wildfires

Researchers are developing 'smoke ecology', a field focused on understanding and preventing the health and environmental damage caused by wildfire smoke. The work examines how smoke affects ecosystems and communities, and what interventions could reduce harm as wildfires grow more frequent and intense. NPR reports on the growing scientific attention to an often-overlooked consequence of major fire seasons.

Amnesty International Canada is calling on governments to take stronger action on wildfire response and to better protect First Nations communities, which are often among the hardest hit by intensifying fire seasons in Canada. The appeal ties emergency preparedness to Indigenous rights, urging authorities to ensure affected communities receive adequate resources, evacuation support and long-term protection.

A wildfire on Čvrsnica mountain in Bosnia and Herzegovina has still not been fully brought under control. Firefighters are continuing to tackle accessible hotspots, but the difficult, inaccessible terrain is hampering their efforts and the fire remains a threat. Crews are working tirelessly to contain the blaze.

Hawaiian Electric has activated a Public Safety Power Shutoff in Pukalani, Maui, following Hurricane Nolo. The precautionary outages are meant to reduce the risk of wildfires or equipment damage from storm-stressed power lines. Residents in the affected area face disruption while crews monitor conditions, and the shutoffs have drawn attention to how utilities balance safety against leaving communities without power during storm season.