Wildfires
Shawn Mendes Released A New Song About The Canadian Wildfires, And People Are Having Really Strong Reactions
"Oh God, this is Shawn Mendes’ 'We Are The World' isn’t it?"
13 Pictures That Capture How Smoky, Hazy, And Dangerous To Breathe It Is Right Now In NYC/The Northeast
By Tuesday evening, New York City had the poorest air quality of all the world's major cities.
Two Women Were Killed In The Mill Fire In Northern California
The ongoing drought and a heatwave this week have put much of California at risk for fires.
Leaked Data Shows California Is Short More Than A Thousand Wildland Firefighters
“It’s a pretty grim picture, and it’s trending worse,” one US Forest Service employee told BuzzFeed News.
A Forest Service Leader Claimed To Congress That A Hiring Push For Firefighters Had Gone “Very Well.” It Hadn’t Started Yet.
US Forest Service deputy chief Jaelith Hall-Rivera’s statements on staffing have sparked confusion among lawmakers and outrage from wildland firefighters, who say she overpromised what they can deliver.
The Federal Government Is Still Undercounting Extreme Weather And Climate Deaths
NOAA announced that at least 688 people died from extreme weather in 2021, but BuzzFeed News has shown that the true toll is much higher.
More Than 500 Homes Have Been Destroyed By Fast-Moving Wildfires In Colorado
Tens of thousands of people evacuated after high winds fueled two fires in suburban areas near Boulder.
Wildland Firefighters Are Relying On GoFundMe To Survive After Getting Injured On The Job
A slow-moving workers’ compensation process, rejected claims, and unpaid bills can send injured firefighters into financial hell: “It’s a nightmare system, to be honest with you.”
Wildfires In California Have Reached Some Of The World's Oldest And Largest Trees
Last year, a wildfire destroyed about 10% of the giant sequoia trees. Officials fear the wildfires now burning in California will continue the destruction.
Wildfires Keep Getting Worse. Those Fighting Them Can’t Stand Much More.
Climate change is making the work of wildland firefighters more grueling each year, leaving them traumatized: "Everyone knows or knows of someone who has died by suicide.”
The Fire In Paradise Paints A Grim Picture Of Our Future
Lizzie Johnson’s new book about the 2018 Camp fire in Northern California chronicles our nightmarish present — and future — with climate change–driven massive wildfires.
These Photos Show The Immense Scale Of The Wildfires Ravaging Greece
Thousands of people, many with injured animals, have been forced to flee the wildfires.
No End In Sight: Photos Of The Monstrous Pacific Northwest Wildfires
From California to Washington, out-of-control wildfires are devouring landscapes and firefighting resources.
The Mega Heat Dome Over The Pacific Northwest Has Brought Death, Fire, And Misery
“It is typical for three to four sudden death calls to come in each day in the city. But to have 53 in one day is unprecedented ... it is truly gut-wrenching.”
Track The Brutal 2021 Wildfire Season With These Updating Charts And Maps
2021 is shaping up to be another dangerous year for wildfires. Follow the latest data on the fires, air quality, and fire risk across the US.
This Louisiana Town Is A Bleak Forecast Of America's Future Climate Crisis
In one year, people in southwestern Louisiana lived through five major disasters on top of a pandemic. Another bad hurricane season is already here, and thousands still have holes in their roofs.
Trump Screwed The US On Climate Change. Can Biden Save It?
The president-elect ran with an ambitious climate plan. Congress could derail it.
Miley Cyrus Said Wildfires "Destroyed" The Things She Couldn't Let Go In A Candid Instagram Post About Her New Album
"I thought I had it all figured out. Not just the record with its songs and sounds but my whole life."
Listen: Should I Be Worried That My Boyfriend Signed A Lease With His Ex-Wife And Kids?
“Have you seen the divorce papers? Are you sure that’s what’s happening here?”
6 Photo Stories That Will Challenge Your View Of The World
Here are some of the most interesting and powerful photo stories from across the internet.
The West Coast Wildfires Have Killed Young Children And Devastated Their Families. These Are Their Stories.
“He was a heroic boy, trying against all odds to save his grandmother."
Devastating Photos Show The Aftermath Of The Oregon Wildfires
At least 10 people are dead and more are missing after historic wildfires swept through the state.
Wildfire Smoke Is Causing A New Public Health Crisis On The West Coast
The fires are likely already causing an upsurge in fatal heart attacks and hospitalizations for people with asthma — and it might also make people more vulnerable to COVID-19.
Listen: Big Plastic Has Been Lying About Recycling For Decades
"As far back as the 1970s, the plastics industry knew that recycling couldn’t be scaled up enough to make a difference."
Horrific Stories Of Children Dying In The Northwest Wildfires Emerge As Crews Make Grim Discoveries
"He was alone, terrified, and ran for his life."
Whether We Like It Or Not, The Coronavirus Is Coming To Our TV Shows
“The experiments in form, tone, and content will at least be really interesting … even if they’re not really good or really what we want.”
The Entire West Coast Is On Fire. It Didn’t Have To Be.
“We have been suppressing fire in California for well over 100 years and we are deep, deep in the hole."
California And Oregon Residents Described Apocalyptic Landscapes As Wildfires Raged
“The emotional swing has been from wishful thinking...to despair.”
20 Pictures Of The West Coast Wildfires That Show Just How Apocalyptic It Looks
"If you are in denial about climate change, come to California." —Governor Newsom
Shocking Photos Show The Hellish Scenes From The West Coast Wildfires
As large swaths of the West Coast burn in unprecedented wildfires, the skies have turned red.
Listen: The Arctic Is Quite Literally On Fire
“There’s really an urgency about this, and this is nothing new.”
These Animals Are On The Brink Of Extinction Because Of The Australian Wildfires
"We are trying to make sure that every animal has a chance for survival.”
6 Extremely Depressing Climate Records We Broke This Decade
The climate crisis is already here — and it's only getting worse.
At Least Two People Are Dead And Thousands Have Fled Their Homes In The Southern California Wildfires
"It's like you look up and all the sudden fire is everywhere. But we all help each other, we are all human, that is what is important."
"What's Happened Is Unacceptable": Californians Are Outraged After Millions Had Their Power Shut Off
"This is not from my perspective a climate change story as much as a story about greed and mismanagement," Gov. Gavin Newsom said.
This Map Shows The Wildfire Risks That Are Causing California’s Utilities To Cut Off Power
Parched conditions, high winds, and utilities’ fears about incurring huge liabilities have triggered widespread precautionary power outages.
Millions Of Americans Could Lose Power For Days In An Effort To Prevent Wildfires
The utility company did not definitively say how long the shutdown would last.
Smoke From The Burning Amazon Rainforest Plunged Brazil's Largest City Into Darkness In The Middle Of The Day
A record number of wildfires have torched the Amazon rainforest this year as deforestation soars under Brazil’s far-right president.
Trump’s Grudge Against Puerto Rico Is Blocking Needed Disaster Aid Across The US
Congress has failed to reach a deal to provide recovery funds for Puerto Rico and several states, due in large part to Trump’s opposition. Now, Congress is taking a two-week break.
Southern California Edison Has Been Blamed For Starting One Of The Largest Wildfires In California History
A power line snapped and created an "electrical arc," sparking one of the largest wildfires in modern California history, investigators said.
The Nation’s Biggest Utility Has Filed For Bankruptcy After Devastating California Wildfires
It marked the first time a major company has filed for bankruptcy at least partially as a result of climate change.
California Fire Officials Say PG&E Is Not Responsible For One Of The Worst Wildfires In State History
The Tubbs fire killed 22 people in 2017, setting a new precedent for California’s increasingly unpredictable, deadly, and all-consuming wildfires.
PG&E's Bankruptcy Could Hurt California’s Aggressive Climate Goals
PG&E’s bankruptcy could have major spillover effects on the solar, wind, and electric car industries.
California's Biggest Utility Company Faces A Reckoning After Massive Wildfires Across The State
The future is uncertain for PG&E, as well as the people who say it needs to pay for its role in unprecedented death and destruction.
These Images Of The Effects Of Climate Change In 2018 Are Devastating
Another year of changing climate intensified fires, hurricanes, and droughts, and resulted in a staggering number of human and economic losses.
California Residents Devastated By Wildfires Are Now Having To Evacuate Due To Mudslides
Heavy rain from a powerful storm has sparked mud and debris flows in communities ravaged this month by wildfires, prompting new evacuation orders.
These Heartwarming Photos Show How Survivors Of California’s Wildfires Are Spending Thanksgiving
Hundreds of evacuees of the devastating wildfires enjoyed a warm Thanksgiving meal.
Instagram Influencers Are Using The California Wildfires To Sell Products And Post Nudes
Influencers are promoting clothing brands, sales, and themselves using terms related to the fires.
California Already Had A Housing Crisis. The Wildfires Are Making It Worse.
After a wildfire destroyed the town of Paradise, nearby Chico is struggling to absorb the new demands for housing. "We’re out of rentals 100%," one real estate agent said.
How My Brother Survived The Camp Fire
My brother lives in Paradise, California. For five hours on November 8, while wildfire devoured the town, I had no idea if he was alive or dead.
There’s No Looking Away From This Year’s California Fires
What we saw in California this year is unlike anything that has come before. But odds are we’ll see it again.
Morning Update: The Death Toll From California's Wildfires Reaches 80
What you need to know about air quality, Florida's recount is over, a dolphin was shot. In your BuzzFeed News newsletter, Nov. 19.
These Pictures Of California’s Air Quality After The Wildfires Are Horrifying
Smoke from the fires has made the air hazardous to breathe in many areas, particularly in Northern California.
These Photos Show What It’s Like To Live In A Walmart Parking Lot After Fleeing A Wildfire
After being displaced by the Camp fire in Northern California, almost a thousand people have set up makeshift housing in a Walmart parking lot.
People In California Are Getting Creative As Thick Smoke From The Wildfires Chokes Entire Regions
From Uber drivers selling respirators out of their cars to DIY air purifiers, people are doing what they can to deal with unhealthy air.
Here’s What You Should Know If You Live In California And Breathe Air
Particulate matter in smoke can aggravate asthma and pose a risk to your heart.
Nothing Can Prepare The People Who Have To Search For Charred Bodies After The California Wildfires
“It’s like a total cremation of a town. It’s hard to see.”
Interior Secretary Says California Wildfires Are "Worse Than Any War Zone I Saw In Iraq"
“It’s one of the worst disasters I’ve seen in my career, hands down,” FEMA Administrator Brock Long also said after surveying the damage.
Malibu Residents Stranded By The California Wildfires Are Using Yachts And Surfboards To Bring In Supplies By Sea
"Malibu really is so strong and there's a whole army that wants to help."
These Heartbreaking Photos Show How The California Wildfires Have Destroyed People's Lives
Wildfires across California have caused widespread damage and forced thousands to flee their homes. At least 42 people have died in what is now the deadliest wildfire in California history.
A Beloved Jewish Summer Camp Was Destroyed In California's Wildfires, But Leaders Are Vowing To Rebuild
More than 40,000 youths have spent their summers at Camp Hess Kramer in Malibu. Now, only remnants remain.
California Power Companies Reported Outages Just Minutes Before The Deadly Wildfires Began
The self-reported outages correspond very closely to the time and location of both the Camp and Woolsey fires that have ravaged the state.
Here's How To Help Those Affected By The California Wildfires
Your financial contributions can make a big difference to organizations across California.
Miley Cyrus, Gerard Butler And Neil Young Are The Latest Celebrities To Lose Their Homes In The California Wildfires
Cyrus and Butler urged people to donate what they could to victims of the fires.
Morning Update: California's Wildfires Lead To 31 Deaths
The most destructive wildfire in California’s history, Trump skips a WWI ceremony due to rain, Florida’s recount is on. Your BuzzFeed News newsletter, Nov. 12.
These Haunting Photos Show Animals Fleeing The Massive California Wildfires
At least nine people have been killed and thousands of structures destroyed as wildfires in California force people — and animals — to seek shelter.
Kim Kardashian West, Lady Gaga, Jake Paul, And Other Celebrities Are Also Forced To Flee California Wildfires
“I can’t believe this is happening!!!” Khloé Kardashian tweeted.
These Pictures Show The Total Devastation Caused By California Wildfires
Thousands of structures have burned as strong winds continue to fuel the Camp, Hill, and Woolsey fires burning in Northern and Southern California.
“It Has Destroyed The Town": A Wildfire Has Forced Tens Of Thousands Of People To Flee In Northern California
A fast-moving fire swept into the Northern California town of Paradise, causing "massive devastation," a fire official said.
Trump Blamed California's Catastrophic Wildfires On Water Policy And People Were Like, Huh?
"This is gobbledygook bullshit," one expert said.
Morning Update: The California wildfires were sparked by a vehicle failure
Logan Paul wants to come back, Zimbabwe's first open elections, "Abolish ICE" goes mainstream. Your BuzzFeed News newsletter, July 30.
"It Beats You Up And Scars You": What It's Like To Battle California's Catastrophic Wildfires
As the state's wildfire seasons get longer and more devastating, firefighters are adjusting to a new and "frightening" normal.
How A Booming Population And Climate Change Made California’s Wildfires Worse Than Ever
Across most of California, human activities and infrastructure — like campfires, arson, electrical equipment, and power lines — start the vast majority of fires.
Wildfires In Greece Have Killed More Than 90 People And Arson Is Suspected
A pair of 9-year-old twins reported missing were later found dead hugging their grandparents in the seaside village of Mati, Greece.
Terrifying Photos Of The Wildfires That Have Killed More Than 80 People Outside Athens
"Greece is going through an unspeakable tragedy," Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said.
Trump’s EPA Is Celebrating Its Hurricane Response With A Special “Challenge” Coin. Parts Of Puerto Rico Still Lack Power.
“PROTECTING HUMAN HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT ALL ACROSS AMERICA,” the coin will say.
Morning Update: Oklahoma's Wildfires Burned An Area Larger Than NYC
The UK bans straws, Amazon Prime at 100 million, Puerto Rico in the dark. Your BuzzFeed News newsletter, April 19.
Dozens Of Homes Have Been Destroyed In Deadly Wildfires That Are Now Larger Than New York City
"I don’t know what words to use to describe what’s going on over here," said a woman who was forced to flee her home.
These Bears Burned In Wildfires Were Healed With Fish Skin And The Photos Will Melt Your Heart
Doctors said tilapia skin healed burns much faster than typical treatments.
2017 Was A Record-High Year For Billion-Dollar US Disasters
Last year marked the costliest US wildfire and hurricane seasons on record.
California's Largest Wildfire On Record Is Finally 100% Contained
The destructive wildfire sparked during an unusually dry December scorched hundreds of square miles in Southern California, destroyed more than 1,000 homes and other buildings, and left two people dead, including a firefighter.
This Is How California Officials Alerted Millions Of People As Wildfires Approached Homes
In a rare move, state officials sent sweeping emergency alerts to an estimated 12 million people as wildfires continued to rage across Southern California.
"Westworld" And "S.W.A.T." Have Suspended Filming Because Of The California Fires
“Safety of cast and crew come first," tweeted the S.W.A.T. writers. "Prayers to all affected by these fires.”
More Than 150,000 Ordered To Flee As Wildfires Torch Homes In Southern California
Strong winds caused multiple fires to explode Monday night and Tuesday morning, forcing more than 150,000 people to evacuate and prompting the California governor to declare a state of emergency.
Companies Giving “Climate Leave” Is Now A Thing
A software company in New York put in place the new policy after one worker was displaced by Hurricane Irma in Florida and others were threatened by wildfires in Northern California. Other companies are starting to follow suit.
Breitbart Made Up False Story That Immigrant Started Deadly Sonoma Wildfires, Sheriff's Office Says
"This is completely false, bad, wrong information that Breitbart started and is being put out into the public," a Sonoma County sheriff's spokesman said.
Hundreds Of Deadly Wildfires Are Raging Across Portugal And Spain
At least 34 people have died, hundreds are injured, and many more are missing as the blazes burn on.
A Man Thought He Lost Everything In The California Wildfires. Then Deputies Found His Cat.
Milo the cat was reunited with his owner after being found slightly singed and meowing underneath a car.
Californians Return To Rubble After Massive Wildfires: "It's Like He's Really Gone Now"
"[The fire] pushed through the metal fence and ignited the trees and I just grabbed my daughter and said we have to go."
16 Devastating Pictures From The Aftermath Of California's Wildfires
At least 21 people have been killed and thousands of homes destroyed after devastating wildfires swept through California's wine country.
These "Fire Babies" Got Together For An Epically Adorable Photo Shoot
Thirty-one babies and one unforgettable summer.
What It's Like To Fight Montana's Wildfires
Long days, poor air quality, and an endless amount of "moon dust."
30 Devastating Images From Wildfires That Have Scorched The World
This year, blazing wildfires have stranded thousands.
Massive Wildfires In France Have Forced At Least 12,000 People To Evacuate
Wildfires have burned thousands of acres along France's southern coast. High winds and a dry summer have fueled the flames.
This Sign Perfectly Sums Up How Bad The Wildfire Situation Is In BC
Don't even fart.
22 Heartbreaking Pictures From The Portugal Fire That Killed More Than 60 People
Many of those killed had been trapped in their motor vehicles. Portugal has declared three days of national mourning.
The Massive Wildfire In Alberta Could Continue To Burn For Months
“This fire will continue to burn for a very long time until we see some significant rain.”
California's Governor Has Vetoed Three Proposed Drone Laws
Three new bills would have made it a crime to fly drones over wildfires, prisons, and schools. However, in a message Saturday, Gov. Jerry Brown criticized the proliferation of new criminal laws.
President Obama Declares California Wildfire A Major Disaster
The Valley fire in Northern California has so far killed four people and destroyed more than 1,000 homes, making it one of the top three most destructive fires in state history.
