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US Faces Severe Wildfire Season Amid Policy Changes

US Faces Severe Wildfire Season Amid Policy Changes

The United States is experiencing one of its worst wildfire seasons in the past decade, with 7.3 million acres (3 million hectares) burned across approximately 49,000 fires as of August 17, 2026, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Fires have devastated areas in 10 states, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Notable incidents include a wildfire in Spokane, Washington, which destroyed 600 structures and forced 60,000 evacuations, and a helicopter crash in Utah that claimed the lives of a pilot and crew member during firefighting efforts. The Trump administration has proposed rescinding the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which restricts road construction and logging on 45 million acres of national forest land, citing wildfire mitigation and improved forest management as key benefits.

National Park Service Photographer Captures Aerial Views of Yellowstone

National Park Service Photographer Captures Aerial Views of Yellowstone

National Park Service (NPS) photographer Jacob W. Frank has captured a series of aerial photographs of Yellowstone National Park. These images, recently uploaded to the park's official Flickr account, showcase various iconic locations within Yellowstone. Among the highlights are aerial shots of the Midway Geyser Basin, including the Grand Prismatic Spring, known for its vibrant colors caused by heat-loving bacteria thriving at different water temperatures. Frank also documented smoky sunrises and sunsets over areas like Roosevelt Arch in Gardiner, Montana, and the Black Canyon of the Yellowstone, with the smoke contributing to dramatic lighting effects. Additionally, the collection includes aerial views of park infrastructure, such as the Grant Village visitor center on Yellowstone Lake, the Heritage and Research Center in Gardiner, and a vintage-looking service station.

Wildfire in British Columbia harmed 150 structures and forced 20,000 to evacuate

Wildfire in British Columbia harmed 150 structures and forced 20,000 to evacuate

Officials say last week's fast-moving wildfire in western Canada destroyed or damaged about 150 structures, forcing over 20,000 people to evacuate

Representative Michael Baumgartner Introduces Bill to Prohibit Wildfire Betting in Federally Regulated Markets

Representative Michael Baumgartner Introduces Bill to Prohibit Wildfire Betting in Federally Regulated Markets

Representative Michael Baumgartner of Washington introduced H.R. 10109, known as the Wildfire Event Contract Prohibition Act, on August 17, 2026. This bill aims to prevent federally regulated prediction markets from offering bets related to wildfires. The proposed legislation specifically bans registered prediction-market platforms from listing or clearing contracts tied to wildfire events. It also seeks to close loopholes by prohibiting bets linked to factors such as acreage burned, containment efforts, evacuations, or property damage resulting from wildfires. Baumgartner emphasized that the bill's purpose is to eliminate financial incentives associated with fire damage, particularly in regions like Eastern Washington that are vulnerable to wildfires. He stated that Congress should ensure federally regulated markets do not facilitate wagers on the devastation of American communities. The bill also intends to preserve state authority over gambling regulations and directs the Department of Justice, in colla...

Montana Governor Secures FEMA Grant for Sand Creek Fire Fighting Costs

Montana Governor Secures FEMA Grant for Sand Creek Fire Fighting Costs

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte announced that the state has secured a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help cover the costs associated with fighting the Sand Creek Fire. This fire, Montana’s largest, has already exceeded 30,000 acres and is only 1% contained as of Monday's reports. The blaze, which began on August 1 in Beaverhead County, has impacted parts of Maverick Mountain Ski Area and led to evacuation orders in the region surrounding Elkhorn Hot Springs. The federal assistance comes through a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG), which provides funding for up to 75% of a state’s eligible firefighting costs. These costs include materials and supplies, mobilization and demobilization efforts, equipment use, and other related expenses. The state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and the state Disaster and Emergencies Services jointly submitted the funding request to FEMA.

Deadly overnight storms batter Germany as Balkan countries fight wildfires

Deadly overnight storms batter Germany as Balkan countries fight wildfires

Severe storms have caused extensive damage in parts of Germany, leaving one woman dead and at least two people injured

Trump Administration Proposes Opening California Forests to Roads and Logging Amid Wildfire Concerns

Trump Administration Proposes Opening California Forests to Roads and Logging Amid Wildfire Concerns

The Trump administration has announced plans to rescind a rule prohibiting logging and road construction in over 4 million acres of federally managed forest lands in California. This move aims to reduce barriers to forest management and fuel reduction treatments, according to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. However, research from the U.S. Forest Service indicates that roads are a major source of wildfire ignitions, with nearly two-thirds of human-caused fires in California's national forests starting along roadsides. Environmental advocates and state officials have expressed concerns that increased road construction could heighten wildfire risks and firefighting costs, particularly in rural communities. The proposal has sparked debate over its potential impact on forest health, wildfire prevention, and public safety. Public comments on the proposal are open until September 21, 2026.

U.S. Tourist Dies in Mount Etna Lightning Strike Amidst Volcanic Activity

U.S. Tourist Dies in Mount Etna Lightning Strike Amidst Volcanic Activity

A 29-year-old U.S. tourist from Kansas died after being struck by lightning while hiking on Mount Etna in Italy. The incident occurred in an area that was closed to visitors due to recent volcanic activity. Italian firefighters rescued the individual by helicopter from an exposed area above the tree line, but the tourist was later pronounced dead. This tragic event happened a day before Mount Etna experienced a new eruption, sending plumes of smoke and ash into the sky. Authorities have restricted access to large sections of the volcano, and its activity had previously led to the closure of Catania airport for a significant part of the preceding week. Officials have noted that lightning strikes have caused more fatalities on Mount Etna in recent decades than volcanic activity itself.

Tok Wildfire Prompts Evacuations and Destroys Structures in Alaska

Tok Wildfire Prompts Evacuations and Destroys Structures in Alaska

A rapidly spreading wildfire, named the Mukluk Fire, ignited late Monday morning in Tok, Alaska, near the Alaska Highway. The fire, reported to be human-caused, quickly grew to over 1,500 acres by Monday evening, spreading east and northeast towards the Tanana River. Sustained winds of approximately 20 mph fueled the flames, pushing them through residential areas. Level 3 'GO' evacuation orders were issued for residents north of the Alaska Highway between Sundog Trail and Midnight Sun Drive. Officials confirmed that between six and ten structures, including homes and outbuildings, have been destroyed. The source of the fire is believed to be a downed, arcing power line near Red Fox Drive, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Firefighting efforts are underway with state, local, and federal resources, including smokejumpers, fire crews, helicopters, and air tankers from Washington and Canada. Evacuation shelters have been established at Mushers Hall and Tok School, accommodating people, pets, ...

Los Padres National Forest Implements Extensive Closure Due to Timber Fire

Los Padres National Forest Implements Extensive Closure Due to Timber Fire

The Los Padres National Forest, specifically its Monterey Ranger District, has issued a comprehensive forest order, Number 05-07-51-26-08, enacting an area, road, and trail closure in response to the Timber Fire. Effective August 16, 2026, this order prohibits public access to designated National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the Timber Fire Closure Area. The closure is mandated under 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b) to ensure public safety. The prohibited acts include going into or being upon any National Forest System lands, roads, or trails within the specified closure zone, which is detailed in Exhibits A, C, and D of the order and shown on Exhibit B. The closure will remain in effect until the Timber Fire is officially declared out. Exemptions to this order include federal, state, or local officers, members of organized rescue or firefighting forces performing official duties, and owners, lessees, or residents of private land within the closure area, provided the area ...