At least 112 people have been killed by wildfires in central Chile, leading its president to declare two days of national mourning. The devastation comes soon after Colombia declared a disaster over wildfires. Scientists say climate change makes the heat waves and drought now hitting South America more likely — and both contribute to wildfires […]
STORY: Wildfires sweeping through central Chile have killed scores of people and hundreds are still missing in what’s become the country’s worst national disaster in over a decade. Wildfires that began several days ago are menacing the outer edges of Vina del Mar and Valparaiso. The two coastal cities are popular with tourists and combined […]
Residents have been evacuated from small coastal towns near Cape Town in South Africa as wildfires sweep down from surrounding mountains and burn out of control. Authorities ordered a full evacuation of Pringle Bay, a coastal village popular with holidaymakers about 50 miles from Cape Town, on Tuesday. People evacuated parts of the nearby town […]
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Residents have been evacuated from small coastal towns near Cape Town in South Africa as wildfires swept down off surrounding mountains and burned out of control for a second day on Tuesday. Authorities ordered a full evacuation of Pringle Bay, a coastal village popular with holidaymakers about 80 kilometers […]
A Canadian man who posted conspiracy theories on social media claiming the government was deliberately starting wildfires has pleaded guilty to starting 14 blazes that forced hundreds of people from their homes. Brian Paré, appearing in a Quebec court Monday, admitted to 13 counts of arson, and one count of arson with a disregard for […]
Wildfires in California have been increasing at a growing rate since 1980, largely as a result of the effects on the climate caused by pollution. While these fires have caused widespread destruction, loss of life and property, and worsening air quality, new research indicates that they have unleashed a hidden danger as well: cancer-causing metals […]
The year 2023 was marked by extraordinary heat, wildfires and weather disasters. In the U.S., an unprecedented heat wave gripped much of Texas and the Southwest with highs well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 Celsius) for the entire month of July. Historic rainfall in April flooded Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with 25 inches of rain in […]
Smoke fills the sky in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Sunday as an out-of-control fire in a suburban community quickly spreads, engulfing multiple homes and forcing the evacuation of local residents. (Kelly Clark/The Canadian Press via AP) A spate of early season wildfires in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia are spreading smoke across the Northeast. […]
Smoke from Canadian wildfires triggered air quality alerts in more than a dozen U.S. states on Wednesday, with health officials warning people in sensitive groups, such as children, elderly or those with respiratory conditions to limit their time outdoors or stay inside. Yahoo News spoke with health experts who explained how wildfire smoke affects your […]
“The 360” shows you diverse perspectives on the day’s top stories and debates. Photo illustration: Jack Forbes/Yahoo News; photos: Getty Images (4) What’s happening Gigantic plumes of that blanketed the northeastern United States last week provided a striking reminder of the dangers that toxic air can pose — not just in the atmosphere, but also […]
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Electricity utility PacifiCorp will pay $299 million to settle a lawsuit brought by about 220 customers who were harmed by devastating wildfires in southern Oregon in 2020. The utility has faced several lawsuits from property owners and residents who say PacifiCorp negligently failed to shut off power to its 600,000 customers […]