparedness, resilience and response to natural disasters, but has been criticised as an effort to put off tackling the problem.

Australia has seen dozens of inquests into the causes of bushfires and steps that could be taken to mitigate them, with mixed results.

Many measures from the dozens of inquests going back to the 1930s have still not been implemented.

The opposition Labor party accused Morrison of trying to "shift attention to the things that he thinks are politically convenient to talk about" rather than "actually fixing climate change and getting emissions under control."

Morrison said panel would be asked to consider establishing new powers for the federal government to declare a national state of emergency, which he argued would allow a faster response to fires.

The conservative leader, who was criticised for his sluggish reaction to the months-long crisis, has defended his actions by pointing to regulations requiring states to formally request federal assistance.

He claimed to have operated in a "constitutional grey zone" by deploying thousands of troops and reservists to assist in the bushfire recovery.

"We did that without clear rules," Morrison said.

The most recent crisis has sparked calls for Australia's conservative government to take immediate action on climate change, with street protests urging Morrison to reduce the country's reliance on coal.

The prime minister belatedly acknowledged the link between the bushfire disaster and a warming planet, but also made clear his government plans to focus on climate adaption and building resilience ahead of measures to cut emissions.

The inquiry will be led by former Air Force chief Mark Binskin, along with retired Federal Court judge Annabelle Bennett and environmental lawyer professor Andrew Macintosh.

Morrison said they would be required to report their findings by August 31, "so recommendations can be acted upon before our next bushfire season".

The most recent bushfire season began in early September, with the first deaths recorded a month later.

Australia set up a national inquiry Thursday into its month-long bushfire crisis that affected three in four Australians and prompted widespread criticism of the government for its sluggish response to the blazes.

Australia set up a national inquiry Thursday into its month-long bushfire crisis that affected three in four Australians and prompted widespread criticism of the government for its sluggish response to the blazes. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the vast scale of the fires -- which killed more than 30 people and destroyed thousands of homes -- required a new response from the bushfire-prone nation. The Royal Commission inquiry will be tasked with finding ways to improve Australia's preparedness, resilience and response to natural disasters, but has been criticised as an effort to put off tackling the problem. Australia has seen dozens of inquests into the causes of bushfires and steps that could be taken to mitigate them, with mixed results. Many measures from the dozens of inquests going back to the 1930s have still not been implemented. The opposition Labor party accused Morrison of trying to "shift attention to the things that he thinks are politically convenient to talk about" rather than "actually fixing climate change and getting emissions under control." Morrison said panel would be asked to consider establishing new powers for the federal government to declare a national state of emergency, which he argued would allow a faster response to fires. The conservative leader, who was criticised for his sluggish reaction to the months-long crisis, has defended his actions by pointing to regulations requiring states to formally request federal assistance. He claimed to have operated in a "constitutional grey zone" by deploying thousands of troops and reservists to assist in the bushfire recovery. "We did that without clear rules," Morrison said. The most recent crisis has sparked calls for Australia's conservative government to take immediate action on climate change, with street protests urging Morrison to reduce the country's reliance on coal. The prime minister belatedly acknowledged the link between the bushfire disaster and a warming planet, but also made clear his government plans to focus on climate adaption and building resilience ahead of measures to cut emissions. The inquiry will be led by former Air Force chief Mark Binskin, along with retired Federal Court judge Annabelle Bennett and environmental lawyer professor Andrew Macintosh. Morrison said they would be required to report their findings by August 31, "so recommendations can be acted upon before our next bushfire season". The most recent bushfire season began in early September, with the first deaths recorded a month later.

Australia launches national inquiry into bushfires

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

2020 is the most crucial year yet for humanity's plan to dodge the bullet of catastrophic global warming, experts said Saturday, warning that the narrow path to safety was riddled with pitfalls, from the US election to Brexit.&nbsp;

When nations struck the 2015 Paris agreement, which aims to limit temperature rises under 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit), they agreed on five-year periods in which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anger-erupts-at-un-climate-summit-as-major-economies-resist-bold-action-268332">climate action</a> could be implemented, assessed and boosted.&nbsp;

2020 is the year the landmark deal goes into effect, yet almost three decades of diplomatic wrangling has fallen far short of what science says is needed to avert disastrous climate change.

A crucial UN summit at which leaders will finalise their action plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is set to open in Glasgow on November 9&nbsp;just six days after a US general election that could see President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/texass-greg-abbott-becomes-first-to-refuse-refugees-order-given-by-president-donald-trump-273510">Donald Trump</a> win a second term.

Trump shocked the world in 2017 when he said the United States,&nbsp;history's largest emitter&nbsp;was withdrawing from the Paris agreement.&nbsp;It is due to leave the deal on November 4.

"Another four years of Trump in the White House would mean that the world's key country in terms of providing global leadership will be sitting the problem out," Michael Oppenheimer, professor of Geosciences and International Affairs at Princeton University, told reporters.&nbsp;

"So that's four years of having a millstone around the neck of the world's efforts to deal with climate change."

After a year of climate-related disasters, from cyclones and flooding in Africa and Southeast Asia to devastating <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/next-few-hours-could-be-very-challenging-australia-urges-people-to-flee-as-bushfires-rage-273400">wildfires</a> in Australia and California, nations in December failed to make progress during the annual UN Climate Change Conference COP 25.&nbsp;

More than 100 countries have pledged to redouble their efforts to reduce domestic emissions, but the biggest polluters, China, India, the US and the European Union have yet to unveil new plans.

The Paris deal was dragged partly over the line thanks to more than a year of shuttle diplomacy by host France.&nbsp;

Climate negotiations are multilateral and emissions cuts voluntary, so much depends on the skill and tactics of the country in charge of annual COP negotiating sessions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-talks-with-uks-boris-johnson-pm-modi-resolves-to-work-closely-together-269028">COP26</a> president Claire O'Neill told reporters last month that climate would be the British government's "number one global priority" this year leading up to the Glasgow summit.

But there are fears that Brexit trade negotiations with Brussels, which will last until around the same time as COP26, will drain much-needed diplomatic bandwidth.&nbsp;

"There is a Brexit scenario in which the UK is distracted at the highest level and the relationship with the EU has soured," said Nick Mabey, CEO of the green thinktank E3G.

"It's a risk. Brexit is the government's number one defensive diplomatic priority and I would say COP needs to be its number one offensive diplomatic priority.&nbsp;

"COP&nbsp;requires huge, proactive campaigning, full-functioning diplomatic machine," he told reporters.&nbsp;

Mabey said Britain already had more than 100 diplomats focusing solely on climate ahead of Glasgow.

But perhaps the biggest moment for the climate in 2020 will come before both the US election or the COP.&nbsp;

In September, the EU-China summit in Leipzig is likely to see the world's largest single market push the world's biggest carbon polluter for greater emissions-cutting commitments.

Li Shuo, the senior global policy advisor for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/children-ready-to-lead-fight-against-pollution-as-climate-crisis-claims-over-9-lakh-lives-since-2016-262150">Greenpeace East Asia</a>, said this year presented a massive opportunity for China to show global leadership over climate.

"The US, China, EU climate tricycle has had a wheel pulled off by Trump," said Li Shuo, senior global policy advisor for Greenpeace East Asia.&nbsp;

"Going into 2020 it is critical for the two remaining wheels to roll in sync.

"The decision was taken by Chinese leaders over the next year,&nbsp;matters to how the world views China under increasingly turbulent geopolitics," Shuo said.

China and fellow emitter India was accused of stymying greater ambition at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-russia-unveils-new-climate-plan-272712">COP25</a> in Madrid by insisting they had already done their fair share in cutting carbon pollution.&nbsp;

Even if nations can agree in Glasgow to boost action during the next five years, their voluntary pledges are likely to be worlds apart from the drastic emissions cuts that Earth needs.

"Something called success is probably off the table for the moment," said Mabey.

2020 is the most crucial year yet for humanity's plan to dodge the bullet of catastrophic global warming, experts said Saturday, warning that the narrow path to safety was riddled with pitfalls, from the US election to Brexit.

2020 is the most crucial year yet for humanity's plan to dodge the bullet of catastrophic global warming, experts said Saturday, warning that the narrow path to safety was riddled with pitfalls, from the US election to Brexit. When nations struck the 2015 Paris agreement, which aims to limit temperature rises under 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit), they agreed on five-year periods in which climate action could be implemented, assessed and boosted. 2020 is the year the landmark deal goes into effect, yet almost three decades of diplomatic wrangling has fallen far short of what science says is needed to avert disastrous climate change. A crucial UN summit at which leaders will finalise their action plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is set to open in Glasgow on November 9 just six days after a US general election that could see President Donald Trump win a second term. Trump shocked the world in 2017 when he said the United States, history's largest emitter was withdrawing from the Paris agreement. It is due to leave the deal on November 4. "Another four years of Trump in the White House would mean that the world's key country in terms of providing global leadership will be sitting the problem out," Michael Oppenheimer, professor of Geosciences and International Affairs at Princeton University, told reporters. "So that's four years of having a millstone around the neck of the world's efforts to deal with climate change." After a year of climate-related disasters, from cyclones and flooding in Africa and Southeast Asia to devastating wildfires in Australia and California, nations in December failed to make progress during the annual UN Climate Change Conference COP 25. More than 100 countries have pledged to redouble their efforts to reduce domestic emissions, but the biggest polluters, China, India, the US and the European Union have yet to unveil new plans. The Paris deal was dragged partly over the line thanks to more than a year of shuttle diplomacy by host France. Climate negotiations are multilateral and emissions cuts voluntary, so much depends on the skill and tactics of the country in charge of annual COP negotiating sessions. COP26 president Claire O'Neill told reporters last month that climate would be the British government's "number one global priority" this year leading up to the Glasgow summit. But there are fears that Brexit trade negotiations with Brussels, which will last until around the same time as COP26, will drain much-needed diplomatic bandwidth. "There is a Brexit scenario in which the UK is distracted at the highest level and the relationship with the EU has soured," said Nick Mabey, CEO of the green thinktank E3G. "It's a risk. Brexit is the government's number one defensive diplomatic priority and I would say COP needs to be its number one offensive diplomatic priority. "COP requires huge, proactive campaigning, full-functioning diplomatic machine," he told reporters. Mabey said Britain already had more than 100 diplomats focusing solely on climate ahead of Glasgow. But perhaps the biggest moment for the climate in 2020 will come before both the US election or the COP. In September, the EU-China summit in Leipzig is likely to see the world's largest single market push the world's biggest carbon polluter for greater emissions-cutting commitments. Li Shuo, the senior global policy advisor for Greenpeace East Asia, said this year presented a massive opportunity for China to show global leadership over climate. "The US, China, EU climate tricycle has had a wheel pulled off by Trump," said Li Shuo, senior global policy advisor for Greenpeace East Asia. "Going into 2020 it is critical for the two remaining wheels to roll in sync. "The decision was taken by Chinese leaders over the next year, matters to how the world views China under increasingly turbulent geopolitics," Shuo said. China and fellow emitter India was accused of stymying greater ambition at COP25 in Madrid by insisting they had already done their fair share in cutting carbon pollution. Even if nations can agree in Glasgow to boost action during the next five years, their voluntary pledges are likely to be worlds apart from the drastic emissions cuts that Earth needs. "Something called success is probably off the table for the moment," said Mabey.

Climate at mercy of politics in 2020, experts warn

Around two thousand homes have been destroyed in the deadly Australian wildfires that has&nbsp;ripped more than 8 million hectares of land in New South Wales and Victoria. According to reports, the bushfires have wiped&nbsp;out 480 million&nbsp;animals, killing at least 25&nbsp;people.&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>With temperatures rising due to the bushfires, forecasters fear more&nbsp;fires are expected which is likely to form a new “mega blaze”&nbsp;along the New South Wales border. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The cloud of smoke caused by the wildfires was spotted as far as in Chile and Argentina. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>An estimated $485.59 million or more will be required to cover the damage caused by the catastrophic bushfires, as per the reports of Insurance Council of Australia. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently instituted ''National Bushfire Recovery Agency''. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>An insured loss of $375 million has been estimated as 5,850 fire-related insurance claims have been lodged since early November last year. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>PM Scott Morrison is set to meet insurance and bank executives to discuss the ongoing crisis.</li>
</ul>

Watch:&nbsp;Australia Bushfires: Scott Morrison announces new recovery agency

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Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-bushfires-2000-homes-destroyed-military-buries-4000-animals-to-prevent-diseases-272607">Australian bushfires: 2,000 homes destroyed; military buries 4,000 animals to prevent diseases</a>

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-update-authorities-race-to-reopen-blocked-roads-evacuate-people-272450">Australia bushfires update: Authorities race to reopen blocked roads, evacuate people</a>

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/everythings-just-gone-weve-got-nothing-aish-australian-bushfire-victim-272566">'Everything's just gone, we’ve got nothing': Australian bushfire victim</a>

(With Inputs from AFP) 
&nbsp;

Around two thousand homes have been destroyed in the deadly Australian wildfires that has ripped more than 8 million hectares of land in New South Wales and Victoria.

Around two thousand homes have been destroyed in the deadly Australian wildfires that has ripped more than 8 million hectares of land in New South Wales and Victoria. According to reports, the bushfires have wiped out 480 million animals, killing at least 25 people. With temperatures rising due to the bushfires, forecasters fear more fires are expected which is likely to form a new “mega blaze” along the New South Wales border. The cloud of smoke caused by the wildfires was spotted as far as in Chile and Argentina. An estimated $485.59 million or more will be required to cover the damage caused by the catastrophic bushfires, as per the reports of Insurance Council of Australia. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently instituted ''National Bushfire Recovery Agency''. An insured loss of $375 million has been estimated as 5,850 fire-related insurance claims have been lodged since early November last year. PM Scott Morrison is set to meet insurance and bank executives to discuss the ongoing crisis. Watch: Australia Bushfires: Scott Morrison announces new recovery agency × Read More: Australian bushfires: 2,000 homes destroyed; military buries 4,000 animals to prevent diseases Read More: Australia bushfires update: Authorities race to reopen blocked roads, evacuate people Read More: 'Everything's just gone, we’ve got nothing': Australian bushfire victim (With Inputs from AFP)

Australia bushfires update: Forecasters fear 'mega blaze' along New South Wales

The community of Eden braced for the worst as fires raged towards their borders on New Year's Eve, and whilst the town itself remains intact, residents will be feeling the effects of the flames for a while to come.

'Don't know what we're going to do': Australians in town ravaged by bushfire

A dangerous fire flared up in&nbsp;southeastern&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;on Sunday even as cooler conditions elsewhere allowed authorities to begin assessing the&nbsp;damage&nbsp;from heatwave-spurred blazes that swept through two states on Saturday.

Officials told residents and others in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-wildfires-developing-their-own-weather-systems-authorities-272116">New&nbsp;South Wales</a> (NSW) state town of Eden to leave immediately and head north if they did not have a&nbsp;bushfire&nbsp;response plan.

"If your plan is to leave, or you are not prepared, leave towards Merimbula or Pambula," the Rural Fire Service said in an alert.

Tens of thousands of homes in both NSW and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-will-never-go-back-traumatised-bushfire-evacuees-land-in-melbourne-272142">Victoria</a> states were without power on Sunday as a large-scale military and police effort continued to provide supplies and evacuate thousands of people who have been trapped for days in coastal towns by the fires.

Initial estimates put&nbsp;damaged or destroyed properties in the hundreds, but authorities said the mass evacuations by residents of at-risk areas appear to have prevented the major loss of life. Twenty-four people have been killed since the start of this year's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-calls-in-reserve-forces-to-tackle-bushfire-crisis-272029">wildfire season</a>.

Sunday's cooler temperatures and light rain forecast in some coastal areas in coming days could bring some relief, but officials said that would not be enough to bring the almost 200 fires still burning under control.

Fire officials said the next major flashpoint would come later in the week, but it was too early to gauge the likely severity of the threat.

"The weather activity we're seeing, the extent and spread of the fires, the speed at which they're going, the way in which they are attacking communities who have never ever seen fire before is unprecedented," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

Thousands of people have been evacuated from coastal towns at the peak of the summer holiday season, in one of the biggest coordinated operations since the evacuation of Darwin after Cyclone Tracy flattened the northern city in 1974.

Australia&nbsp;has been battling blazes across much of its east coast for months, with experts saying climate change has been a major factor in a three-year drought that has left much of the country's bushland tinder-dry and susceptible to fires.

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australian-prime-minister-scott-morrison-defers-trip-to-india-japan-as-bushfire-crisis-looms-272011">Scott Morrison</a> said Singapore and Papua&nbsp;New&nbsp;Guinea have made offers of military support;&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand was sending an additional three Air Force helicopters and crews, two Army Combat Engineer Sections and a command element to support&nbsp;Australian Defence efforts.

In the Southern Highlands region south of Sydney, a&nbsp;new&nbsp;fire was burning out of control after the winds helped drive an existing blaze to jump the Shoalhaven and Kangaroo rivers.

Another fire near the southern coastal town of Eden was at an Emergency level, and the ABC reported police have warned people should leave for evacuation centres.

Five fires in Victoria had Evacuate Now or Emergency Level warnings.

Haze from the fires was turning skies orange in&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand; police there asked people to not call the emergency phone number.

The death of a 47-year old man who was defending a friend's rural property in NSW took the national toll this season to 24. NSW <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-dead-several-missing-as-australia-counts-the-cost-of-devastating-bushfires-271335">Premier Berejiklian</a> said there was no one unaccounted for in NSW; Victorian authorities said seven people were unaccounted for in Victoria.

The federal government on Saturday announced an unprecedented call up of army reservists to support firefighters as well other resources including a third navy ship equipped for disaster and humanitarian relief. It also announced the creation of a federal&nbsp;bushfires response agency.&nbsp;

RFS Commissioner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-firefighters-get-brief-reprieve-as-death-toll-rises-272175">Fitzsimmons</a> criticised the government for not informing him of its policy proposal, saying he found out about it from the media and it created confusion on one of the busiest days ever for fighting fires.

PM Morrison faced criticism for a video he posted on social media outlining how the government is tackling the fires. Morrison has been under sustained attack handling of the crisis after he jetted out for a family holiday in Hawaii. He apologised and returned early but was heckled and snubbed when he toured fire-hit regions in recent days.

More than 5.25 million hectares (13 million acres) of land has been burnt this fire season. Almost 1,500 homes have been destroyed in NSW state alone.

A dangerous fire flared up in southeastern Australia on Sunday even as cooler conditions elsewhere allowed authorities to begin assessing the damage from heatwave-spurred blazes that swept through two states on Saturday.

A dangerous fire flared up in southeastern Australia on Sunday even as cooler conditions elsewhere allowed authorities to begin assessing the damage from heatwave-spurred blazes that swept through two states on Saturday. Officials told residents and others in the New South Wales (NSW) state town of Eden to leave immediately and head north if they did not have a bushfire response plan. "If your plan is to leave, or you are not prepared, leave towards Merimbula or Pambula," the Rural Fire Service said in an alert. Tens of thousands of homes in both NSW and Victoria states were without power on Sunday as a large-scale military and police effort continued to provide supplies and evacuate thousands of people who have been trapped for days in coastal towns by the fires. Initial estimates put damaged or destroyed properties in the hundreds, but authorities said the mass evacuations by residents of at-risk areas appear to have prevented the major loss of life. Twenty-four people have been killed since the start of this year's wildfire season. Sunday's cooler temperatures and light rain forecast in some coastal areas in coming days could bring some relief, but officials said that would not be enough to bring the almost 200 fires still burning under control. Fire officials said the next major flashpoint would come later in the week, but it was too early to gauge the likely severity of the threat. "The weather activity we're seeing, the extent and spread of the fires, the speed at which they're going, the way in which they are attacking communities who have never ever seen fire before is unprecedented," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said. Thousands of people have been evacuated from coastal towns at the peak of the summer holiday season, in one of the biggest coordinated operations since the evacuation of Darwin after Cyclone Tracy flattened the northern city in 1974. Australia has been battling blazes across much of its east coast for months, with experts saying climate change has been a major factor in a three-year drought that has left much of the country's bushland tinder-dry and susceptible to fires. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Singapore and Papua New Guinea have made offers of military support; New Zealand was sending an additional three Air Force helicopters and crews, two Army Combat Engineer Sections and a command element to support Australian Defence efforts. In the Southern Highlands region south of Sydney, a new fire was burning out of control after the winds helped drive an existing blaze to jump the Shoalhaven and Kangaroo rivers. Another fire near the southern coastal town of Eden was at an Emergency level, and the ABC reported police have warned people should leave for evacuation centres. Five fires in Victoria had Evacuate Now or Emergency Level warnings. Haze from the fires was turning skies orange in New Zealand; police there asked people to not call the emergency phone number. The death of a 47-year old man who was defending a friend's rural property in NSW took the national toll this season to 24. NSW Premier Berejiklian said there was no one unaccounted for in NSW; Victorian authorities said seven people were unaccounted for in Victoria. The federal government on Saturday announced an unprecedented call up of army reservists to support firefighters as well other resources including a third navy ship equipped for disaster and humanitarian relief. It also announced the creation of a federal bushfires response agency. RFS Commissioner Fitzsimmons criticised the government for not informing him of its policy proposal, saying he found out about it from the media and it created confusion on one of the busiest days ever for fighting fires. PM Morrison faced criticism for a video he posted on social media outlining how the government is tackling the fires. Morrison has been under sustained attack handling of the crisis after he jetted out for a family holiday in Hawaii. He apologised and returned early but was heckled and snubbed when he toured fire-hit regions in recent days. More than 5.25 million hectares (13 million acres) of land has been burnt this fire season. Almost 1,500 homes have been destroyed in NSW state alone.

New bushfire flares in southeast Australia as damage assessment begins

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-wildlife-destroyed-by-intense-wildfires-could-take-decades-to-recover-271954">Bushfires</a> burned dangerously out of control on Australia's east coast on Saturday, fanned by high temperatures and strong winds that had firefighters battling to save lives and property, as a change in wind conditions merged several large fire fronts.

By late evening, Victoria had 14 fires rated at emergency or evacuate warning levels, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/toddler-son-receives-posthumous-medal-for-killed-australian-firefighter-271622">New South Wales</a> had 11 rated emergency, with more than 150 others burning across the states. New fires had started, and others had broken containment lines.

"There are a number of fires that are coming together, very strong, very large, intense fires that are creating some of these fire-generated thunderstorms," New South Wales <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-navy-evacuates-people-trapped-in-mallacoota-as-bushfires-rage-271833">Rural Fire Service</a> (RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said at an evening briefing.

"And unfortunately we've still got many hours to go of these elevated and dangerous conditions."

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said conditions were deteriorating rapidly as a gusty southerly wind change pushed up the coast and smoke plumes from the fires triggered storms.

Authorities are worried the fires could turn out to be worse than New Year's Eve when they burnt massive tracts of bushland and forced thousands of residents and summer holidaymakers to seek refuge on beaches.

In Victoria, Premier Daniel Andrews said while conditions were difficult, the job of firefighters had been made easier by tens of thousands of people following advice to evacuate.

It may be Sunday or later before damage assessments can be made. Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-scrambles-to-reach-thousands-stranded-by-bushfires-at-least-8-dead-271387">Scott Morrison</a> put the national death toll from the current fire season, which began in September, at 23. Twelve of those are from this week's fires alone.

In updates, the NSW RFS repeatedly delivered the same blunt advice to those who had not evacuated at-risk areas: "It is too late to leave. Seek shelter as the fire approaches."

Residents used social media to post photos of the sky turning black and red from the smoke and glare of the fires, including in the Victorian town of Mallacoota, where around 1,000 people were evacuated by sea on Friday.

The first of those evacuees arrived near Melbourne on Saturday morning after a 20-hour journey by boat and a second ship with about 1,000 people landed in the afternoon.

The federal government announced an unprecedented call up of army reservists to support firefighters as well other resources including a third navy ship equipped for disaster and humanitarian relief.

Andy Gillham, the incident controller in the Victorian town of Bairnsdale, said the area had avoided the worst of the fires on Saturday but stressed this was an exceptional fire season.

"In a normal year, we would start to see the fire season kick-off in a big way around early January and we're already up towards a million hectares of burnt country. This is a marathon event and we expect to be busy managing these fires for at least the next eight weeks," he said.

<img alt="The sky turns red" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4b9e1139-b51c-418d-b02a-6bd8b6bc57bf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-04T161928.829_2.jpg" /> 
[The sky turns red in New South Wales, Australia. (Courtesy: Reuters)]

Temperatures topped 45C (113F) in much of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-wildlife-destroyed-by-intense-wildfires-could-take-decades-to-recover-271954">Sydney</a> metropolitan area, with Penrith recording a high of 48.9C (120F) according to the BOM. Canberra, the national capital, recorded a temperature of 44C just after 4 p.m., which the chief minister said was a record for the territory.

As the fires have flared, many towns have been isolated as major and minor roads are closed. Some fires are generating their own storm systems, which create the risk of lightning strikes generating new fires.

A late southerly wind change on Saturday dramatically lowered temperatures but also brought wind gusts of 70-80 km per hour (43-50 miles per hour) that caused some major fires near the border of Victoria and New South Wales states to merge and strengthen.

In South Australia, two people died on Kangaroo Island, a popular holiday spot not far off the coast. South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said more than 100,000 hectares (247,000 acres) have burned there, about one-quarter of the total area.

Six people remain unaccounted for in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-calls-in-reserve-forces-to-tackle-bushfire-crisis-272029">Victoria</a>, Premier Andrews said on Saturday, down from 28 reported on Friday.

The focus on Saturday is preventing more loss of life, authorities said. National parks have been closed and people urged earlier this week to evacuate large parts of NSW's south coast and Victoria's northeastern regions, magnets for holidaymakers at the peak of Australia's summer school holidays.

Morrison confirmed that his visit to India and Japan scheduled for mid-January had been postponed due to the fires.

More than 5.25 million hectares (13 million acres) of land has been burnt this fire season.

Bushfires burned dangerously out of control on Australia's east coast on Saturday, fanned by high temperatures and strong winds that had firefighters battling to save lives and property, as a change in wind conditions merged several large fire fronts.

Bushfires burned dangerously out of control on Australia's east coast on Saturday, fanned by high temperatures and strong winds that had firefighters battling to save lives and property, as a change in wind conditions merged several large fire fronts. By late evening, Victoria had 14 fires rated at emergency or evacuate warning levels, and New South Wales had 11 rated emergency, with more than 150 others burning across the states. New fires had started, and others had broken containment lines. "There are a number of fires that are coming together, very strong, very large, intense fires that are creating some of these fire-generated thunderstorms," New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said at an evening briefing. "And unfortunately we've still got many hours to go of these elevated and dangerous conditions." The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said conditions were deteriorating rapidly as a gusty southerly wind change pushed up the coast and smoke plumes from the fires triggered storms. Authorities are worried the fires could turn out to be worse than New Year's Eve when they burnt massive tracts of bushland and forced thousands of residents and summer holidaymakers to seek refuge on beaches. In Victoria, Premier Daniel Andrews said while conditions were difficult, the job of firefighters had been made easier by tens of thousands of people following advice to evacuate. It may be Sunday or later before damage assessments can be made. Prime Minister Scott Morrison put the national death toll from the current fire season, which began in September, at 23. Twelve of those are from this week's fires alone. In updates, the NSW RFS repeatedly delivered the same blunt advice to those who had not evacuated at-risk areas: "It is too late to leave. Seek shelter as the fire approaches." Residents used social media to post photos of the sky turning black and red from the smoke and glare of the fires, including in the Victorian town of Mallacoota, where around 1,000 people were evacuated by sea on Friday. The first of those evacuees arrived near Melbourne on Saturday morning after a 20-hour journey by boat and a second ship with about 1,000 people landed in the afternoon. The federal government announced an unprecedented call up of army reservists to support firefighters as well other resources including a third navy ship equipped for disaster and humanitarian relief. Andy Gillham, the incident controller in the Victorian town of Bairnsdale, said the area had avoided the worst of the fires on Saturday but stressed this was an exceptional fire season. "In a normal year, we would start to see the fire season kick-off in a big way around early January and we're already up towards a million hectares of burnt country. This is a marathon event and we expect to be busy managing these fires for at least the next eight weeks," he said. [The sky turns red in New South Wales, Australia. (Courtesy: Reuters)] Temperatures topped 45C (113F) in much of the Sydney metropolitan area, with Penrith recording a high of 48.9C (120F) according to the BOM. Canberra, the national capital, recorded a temperature of 44C just after 4 p.m., which the chief minister said was a record for the territory. As the fires have flared, many towns have been isolated as major and minor roads are closed. Some fires are generating their own storm systems, which create the risk of lightning strikes generating new fires. A late southerly wind change on Saturday dramatically lowered temperatures but also brought wind gusts of 70-80 km per hour (43-50 miles per hour) that caused some major fires near the border of Victoria and New South Wales states to merge and strengthen. In South Australia, two people died on Kangaroo Island, a popular holiday spot not far off the coast. South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said more than 100,000 hectares (247,000 acres) have burned there, about one-quarter of the total area. Six people remain unaccounted for in Victoria, Premier Andrews said on Saturday, down from 28 reported on Friday. The focus on Saturday is preventing more loss of life, authorities said. National parks have been closed and people urged earlier this week to evacuate large parts of NSW's south coast and Victoria's northeastern regions, magnets for holidaymakers at the peak of Australia's summer school holidays. Morrison confirmed that his visit to India and Japan scheduled for mid-January had been postponed due to the fires. More than 5.25 million hectares (13 million acres) of land has been burnt this fire season.

Fuelled by high temperatures and strong winds, Australian bushfires continues rage

Over 1,000 residents and vacationers who had been stranded on a beach by bushfires in southeastern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-wildfires-developing-their-own-weather-systems-authorities-272116">Australia</a> landed near Melbourne on Saturday after a 20-hour journey on two ships, relieved to escape terrifying smoke and fire.

Teenagers, couples, seniors and families, plus dozens of pets,113 dogs from dachshunds to Alsatians, three cats, a rabbit and a bird, arrived on the naval ships Sycamore and Choules at a port of Hastings. They were then transferred in buses to two relief centres.

“For someone who’s never been in a fire, it’s very, very, frightening. I’m so happy to be here,” said Emily Wellington, a 16-year-old from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fuelled-by-high-temperatures-and-strong-winds-australian-bushfires-continues-rage-272114">Melbourne</a> who had been in Mallacoota on a two-week holiday with family friends.

She and two other 16-year-olds were among the first 58 evacuated from the smoke-filled town as they have asthma. “They wanted us to get out so we don’t get sick,” Wellington said.

They spoke to reporters outside a relief centre about 65 kilometres (40 miles) southeast of Melbourne shortly after getting off the Sycamore at Hastings.

The Choules, a much bigger ship, arrived on Saturday afternoon with 1,025 evacuees on board.

Two hundred of them headed by bus to Melbourne’s convention centre. Melbourne Mayor Sally Capp greeted them on the bus to let them know they would have access to food, drink, showers, insurance services and Red Cross help.

“I’m sorry you’ve been through such a terrible time,” she said, to applause.

James Corrigan spent a harrowing 24 hours packed with eight friends in a sport utility vehicle on the beach in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-calls-in-reserve-forces-to-tackle-bushfire-crisis-272029">Mallacoota</a> when fires roared through the town on New Year’s Eve. He said it was a relief to be back in Melbourne.

“It was pretty scary. The night before the fire hit, no one got any sleep at all,” he said. “It was pitch black during the day.”

The friends feared for their lives, while they sought shelter near water, he said.

“We were worried the fire would be really hot with embers coming through,” Corrigan told media by phone from the bus.

“There was a period of not knowing how we’d get out,” he said, referring to the days after the fires died down.

One of the teens on the first ship, Darcy Brown, lost her family home in Mallacoota. They had moved in there just a month ago.

“It was so devastating to see. All the tin is flat to the ground. Some of the bricks are still standing,” Brown told reporters.

Vacationers left cars and caravans behind in Mallacoota, not knowing how they will get them back, while some have stayed there while sending children back to Melbourne.

Authorities have said it might take weeks to reopen the one road out of Mallacoota.

One traumatised elderly woman, Rosa, choked up as she talked to reporters about the fires.

“It was terrible. I will never go back,” she said.

But like many others, she praised the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-calls-in-reserve-forces-to-tackle-bushfire-crisis-272029">Australian navy</a> and all the volunteers in the relief effort for bringing them safely back to Melbourne.

“It was so comfortable on the ship,” said teenage evacuee Wellington..

Back in Melbourne, everyone was eager to shower and put their smoke-tainted clothes in the wash. What were they going to do first?

“Hug my parents, definitely,” Wellington said.

Over 1,000 residents and vacationers who had been stranded on a beach by bushfires in southeastern Australia landed near Melbourne on Saturday after a 20-hour journey on two ships, relieved to escape terrifying smoke and fire.

Over 1,000 residents and vacationers who had been stranded on a beach by bushfires in southeastern Australia landed near Melbourne on Saturday after a 20-hour journey on two ships, relieved to escape terrifying smoke and fire. Teenagers, couples, seniors and families, plus dozens of pets,113 dogs from dachshunds to Alsatians, three cats, a rabbit and a bird, arrived on the naval ships Sycamore and Choules at a port of Hastings. They were then transferred in buses to two relief centres. “For someone who’s never been in a fire, it’s very, very, frightening. I’m so happy to be here,” said Emily Wellington, a 16-year-old from Melbourne who had been in Mallacoota on a two-week holiday with family friends. She and two other 16-year-olds were among the first 58 evacuated from the smoke-filled town as they have asthma. “They wanted us to get out so we don’t get sick,” Wellington said. They spoke to reporters outside a relief centre about 65 kilometres (40 miles) southeast of Melbourne shortly after getting off the Sycamore at Hastings. The Choules, a much bigger ship, arrived on Saturday afternoon with 1,025 evacuees on board. Two hundred of them headed by bus to Melbourne’s convention centre. Melbourne Mayor Sally Capp greeted them on the bus to let them know they would have access to food, drink, showers, insurance services and Red Cross help. “I’m sorry you’ve been through such a terrible time,” she said, to applause. James Corrigan spent a harrowing 24 hours packed with eight friends in a sport utility vehicle on the beach in Mallacoota when fires roared through the town on New Year’s Eve. He said it was a relief to be back in Melbourne. “It was pretty scary. The night before the fire hit, no one got any sleep at all,” he said. “It was pitch black during the day.” The friends feared for their lives, while they sought shelter near water, he said. “We were worried the fire would be really hot with embers coming through,” Corrigan told media by phone from the bus. “There was a period of not knowing how we’d get out,” he said, referring to the days after the fires died down. One of the teens on the first ship, Darcy Brown, lost her family home in Mallacoota. They had moved in there just a month ago. “It was so devastating to see. All the tin is flat to the ground. Some of the bricks are still standing,” Brown told reporters. Vacationers left cars and caravans behind in Mallacoota, not knowing how they will get them back, while some have stayed there while sending children back to Melbourne. Authorities have said it might take weeks to reopen the one road out of Mallacoota. One traumatised elderly woman, Rosa, choked up as she talked to reporters about the fires. “It was terrible. I will never go back,” she said. But like many others, she praised the Australian navy and all the volunteers in the relief effort for bringing them safely back to Melbourne. “It was so comfortable on the ship,” said teenage evacuee Wellington.. Back in Melbourne, everyone was eager to shower and put their smoke-tainted clothes in the wash. What were they going to do first? “Hug my parents, definitely,” Wellington said.

'I will never go back': Traumatised bushfire evacuees land in Melbourne

The fierce <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-navy-evacuates-people-trapped-in-mallacoota-as-bushfires-rage-271833">wildfires</a> raging across Australia have estimated to put up a death toll at nearly half a billion animals in one state alone along with the surplus damage that is increasing day by day. Not only it is severely affecting the country's unique flora and fauna but also, impacting the vegetation of the bushlands. Experts believe that it could take&nbsp;decades for wildlife to recover.

Unprecedented temperatures across the continent have made this season's fires particularly deadly, killing at least 20 people and bringing apocalyptic scenes to an area roughly twice the size of Belgium.

The crisis has focused attention on climate change, which scientists say is creating a longer and more <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-orders-mass-evacuation-over-bushfire-danger-military-moves-in-to-help-271499">intense bushfire season</a>, and the Australian government has faced widespread criticism over its response and wider environmental policy.

Watch:&nbsp;Australia bushfires: Koalas &amp; Kangaroos undergo partial burns

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Harrowing footage of desperate koalas drinking from water bottles handed to them by rescuers and kangaroos standing helpless in fire-ravaged towns and charred forests have shocked people across the world.

There is some hope, however, as experts believe scorched forests can recover in time, and decimated populations of koalas, kangaroos and other badly affected species may be able to return.

A University of Sydney study estimates that 480 million animals have been killed in just the state of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-flee-fires-in-australia-navy-helps-evacuate-the-stranded-271716">New South Wales</a> (NSW) since September 2019, and according to a statement released Friday the authors said the "highly conservative" mortality calculations could mean the toll could be "substantially higher".

In order to reach the figure, the researchers cross-referenced estimates of mammal population density in NSW with areas of vegetation known to have been scorched to work out the death toll, which includes mammals, birds and reptiles, but not insects, bats or frogs.

"The true loss of animal life is likely to be much higher than 480 million," the statement said.

"NSW's wildlife is seriously threatened and under increasing pressure from a range of threats, including land clearing, exotic pests and climate change."

Professor Andrew Beattie from Macquarie University near Sydney told media he believes the death toll of animals nationwide could be in the billions, "if you think of mammals, and birds, and reptiles, amphibians and say the larger insects such as butterflies".

"We can be pretty sure that in large parts of these very expansive fires, most of the wildlife will be dead," the emeritus professor from the department of biological sciences said.

"The flora and fauna will be gone, and that includes the smaller animals which form the food chain for the bigger ones, which people often don't think about."

Koala populations have been hit particularly hard because they live in trees, feed only on certain types of eucalypts and cannot move quickly enough away from the flames.

Even before this year's bushfire crisis, numbers in NSW and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/smoke-haze-settles-over-australian-capital-as-bushfires-burn-266894">Queensland</a> had already dropped by 42 per cent between 1990 and 2010, according to the federally threatened species scientific committee.

The plight of the marsupial, native to Australia, has been raised in the country's parliament, with Nature Conservation Council ecologist Mark Graham telling lawmakers: "The fires have burnt so hot and so fast that there has been significant mortality of animals in the trees, but there is such a big area now that is still on fire and still burning that we will probably never find the bodies."

Previous studies have found that fires do not spread across the landscape uniformly, and some places are left unscathed even if areas around them are totally devastated.

"It's those areas that are untouched or have suffered less where wildlife tends to accumulate if they can get there," Beattie told AFP, adding that if there are enough of these, the burnt forests should regenerate over time but only if conditions improve quickly.

Asked if there was hope for the repopulation of animals in the worst-hit areas, Beattie said it depends on factors including rainfall, climate and logging, and it could take up to 40 years for habitats to return to normal.

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-announces-compensation-for-volunteer-firefighters-270788">Scott Morrison's</a> handling of the crisis has provoked fury in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/residents-of-small-australian-communities-told-to-evacuate-as-fire-approaches-270749">Australia</a> and further afield, and Beattie said the response, particularly from the federal government, has been "lamentably slow and their attitude is still lamentably casual".

"You've got federal politicians with very little knowledge of the environment, which is, as we are now discovering 'the real world', and hence have not perceived the oncoming catastrophes."

The fierce wildfires raging across Australia have estimated to put up a death toll at nearly half a billion animals in one state alone along with the surplus damage that is increasing day by day.

The fierce wildfires raging across Australia have estimated to put up a death toll at nearly half a billion animals in one state alone along with the surplus damage that is increasing day by day. Not only it is severely affecting the country's unique flora and fauna but also, impacting the vegetation of the bushlands. Experts believe that it could take decades for wildlife to recover. Unprecedented temperatures across the continent have made this season's fires particularly deadly, killing at least 20 people and bringing apocalyptic scenes to an area roughly twice the size of Belgium. The crisis has focused attention on climate change, which scientists say is creating a longer and more intense bushfire season, and the Australian government has faced widespread criticism over its response and wider environmental policy. Watch: Australia bushfires: Koalas & Kangaroos undergo partial burns × Harrowing footage of desperate koalas drinking from water bottles handed to them by rescuers and kangaroos standing helpless in fire-ravaged towns and charred forests have shocked people across the world. There is some hope, however, as experts believe scorched forests can recover in time, and decimated populations of koalas, kangaroos and other badly affected species may be able to return. A University of Sydney study estimates that 480 million animals have been killed in just the state of New South Wales (NSW) since September 2019, and according to a statement released Friday the authors said the "highly conservative" mortality calculations could mean the toll could be "substantially higher". In order to reach the figure, the researchers cross-referenced estimates of mammal population density in NSW with areas of vegetation known to have been scorched to work out the death toll, which includes mammals, birds and reptiles, but not insects, bats or frogs. "The true loss of animal life is likely to be much higher than 480 million," the statement said. "NSW's wildlife is seriously threatened and under increasing pressure from a range of threats, including land clearing, exotic pests and climate change." Professor Andrew Beattie from Macquarie University near Sydney told media he believes the death toll of animals nationwide could be in the billions, "if you think of mammals, and birds, and reptiles, amphibians and say the larger insects such as butterflies". "We can be pretty sure that in large parts of these very expansive fires, most of the wildlife will be dead," the emeritus professor from the department of biological sciences said. "The flora and fauna will be gone, and that includes the smaller animals which form the food chain for the bigger ones, which people often don't think about." Koala populations have been hit particularly hard because they live in trees, feed only on certain types of eucalypts and cannot move quickly enough away from the flames. Even before this year's bushfire crisis, numbers in NSW and Queensland had already dropped by 42 per cent between 1990 and 2010, according to the federally threatened species scientific committee. The plight of the marsupial, native to Australia, has been raised in the country's parliament, with Nature Conservation Council ecologist Mark Graham telling lawmakers: "The fires have burnt so hot and so fast that there has been significant mortality of animals in the trees, but there is such a big area now that is still on fire and still burning that we will probably never find the bodies." Previous studies have found that fires do not spread across the landscape uniformly, and some places are left unscathed even if areas around them are totally devastated. "It's those areas that are untouched or have suffered less where wildlife tends to accumulate if they can get there," Beattie told AFP, adding that if there are enough of these, the burnt forests should regenerate over time but only if conditions improve quickly. Asked if there was hope for the repopulation of animals in the worst-hit areas, Beattie said it depends on factors including rainfall, climate and logging, and it could take up to 40 years for habitats to return to normal. Prime Minister Scott Morrison's handling of the crisis has provoked fury in Australia and further afield, and Beattie said the response, particularly from the federal government, has been "lamentably slow and their attitude is still lamentably casual". "You've got federal politicians with very little knowledge of the environment, which is, as we are now discovering 'the real world', and hence have not perceived the oncoming catastrophes."

Australia Bushfires: Destroyed wildlife could take decades to recover

Emergency Declared In New South Wales, Queensland As Australia Battles Wildfires.

Gravitas: Australia Bush Fires: Sydney On High Alert

Authorities say a wind-driven wildfire fire in San Bernardino, California, has destroyed or damaged six homes and two outbuildings.

Doorbell camera shows neighbor warning of wildfire

California's governor declared a statewide emergency on Sunday as a huge blaze, fanned by strong winds, forced mass evacuations and power blackouts as it bore down on towns in the famed Sonoma wine region.

The so-called Kincade Fire, north of San Francisco, has spread to 30,000 acres (12,000 hectares) and was only 10 per cent contained by Sunday evening, state fire authorities said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firefighters-struggle-against-massive-wind-whipped-california-wildfire-258443">Firefighters struggle against massive, wind-whipped California wildfire</a>

The blaze, the largest of more than a dozen wildfires burning throughout the state, has destroyed dozens of homes and vineyards, including the renowned 150-year-old Soda Rock Winery.

"We've seen the news. We are devastated," the owners said in a Facebook message, adding that all staff at the winery -- located in the town of Healdsburg, 70 miles north of San Francisco -- are safe.

At least two hospitals in Santa Rosa evacuated patients over the weekend to other facilities.&nbsp;

The Kincade Fire -- the most devastating in California this year -- ignited Wednesday and spread quickly thanks to powerful gusts of up to 90 miles (145 kilometers) per hour.

"Over 3,000 people are working on the fire as we speak, making sure the evacuation is going smoothly and people are taking it seriously," said state governor Gavin Newsom.

An estimated 180,000 people were under mandatory evacuation orders, including in parts of Santa Rosa and a large swath of Sonoma County all the way to the Pacific Ocean. &nbsp;

'Largest evacuation in memory'

"This is the largest evacuation that any of us at the Sheriff's Office can remember. Take care of each other," the Sonoma County sheriff's office tweeted.

Authorities said the area would remain under dangerous red flag conditions until Monday morning.

"Things will improve as we head into Monday and Tuesday but we need to be resilient," a spokesman for the National Weather Service told a news conference.

A fire official warned that should the flames continue spreading west and jump over a major freeway -- the 101 -- that could prove even more catastrophic, as that region hasn't had any fires since the 1940s.

"The fuels in that area are extremely dense, they are extremely old and decadent, and they are extremely dry," he said, referring to the combustible materials including shrubs and trees feeding the fire.

More than 3,000 firefighters backed by air tankers and helicopters were battling to control the blaze, which was not expected to be contained before November 7, fire officials said.

Police to prevent looting

Sonoma County Sheriff Mark Essick told a news conference that hundreds of police officers backed by the National Guard had been deployed in regions under evacuation orders to check property and prevent looting.&nbsp;

Several other fires have erupted throughout the state in the last week, fueled by high winds, bone-dry conditions and temperatures in the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit (26-32 Celsius).&nbsp;

One major fire -- the Tick Fire -- in the southern part of the state, north of Los Angeles, also prompted evacuations and destroyed a number of homes near Santa Clarita.

But on Sunday, most evacuation orders were lifted as some 1,000 firefighters worked to contain the fire that burned more than 4,500 acres.

In a bid to reduce the risk of fire, California's largest utility, Pacific Gas &amp; Electric Co., said it expected to turn off power to nearly one million customers across northern and central California.

"Winds of this magnitude pose a higher risk of damage and sparks on the electric system and rapid wildfire spread," the company said in a statement. "The fire risk is even higher because vegetation on the ground has been dried out by recent wind events."

PG&amp;E has come under intense scrutiny after it emerged that one of its transmission lines may have played a role in the Kincade Fire.

The same type of line was responsible for California's deadliest-ever wildfire -- last year's Camp Fire, which killed 86 people.

PG&amp;E, which filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this year, has been blamed for several other fires in the state in recent years.

Newsom hit out at the utility earlier this week, saying he was infuriated that a state such as California -- which boasts the fifth-largest economy in the world -- had to endure blackouts.

California's governor declared a statewide emergency on Sunday as a huge blaze, fanned by strong winds, forced mass evacuations and power blackouts as it bore down on towns in the famed Sonoma wine region.

California's governor declared a statewide emergency on Sunday as a huge blaze, fanned by strong winds, forced mass evacuations and power blackouts as it bore down on towns in the famed Sonoma wine region. The so-called Kincade Fire, north of San Francisco, has spread to 30,000 acres (12,000 hectares) and was only 10 per cent contained by Sunday evening, state fire authorities said. Also read: Firefighters struggle against massive, wind-whipped California wildfire The blaze, the largest of more than a dozen wildfires burning throughout the state, has destroyed dozens of homes and vineyards, including the renowned 150-year-old Soda Rock Winery. "We've seen the news. We are devastated," the owners said in a Facebook message, adding that all staff at the winery -- located in the town of Healdsburg, 70 miles north of San Francisco -- are safe. At least two hospitals in Santa Rosa evacuated patients over the weekend to other facilities. The Kincade Fire -- the most devastating in California this year -- ignited Wednesday and spread quickly thanks to powerful gusts of up to 90 miles (145 kilometers) per hour. "Over 3,000 people are working on the fire as we speak, making sure the evacuation is going smoothly and people are taking it seriously," said state governor Gavin Newsom. An estimated 180,000 people were under mandatory evacuation orders, including in parts of Santa Rosa and a large swath of Sonoma County all the way to the Pacific Ocean. 'Largest evacuation in memory' "This is the largest evacuation that any of us at the Sheriff's Office can remember. Take care of each other," the Sonoma County sheriff's office tweeted. Authorities said the area would remain under dangerous red flag conditions until Monday morning. "Things will improve as we head into Monday and Tuesday but we need to be resilient," a spokesman for the National Weather Service told a news conference. A fire official warned that should the flames continue spreading west and jump over a major freeway -- the 101 -- that could prove even more catastrophic, as that region hasn't had any fires since the 1940s. "The fuels in that area are extremely dense, they are extremely old and decadent, and they are extremely dry," he said, referring to the combustible materials including shrubs and trees feeding the fire. More than 3,000 firefighters backed by air tankers and helicopters were battling to control the blaze, which was not expected to be contained before November 7, fire officials said. Police to prevent looting Sonoma County Sheriff Mark Essick told a news conference that hundreds of police officers backed by the National Guard had been deployed in regions under evacuation orders to check property and prevent looting. Several other fires have erupted throughout the state in the last week, fueled by high winds, bone-dry conditions and temperatures in the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit (26-32 Celsius). One major fire -- the Tick Fire -- in the southern part of the state, north of Los Angeles, also prompted evacuations and destroyed a number of homes near Santa Clarita. But on Sunday, most evacuation orders were lifted as some 1,000 firefighters worked to contain the fire that burned more than 4,500 acres. In a bid to reduce the risk of fire, California's largest utility, Pacific Gas & Electric Co., said it expected to turn off power to nearly one million customers across northern and central California. "Winds of this magnitude pose a higher risk of damage and sparks on the electric system and rapid wildfire spread," the company said in a statement. "The fire risk is even higher because vegetation on the ground has been dried out by recent wind events." PG&E has come under intense scrutiny after it emerged that one of its transmission lines may have played a role in the Kincade Fire. The same type of line was responsible for California's deadliest-ever wildfire -- last year's Camp Fire, which killed 86 people. PG&E, which filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this year, has been blamed for several other fires in the state in recent years. Newsom hit out at the utility earlier this week, saying he was infuriated that a state such as California -- which boasts the fifth-largest economy in the world -- had to endure blackouts.

State of emergency declared as California wildfires rage

Some 50,000 people were ordered to flee their homes north of Los Angeles on Thursday as a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firefighters-battle-southern-california-wildfires-100000-evacuated-255548">fast-moving wildfire</a> driven by high winds erupted and raged out of control.

The so-called Tick Fire near Santa Clarita, about 40 miles (65 kilometres) north of Los Angeles, broke out in the early afternoon and quickly consumed 5,000 acres (2,023 hectares), fire officials said.

The blaze burned several homes and structures and forced the closure of a major highway and a number of roads, as some 500 firefighters backed by air tankers and helicopters battled the flames.

There were no immediate reports of injury.

"We are urging everybody to evacuate at this time," a spokesman for the fire department said.

The fire erupted as much of the state was under a red flag warning because of gusty winds, high temperatures and low humidity which make for perfect conditions for wildfires.

In northern California wine country, some 2,000 people were ordered to evacuate after a brush fire erupted late Wednesday, quickly growing from a blaze of a few hundred acres into a 16,000-acre inferno, California fire officials said.

About 500 responders battled the fire fed by wind gusts topping 70 miles per hour (113 kilometres per hour).

Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for the community of Geyserville and nearby vineyards after the fire started in a mountainous area and quickly spread, crossing a highway and moving toward homes, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office said.

"If you're in Geyserville, leave now," the sheriff's office advised, citing an extraordinary threat to life and property.

Winds out of the north were driving the fire as firefighters struggled to save homes.

By early evening, the fire was five per cent contained and several structures had burned, fire officials said.&nbsp;

The blaze -- 75 miles (120 kilometres) north of San Francisco -- came amid official warnings that much of northern California and parts of the south were under imminent threat of fires into Friday because of blustery, dry weather and high temperatures.

Another brush fire in San Bernardino County, about 60 miles east of Los Angeles, also prompted evacuation orders as it quickly burned 75 acres.

Hurried departures

Power was cut to some 180,000 customers in the northern part of the state Thursday and similar preemptive shutoffs affected thousands of customers further south due to conditions that are ripe for wildfires.

Power companies warned that additional power cuts could be ordered to reduce the risk of accidental fires.

The strong winds in the north were expected to subside Friday but are forecast to pick up again on Sunday, the National Weather Service warned.&nbsp;

Many residents of Geyserville said they barely had time to gather their belongings as the monster fire quickly approached the town, with embers igniting fires throughout the region.

"We thought we were a couple of miles from the fire," Dwight Monson, 68, told the Los Angeles Times. "But guess what -- the winds."

He said by the time his family got in their cars and escaped to the valley below, the flames were on the edge of their ranch.

PG&amp;E, the state's biggest utility, said in a statement that it had informed regulators that a jumper on a transmission tower near where officials said the fire had started was broken.

The company -- which has been held responsible for numerous wildfires in the state -- said that even though the power to nearly 28,000 customers in Sonoma County, including Geyserville, had been shut down on Wednesday, some of the high-voltage transmission lines were still operating when the fire broke out.

"We relied on the protocol and we still, at this point, do not know what exactly happened," PG&amp;E CEO and president Bill Johnson told a news conference.

This week's fires have erupted as the state is still recovering from deadly wildfires in 2017 and 2018 that killed more than 100 people.

The fires have been fueled by years of drought and dry vegetation.

"This is an emotional time for many people," Sonoma County Sheriff Mark Essick told a news conference Thursday. "It's only been two years since the fires that devastated our community. For many, this will be a very stressful and anxious time."

Some 50,000 people were ordered to flee their homes north of Los Angeles on Thursday as a fast-moving wildfire driven by high winds erupted and raged out of control.

Some 50,000 people were ordered to flee their homes north of Los Angeles on Thursday as a fast-moving wildfire driven by high winds erupted and raged out of control. The so-called Tick Fire near Santa Clarita, about 40 miles (65 kilometres) north of Los Angeles, broke out in the early afternoon and quickly consumed 5,000 acres (2,023 hectares), fire officials said. The blaze burned several homes and structures and forced the closure of a major highway and a number of roads, as some 500 firefighters backed by air tankers and helicopters battled the flames. There were no immediate reports of injury. "We are urging everybody to evacuate at this time," a spokesman for the fire department said. The fire erupted as much of the state was under a red flag warning because of gusty winds, high temperatures and low humidity which make for perfect conditions for wildfires. In northern California wine country, some 2,000 people were ordered to evacuate after a brush fire erupted late Wednesday, quickly growing from a blaze of a few hundred acres into a 16,000-acre inferno, California fire officials said. About 500 responders battled the fire fed by wind gusts topping 70 miles per hour (113 kilometres per hour). Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for the community of Geyserville and nearby vineyards after the fire started in a mountainous area and quickly spread, crossing a highway and moving toward homes, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office said. "If you're in Geyserville, leave now," the sheriff's office advised, citing an extraordinary threat to life and property. Winds out of the north were driving the fire as firefighters struggled to save homes. By early evening, the fire was five per cent contained and several structures had burned, fire officials said. The blaze -- 75 miles (120 kilometres) north of San Francisco -- came amid official warnings that much of northern California and parts of the south were under imminent threat of fires into Friday because of blustery, dry weather and high temperatures. Another brush fire in San Bernardino County, about 60 miles east of Los Angeles, also prompted evacuation orders as it quickly burned 75 acres. Hurried departures Power was cut to some 180,000 customers in the northern part of the state Thursday and similar preemptive shutoffs affected thousands of customers further south due to conditions that are ripe for wildfires. Power companies warned that additional power cuts could be ordered to reduce the risk of accidental fires. The strong winds in the north were expected to subside Friday but are forecast to pick up again on Sunday, the National Weather Service warned. Many residents of Geyserville said they barely had time to gather their belongings as the monster fire quickly approached the town, with embers igniting fires throughout the region. "We thought we were a couple of miles from the fire," Dwight Monson, 68, told the Los Angeles Times. "But guess what -- the winds." He said by the time his family got in their cars and escaped to the valley below, the flames were on the edge of their ranch. PG&E, the state's biggest utility, said in a statement that it had informed regulators that a jumper on a transmission tower near where officials said the fire had started was broken. The company -- which has been held responsible for numerous wildfires in the state -- said that even though the power to nearly 28,000 customers in Sonoma County, including Geyserville, had been shut down on Wednesday, some of the high-voltage transmission lines were still operating when the fire broke out. "We relied on the protocol and we still, at this point, do not know what exactly happened," PG&E CEO and president Bill Johnson told a news conference. This week's fires have erupted as the state is still recovering from deadly wildfires in 2017 and 2018 that killed more than 100 people. The fires have been fueled by years of drought and dry vegetation. "This is an emotional time for many people," Sonoma County Sheriff Mark Essick told a news conference Thursday. "It's only been two years since the fires that devastated our community. For many, this will be a very stressful and anxious time."

As wildfires rage in California, about 50,000 get evacuated

Firefighters battled to contain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unacceptable-power-cuts-blasted-as-california-fire-risk-spreads-south-255202">wildfires in southern California</a> on Saturday after about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tens-of-thousands-evacuated-as-california-wildfires-rage-255379">100,000 people were forced to evacuate</a> their homes.

The area was under a red flag warning of critical fire danger -- strong winds and very low humidity, the National Weather Service said.

The so-called Saddleridge fire that burned through the San Fernando Valley area of greater Los Angeles was the strongest of several across southern California.

By Saturday, it had consumed 7,551 acres&nbsp;about 32 kilometres&nbsp;north of downtown Los Angeles, fire officials said, adding that the blaze was about 19 per cent contained.

Some residents were allowed to return to their homes on Saturday as a forecast of cooler temperatures and lighter winds improved the outlook.

"We are prepared for any flare-ups as they occur," Los Angeles Fire captain Branden Silverman told local media on Saturday.

One man in his 50s died of a heart attack as he struggled to save his home, fire officials said.

Part of Los Angeles County was blanketed with smoke from the fire, prompting an advisory from air quality officials about unhealthy conditions.

The fire broke out Thursday night and quickly grew out of control for unknown reasons in the city of Sylmar, driven by low humidity and gusts known as the Santa Ana winds.

About 1,000 firefighters, backed by water-dropping helicopters and planes releasing fire retardants, had fought the blaze that forced the shutdown of several major highways.

The metro line in the area was also closed as were schools and businesses.

Some 200 firefighters battled several other blazes in Riverside County, east of Los Angeles, including one that tore through a trailer park and was started by burning trash.

That blaze destroyed 76 homes and buildings and killed an 89-year-old woman who was unable to escape the flames.

Authorities ordered the evacuation of several hundred homes in the area.

The wildfires in the south of the state erupted as California's largest utility, Pacific Gas &amp; Electric (PG&amp;E), implemented rolling power blackouts that affected some two million people in northern California.

The shutoffs were designed to reduce the threat of wildfire that can be sparked by lines downed in heavy winds.

Last November, PG&amp;E's faulty power lines were determined to have sparked the deadliest wildfire in the state's modern history, which killed 86 and destroyed the town of Paradise.

Firefighters battled to contain wildfires in southern California on Saturday after about 100,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes. The area was under a red flag warning of critical fire danger -- strong winds and very low humidity, the National Weather Service said.

Firefighters battled to contain wildfires in southern California on Saturday after about 100,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes. The area was under a red flag warning of critical fire danger -- strong winds and very low humidity, the National Weather Service said. The so-called Saddleridge fire that burned through the San Fernando Valley area of greater Los Angeles was the strongest of several across southern California. By Saturday, it had consumed 7,551 acres about 32 kilometres north of downtown Los Angeles, fire officials said, adding that the blaze was about 19 per cent contained. Some residents were allowed to return to their homes on Saturday as a forecast of cooler temperatures and lighter winds improved the outlook. "We are prepared for any flare-ups as they occur," Los Angeles Fire captain Branden Silverman told local media on Saturday. One man in his 50s died of a heart attack as he struggled to save his home, fire officials said. Part of Los Angeles County was blanketed with smoke from the fire, prompting an advisory from air quality officials about unhealthy conditions. The fire broke out Thursday night and quickly grew out of control for unknown reasons in the city of Sylmar, driven by low humidity and gusts known as the Santa Ana winds. About 1,000 firefighters, backed by water-dropping helicopters and planes releasing fire retardants, had fought the blaze that forced the shutdown of several major highways. The metro line in the area was also closed as were schools and businesses. Some 200 firefighters battled several other blazes in Riverside County, east of Los Angeles, including one that tore through a trailer park and was started by burning trash. That blaze destroyed 76 homes and buildings and killed an 89-year-old woman who was unable to escape the flames. Authorities ordered the evacuation of several hundred homes in the area. The wildfires in the south of the state erupted as California's largest utility, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), implemented rolling power blackouts that affected some two million people in northern California. The shutoffs were designed to reduce the threat of wildfire that can be sparked by lines downed in heavy winds. Last November, PG&E's faulty power lines were determined to have sparked the deadliest wildfire in the state's modern history, which killed 86 and destroyed the town of Paradise.

Firefighters battle southern California wildfires; 100,000 evacuated

By Heather Connolly

A week of strikes and coordinated action across the world is planned for September 20-27 to demand that governments around the world take decisive action to combat climate change, ahead of a major United Nations summit in New York on September 27. Millions are expected to take to the streets across the world in this collective call to action.

If you’re thinking of striking, there are a few things to bear in mind, particularly if your employer is not supportive of you taking to the streets during working hours. Here, would-be strikers can look to trade unions for support and inspiration, and understand that in order to achieve progressive change and combat the climate crisis, workers need to help build a movement powerful enough to challenge the status quo.

Some organisations – both public and private employers – have come out in support of their workforce taking action against climate change. In the UK, this includes local councils, universities and employers in the creative industries. But the level of support varies, with some employers telling workers they need to take time off if they want to support the action, or arranging activities during sanctioned work breaks to coincide with the action.

If companies claim to be ethical and responsible employers they may want to be seen to be supporting their staff’s wishes – even if this means taking the hit on productivity in the short term. Workers can use their company’s claims about social responsibility to leverage them to support striking.

From the perspective of managing human resources, there is evidence that supporting these campaigns could lead to better recruitment and retention of staff and even behaviour at work. But this is more likely in professional occupations than low-skilled jobs where this is less of a concern as workers are easily replaceable.

Taking Up the Call

Trade unions in many countries have taken up the call. The International and European Trade Union Confederations spoke out in favour of solidarity actions under the banner of a “just transition” – moving to a carbon-neutral economy in a way that is fair to people working in industries that will be required to change.

But the International Trade Union Confederation clearly frames action as taking place “within the constraint of the law” and that strikes, stoppages and demonstrations should take place “where the law allows”. This makes things difficult in many countries that have heavily restrictive strike laws – including the UK.

Laws introduced by Margaret Thatcher’s government in the 1980s were designed to curb industrial action. Secondary or sympathy action – which is where workers go on strike in sympathy with people who work for a different employer – are illegal, and so is striking for a wider political or social interests. The Trade Union Bill in 2016 put further restrictions on industrial action by requiring trade unions to meet a voter turnout threshold when holding ballots to strike and must give employers a fortnight’s notice.

In light of this, the Trades Union Congress passed a motion to support workers engaging in a “30-minute working campaign action” on September 20. The Universities College Union tabled a motion calling for trade unions to support a 30-minute workday stoppage to coincide with the global school student strike.

The wording is significant here. Other unions were concerned about the legality of saying “stoppage” without a ballot. Union laws make it difficult to obtain a legal ballot over climate change and even if a union could find a way (such as its impact on health and safety) they would need to adhere to 50% voter turnout thresholds and strict timetables before being able to take industrial action.

Another worry is that taking strike action could put union members at risk of victimisation by their employers. This is a legitimate worry. Union members going on strike risk being a breach of contract if they take action (especially without holding a ballot), and losing their jobs. Workers who are not union members risk having no immunity at all.

Trade Union Support 
 
One thing trade unions can do to back those who want to strike demonstrates that there is widespread support for this action. This will make employers less likely to take action against workers for striking for fear of looking bad in the eyes of employees and the wider public.

Unions can do this by framing climate change both as a class issue – the poorest in the world are the most likely to suffer from the effects of climate change – and as a moral imperative. It is not a given that the issue of climate change will trump the desire for profit at any cost. “Greenwashing”, where companies pay lip service to environmentalism, may be as far as some companies go, but this could be unsustainable if workers become more climate-conscious.

All of us experience the effects of climate change. If employers fail to support this cause, it is a bleak day – not for workers, but for the human race.

The Campaign Against Climate Change Trade Union Group argues that “Trade union history is filled with examples of workers breaking laws to ensure that society can progress. When a law is unjust it’s the duty of the trade union movement to challenge that law”.

History shows the power of trade unions for progressive change, from the Ford Dagenham women’s strike and its influence on the Equal Pay Act in 1970 to the understated work by UNISON to scrap employment tribunal fees, allowing greater access to justice for all workers. Trade unions need to take bold action once again – not only to embed climate change as a union issue, but also to shift the balance of power in favour of those promoting a more sustainable future.

(Heather Connolly is Associate Professor of Employment Relations, University of Leicester)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/climate-strikes-how-to-take-part-and-how-trade-unions-can-help-123627">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

By Heather Connolly A week of strikes and coordinated action across the world is planned for September 20-27 to demand that governments around the world take decisive action to combat climate change, ahead of a major United Nations summit in New York on September 27.

By Heather Connolly A week of strikes and coordinated action across the world is planned for September 20-27 to demand that governments around the world take decisive action to combat climate change, ahead of a major United Nations summit in New York on September 27. Millions are expected to take to the streets across the world in this collective call to action. If you’re thinking of striking, there are a few things to bear in mind, particularly if your employer is not supportive of you taking to the streets during working hours. Here, would-be strikers can look to trade unions for support and inspiration, and understand that in order to achieve progressive change and combat the climate crisis, workers need to help build a movement powerful enough to challenge the status quo. Some organisations – both public and private employers – have come out in support of their workforce taking action against climate change. In the UK, this includes local councils, universities and employers in the creative industries. But the level of support varies, with some employers telling workers they need to take time off if they want to support the action, or arranging activities during sanctioned work breaks to coincide with the action. If companies claim to be ethical and responsible employers they may want to be seen to be supporting their staff’s wishes – even if this means taking the hit on productivity in the short term. Workers can use their company’s claims about social responsibility to leverage them to support striking. From the perspective of managing human resources, there is evidence that supporting these campaigns could lead to better recruitment and retention of staff and even behaviour at work. But this is more likely in professional occupations than low-skilled jobs where this is less of a concern as workers are easily replaceable. Taking Up the Call Trade unions in many countries have taken up the call. The International and European Trade Union Confederations spoke out in favour of solidarity actions under the banner of a “just transition” – moving to a carbon-neutral economy in a way that is fair to people working in industries that will be required to change. But the International Trade Union Confederation clearly frames action as taking place “within the constraint of the law” and that strikes, stoppages and demonstrations should take place “where the law allows”. This makes things difficult in many countries that have heavily restrictive strike laws – including the UK. Laws introduced by Margaret Thatcher’s government in the 1980s were designed to curb industrial action. Secondary or sympathy action – which is where workers go on strike in sympathy with people who work for a different employer – are illegal, and so is striking for a wider political or social interests. The Trade Union Bill in 2016 put further restrictions on industrial action by requiring trade unions to meet a voter turnout threshold when holding ballots to strike and must give employers a fortnight’s notice. In light of this, the Trades Union Congress passed a motion to support workers engaging in a “30-minute working campaign action” on September 20. The Universities College Union tabled a motion calling for trade unions to support a 30-minute workday stoppage to coincide with the global school student strike. The wording is significant here. Other unions were concerned about the legality of saying “stoppage” without a ballot. Union laws make it difficult to obtain a legal ballot over climate change and even if a union could find a way (such as its impact on health and safety) they would need to adhere to 50% voter turnout thresholds and strict timetables before being able to take industrial action. Another worry is that taking strike action could put union members at risk of victimisation by their employers. This is a legitimate worry. Union members going on strike risk being a breach of contract if they take action (especially without holding a ballot), and losing their jobs. Workers who are not union members risk having no immunity at all. Trade Union Support One thing trade unions can do to back those who want to strike demonstrates that there is widespread support for this action. This will make employers less likely to take action against workers for striking for fear of looking bad in the eyes of employees and the wider public. Unions can do this by framing climate change both as a class issue – the poorest in the world are the most likely to suffer from the effects of climate change – and as a moral imperative. It is not a given that the issue of climate change will trump the desire for profit at any cost. “Greenwashing”, where companies pay lip service to environmentalism, may be as far as some companies go, but this could be unsustainable if workers become more climate-conscious. All of us experience the effects of climate change. If employers fail to support this cause, it is a bleak day – not for workers, but for the human race. The Campaign Against Climate Change Trade Union Group argues that “Trade union history is filled with examples of workers breaking laws to ensure that society can progress. When a law is unjust it’s the duty of the trade union movement to challenge that law”. History shows the power of trade unions for progressive change, from the Ford Dagenham women’s strike and its influence on the Equal Pay Act in 1970 to the understated work by UNISON to scrap employment tribunal fees, allowing greater access to justice for all workers. Trade unions need to take bold action once again – not only to embed climate change as a union issue, but also to shift the balance of power in favour of those promoting a more sustainable future. (Heather Connolly is Associate Professor of Employment Relations, University of Leicester) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Climate strikes: how to take part and how trade unions can help

The tiny victims of Bolivia's raging wildfires have taken some respite in this animal shelter in Aguas Calientes.

'Noah's Ark' in Bolivia rescues animals fleeing wildfires

Bolivia's President Evo Morales joined firefighters in Santa Rosa on Tuesday (August 27) to help crew put out wildfires, as the country struggles to contain blazes across Bolivia.

President Evo Morales joins firefighters to battle wildfires in Bolivia

Over180 firefighters battled wildfires in Greece on Tuesday, with the largest burning through a thickly forested nature reserve on the island of Evia north of Athens where three villages have been evacuated. Watch this video to know more.

Greece battles another wildfire, no deaths reported

A large&nbsp;wildfire&nbsp;fanned by strong winds burned tracts of pine forest on the&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;of&nbsp;Evia, firefighters said on Tuesday, with evacuation ordered of two villages in the path of the flames.&nbsp;

Wildfires raged uncontrolled in at least four other&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;regions, and the fire brigade said it had been called to put out 182 fires in the last three days.

More than 227 firemen, aided by five helicopters and six other aircraft, were battling the blaze on&nbsp;Evia, Greece's second-largest&nbsp;island, where a monastery had already been evacuated.

It generated thick&nbsp;smoke&nbsp;that blanketed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-51-magnitude-earthquake-shakes-athens-knocks-out-phone-service-237149">the capital,&nbsp;Athens</a>, some 110 kilometres away.

The villages of Kontodespoti and Makrimalli were being evacuated protectively, a fire brigade official said.

Greek&nbsp;TV showed thick, dark&nbsp;smoke&nbsp;blanketing the area with ash falling kilometres away, blown by strong winds.

A local mayor told state TV ERT the&nbsp;wildfire&nbsp;had reached home gardens at Kontodespoti.

No fatalities had been reported and the winds were expected to subside in the evening.

Greece often faces&nbsp;wildfires during its dry summer months, and authorities have warned of the high risk of blazes this week.&nbsp;

Environmental campaigners see increased&nbsp;wildfires around the world as a worrying symptom of global warming.

Last year, a&nbsp;wildfire&nbsp;killed 100 people in the seaside town of Mati near&nbsp;Athens, and in 2007 fires killed 65, scorched thousands of hectares of forest and farmland and threatened archaeological sites.

A large wildfire fanned by strong winds burned tracts of pine forest on the Greek of Evia, firefighters said on Tuesday, with evacuation ordered of two villages in the path of the flames.

A large wildfire fanned by strong winds burned tracts of pine forest on the Greek of Evia, firefighters said on Tuesday, with evacuation ordered of two villages in the path of the flames. Wildfires raged uncontrolled in at least four other Greek regions, and the fire brigade said it had been called to put out 182 fires in the last three days. More than 227 firemen, aided by five helicopters and six other aircraft, were battling the blaze on Evia, Greece's second-largest island, where a monastery had already been evacuated. It generated thick smoke that blanketed the capital, Athens, some 110 kilometres away. The villages of Kontodespoti and Makrimalli were being evacuated protectively, a fire brigade official said. Greek TV showed thick, dark smoke blanketing the area with ash falling kilometres away, blown by strong winds. A local mayor told state TV ERT the wildfire had reached home gardens at Kontodespoti. No fatalities had been reported and the winds were expected to subside in the evening. Greece often faces wildfires during its dry summer months, and authorities have warned of the high risk of blazes this week. Environmental campaigners see increased wildfires around the world as a worrying symptom of global warming. Last year, a wildfire killed 100 people in the seaside town of Mati near Athens, and in 2007 fires killed 65, scorched thousands of hectares of forest and farmland and threatened archaeological sites.

Wildfire rages on Greek island Evia, smoke reaches Athens

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