Latest Wildfires News

Forest fires burn in nearly half of Mexico’s drought-stricken states, fueled by strong winds.

Mar. 26, 2024 01:28 AM EDT

NOGALES, Mexico (AP) — Forest fires were burning in nearly half of Mexico’s drought-stricken states Monday fueled by strong winds. The National Forestry Commission reported 58 active fires in 15 states, including in protected nature reserves in Morelos, Veracruz and Mexico...

Rain helps contain still-burning wildfires in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley; state sending more aid

Mar. 23, 2024 16:38 PM EDT

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Crews who have been battling still-burning wildfires in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley this week have gotten an assist from rain and from the state government, which has deployed new resources to the area, officials said Saturday. “Without a doubt the rain is...

National Guard helicopters help battle West Virginia wildfires in steep terrain

Mar. 22, 2024 21:57 PM EDT

CHARLESTON (AP) — The West Virginia National Guard joined in battling wildfires Friday that have scorched more than 6.25 square miles (16 square kilometers) in the state and destroyed several homes. Two Blackhawk helicopters dropped water from buckets on the fires in steep, wooded...

State Farm discontinuing 72,000 home policies in California in latest blow to state insurance market

Mar. 21, 2024 23:06 PM EDT

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — State Farm will discontinue coverage for 72,000 houses and apartments in California starting this summer, the insurance giant said this week, nine months after announcing it would not issue new home policies in the state The Illinois-based company,...

A hot air balloon crashed into a power line and caused a fire, but everyone is OK

Mar. 21, 2024 18:03 PM EDT

ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) — Three people in a hot air balloon in Minnesota escaped largely unscathed after their basket clipped a power line, fell to the ground and caused a brush fire. A Minnesota Department of Transportation traffic camera captured the accident on video. It happened...

Crews battle scores of wildfires in Virginia, including a blaze in Shenandoah National Park

Mar. 21, 2024 17:02 PM EDT

LURAY, Va. (AP) — Crews were battling scores of wildfires around Virginia on Thursday, including a fire affecting hundreds of acres at Shenandoah National Park, amid an elevated fire risk, officials said. More than 100 new fires popped up Wednesday amid gusty winds and low relative...

The US may catch a spring break on weather. Forecasters see minimal flooding and drought for spring

Mar. 21, 2024 13:37 PM EDT

The United States can expect a nice spring break from past too rainy or too dry extremes, federal meteorologists predicted Thursday. After some rough seasons of drought, flooding and fires, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's spring outlook calls for a less hectic...

Greek authorities overhaul wildfire response plans ahead of summer fire season

Mar. 21, 2024 11:23 AM EDT

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greek authorities presented new plans Thursday for tackling wildfires which often ravage the country during its hot, dry summers, including changes in the deployment of firefighting aircraft and increased staffing in specialized forest firefighting units. The...

Today in History: March 21, Martin Luther King Jr. leads civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery

Mar. 21, 2024 00:01 AM EDT

Today in History Today is Thursday, March 21, the 81st day of 2024. There are 285 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On March 21, 1965, civil rights demonstrators led by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. began their third, successful...

Gardening bloomed during the pandemic. Garden centers hope would-be green thumbs stay interested

Mar. 19, 2024 10:06 AM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — Garden centers enjoyed a pandemic boom, particularly with millennials, as people looked for outdoor activities during lockdowns. Now the question is, will those wannabe green thumbs stick with the habit. In 2022, 80% of U.S. households took part in lawn and...