Rim Fire in California
The Rim Fire in California has grown to over 106,000 acres, largely due to dry conditions and challenging terrain. Despite efforts of over 2,000 firefighters, the fire remains only 2% contained.
Fire
Articles tagged with Fire
Agricultural fires in central Africa
NASA detects hundreds of fires in central Africa on August 21, 2013, suggesting deliberate agricultural burning to manage land and clear unwanted plants. The fires produce smoke degrading air quality and pose threats to species extinction.
Fires in Idaho and Montana
Fires in Idaho and Montana continue to burn, with the Gold Pan complex fire expanding to 27,000 acres. The Lolo Creek complex has grown to 8,600 acres in difficult terrain.
Traffic pollution and wood smoke increases asthma in adults
A new University of Melbourne-led study found that heavy traffic pollution and wood smoke from heaters significantly worsen asthma symptoms in middle-aged adults. The study revealed a 80% increase in symptoms for those exposed to heavy traffic pollution and an 11% increase for those exposed to wood smoke.
X-ray vision to detect unseen gold
A new gamma-activation analysis (GAA) technique can detect gold more accurately and quickly than traditional methods, allowing mining companies to recover small traces of gold worth millions of dollars. This could save the Australian mining industry hundreds of millions of dollars each year.
Wildfires persist in California
Wildfires in central and northern California continue to rage, with the American wildfire affecting over 13,000 acres. The Swedes Fire has grown to 1,995 acres and is expected to be fully contained by Thursday.
Fires plaguing Idaho
A series of devastating wildfires has swept through Idaho, with multiple fires burning out of control due to strong winds and hot temperatures. The largest fire, the Beaver Creek Fire, has grown to over 100,000 acres and threatens nearby towns and ski resorts.
Agricultural fires in Mozambique and Malawi
Dozens of fires detected in southeastern Africa, primarily in Mozambique and Malawi, indicating intentional burning by farmers. The fires, mainly during the main growing season, have been linked to agricultural practices to enhance crop yields and manage land.
Fires in eastern Russia -- Urals and Siberia
Fires in eastern Russia's Siberia and Urals are often set by farmers to return nutrients to the soil and clear unwanted plants. These fires produce smoke degrading air quality, highlighting the need for fire management teams to limit uncontrolled wildfires.
Trio of fires in Northern California
A trio of fires in Northern California continues to burn, with the Corral Complex fire spanning over 2,500 acres. The Salmon River Complex has burned over 13,500 acres, with firefighters working to contain it. Crews are prioritizing structure protection and preparing for potential ignitions to strengthen containment lines.
Using fire to manage fire-prone regions around the world
The article explores the use of prescribed burning in various regions, including the US, Australia, South America, and southern Europe, to manage fire-prone landscapes. It highlights successful traditional practices, such as the Maya milpa in South America, which create spaces for different crops while sustaining wildlife and soil fert...
SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateAug 14, 2013
Wildfires in central Canada
In central Canada, wildfires have burned over half a million acres, with 508 new fires starting in the past week. Most of these fires were concentrated in British Columbia and Saskatchewan, with areas of high to extreme fire danger reported.
Gold Pan Complex Fire
The Gold Pan Complex Fire in Idaho burned 17,103 acres of mixed conifer forest, fueled by dead trees and insects like the mountain pine beetle. High temperatures trapped smoke in valley bottoms.
2 wildfires in Idaho
The 119,543-acre Pony Complex fire is now 20 percent contained, with two cabins destroyed in Syrup Creek. Firefighters are making progress in containing the southern portion of the fire, while the Beaver Creek Fire continues to spread into Deer Creek. Multiple residences have been defended and road closures are in effect.
NASA 'fire towers' in space watch for wildfires on the rise
Scientists from NASA and other agencies use satellite observation and computer modeling to predict wildfire activity in the American West. The data helps guide firefighting resources and prevention efforts, with over 2.5 million acres burned this year.
Oregon burning
In July 2013, Oregon's severe drought and thunderstorms ignited dozens of difficult-to-control wildfires. The fires burned nearly 144,688 acres across the state, with smoke posing health risks to residents. Firefighters battled the blazes, including the Douglas Complex and Big Windy Complex, which collectively burned over 50,000 acres.
Heat intensifies Siberian wildfires
A persistent high-pressure weather pattern contributed to the heat wave, which saw temperatures reach 32° Celsius in northern Siberia. The fires are burning in an unusual area, significantly north of the typical summer wildfire zone.
Extreme wildfires likely fueled by climate change
New research led by Michigan State University scientists predicts that climate change will continue to fuel larger and more extreme wildfires in the western United States, posing a significant challenge to fire and forest management.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateAug 1, 2013
Climate science boost with tropical aerosols profile
A new study defines the aerosol climatology of Northern Australia's savanna, providing a crucial piece for climate modeling. The findings show that fine particles generated by burning have significant impacts on regional climate and air quality.
Oregon's Sunnyside Turnoff Fire
The Sunnyside Turnoff Fire in northern Oregon burned over 48,916 acres by July 26, 2013, with 40% containment. The fire was caused by human activity and affected the Warm Springs area, leading to evacuations and public closures.
Fires in Northern Territory Australia
The NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center captured a true-color image of the region's hotspots and smoke plumes on July 23, 2013. The image revealed large fires in the Northern Territory, with temperatures higher than background detected by thermal sensors.
Boreal forests in Alaska becoming more flammable
Researchers found that the composition of tree species in the Yukon Flats gradually shifted from coniferous trees to deciduous trees, which are more fire-resistant, during a warm period in the Holocene epoch. Current wildfire activity has already surpassed this limit, with the average fire frequency doubling in the last 50 years.
SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 2013
Fires in Idaho
NASA's Aqua satellite detected multiple forest fires in Idaho's western region, including the Lodgepole Fire, Ridge Fire, Thunder City fire, and Papoose Fire. The Papoose Fire is currently the largest at 6,504 acres, with containment expected on July 22, 2013.
Rancho Fire in California
The Rancho Fire started on July 19, 2013, and has burned 722 acres of land. Containment efforts involve 337 resources, including 14 crews, 10 engines, and 2 helicopters.
Most flammable boreal forests in North America become more so
Recent decades have seen a dramatic increase in wildfires in the Yukon Flats of Alaska, with fire frequency surpassing the limit seen during the Medieval Climate Anomaly. This shift towards deciduous forests has significant implications for carbon storage and climate warming, as dry deciduous trees can become highly flammable.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2013
Land-clearing Blazes in Indonesia
Land-clearing blazes in Indonesia are fueled by the palm-oil and pulpwood industries, releasing greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. The fires can remain underground for hours before igniting again, making firefighting difficult.
California's Mountain Fire
The Mountain Fire in California started on July 15 and has since spread to the San Jacinto Wilderness. As of July 18, the fire has burned over 22,800 acres with 15% containment.
Mountain Fire in California
The Mountain Fire in California is a raging wildfire that has destroyed residences and commercial buildings, with some homes saved by firefighters. The fire is being fought by 2241 personnel, including aircraft, engines, and hand-crews, in the San Jacinto Wilderness.
Fires in the Canadian Yukon province
In July 2013, NASA's Aqua satellite captured images of numerous uncontained fires in the Yukon territory, with over 329,000 acres burned. The region has seen significant wildfires, with 133,166 hectares burned this year to date.
Texas Invasive Species Program established at UT Austin
The program aims to study exotic invasive pests and develop sustainable approaches to counter problem organisms threatening biodiversity in central and southern Texas. Researchers will focus on native ant species, such as the fire ant, tawny crazy ant, and Cactoblastis moth, to improve competitiveness of native species.
Quebec fires continue raging
The Quebec forest fires have caused significant disruptions, with over 10% of Quebecers losing electricity due to power line failures triggered by smoke from the fires. More than 280,000 hectares of forested area have been scorched, with three major forest fires being monitored.
Wildfires may contribute more to global warming than previously predicted
Measurements from the 2011 Las Conchas fire show that 'tar ball' effect significantly degrades air quality and contributes to global warming. The team found spherical carbonaceous particles called tar balls dominate emissions, which can increase climate warming by increased light absorption.
Satellite quilt of wildfires, smoke throughout Canada
NASA's Aqua satellite captured multiple images of fire and smoke from Canadian wildfires on July 4, 2013, revealing hot spots that appear red in the image. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer instrument detected plumes of smoke blowing across many provinces and out over the Atlantic Ocean.
High nitrogen dioxide levels from Arizona's Yarnell Hill Fire
The NASA Aura satellite detected high nitrogen dioxide levels from the Yarnell Hill Fire in Arizona, indicating a large amount of combustible material was burned. The fire has consumed over 8,000 acres and forced evacuations in nearby towns.
Fires in Manitoba, Canada
A total of 27 fires are currently burning in northeast Manitoba, with areas at risk due to dry conditions. The wildfires have burned approximately 126,000 hectares and pose a significant threat to local communities.
Silver Fire, New Mexico
The Silver Fire, burning in southern New Mexico's Gila National Forest, has consumed over 133,625 acres as of July 1. The fire, caused by a lightning strike on June 7, is partially contained at 50 percent.
Astronaut view of Colorado fires
The West Fork Complex fire in southwestern Colorado reached heights of up to 13.5 kilometers, while smoke plumes were detected in European airspace. The fire was part of a larger complex involving three separate fires, burning over 75,000 acres before being fully contained.
East Peak fire burn scar, Colorado
A false-color image from NASA's Landsat 8 satellite captured the extent of the East Peak fire burn scar in southern Colorado. The fire burned nearly 13,500 acres before being extinguished on June 25, 2013.
NASA sees West Fork complex fires, Colorado
The NASA Aqua satellite's MODIS instrument captured an image of the West Fork fire complex in June 2013. The fires were burning in rugged terrain with large beetle-killed spruce forests, prompting evacuations in nearby South Fork.
NASA satellite sees Jaroso fire, New Mexico
The NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center satellite captured an image of the massive Jaroso fire burning in northern New Mexico. The fire, ignited by lightning on June 10, 2013, had burned through nearly 4,500 acres of conifer forests by June 24.
Pyrocumulus cloud billows from New Mexico fire
Pyrocumulus clouds formed above a New Mexico wildfire, demonstrating their unique characteristics in satellite images. The Silver fire's pyrocumulus cloud reached altitudes of 10-11 kilometers and temperatures up to -45°C.
Fourmile and Silver Fires in Arizona and New Mexico
The Fourmile fire in Arizona and Silver Fire in New Mexico are two major wildfires burning in the region. The fires, which were started by lightning strikes, have grown to over 5,000 acres in size and pose a high risk of growth due to extreme weather conditions.
Amazon forest fire risk to increase in 2013
Researchers predict a higher severity of Amazon fires in 2013, with increased fire activity in states such as Mato Grosso and Pará. The forecast is based on historical fire data from NASA's Terra satellite and sea surface temperature data from NOAA, indicating a risk of widespread fire activity.
Fires in northern Saskatchewan
Seventy-seven wildfires have been reported in Saskatchewan, with the largest burning over 247 acres. The province's 'observation zone' policy allows fires to burn naturally, reducing suppression costs.
Firefighting robot paints 3-D thermal imaging picture for rescuers
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a firefighting robot that creates a 3D thermal imaging picture of a burning building, providing critical data for first responders. The robot uses stereo vision and sensor data to map the interior of the building, allowing rescuers to better assess the structure and plan their activities.
Tres Lagunas and Thompson Ridge fires in New Mexico
Two devastating wildfires in New Mexico, Tres Lagunas and Thompson Ridge, continue to threaten residents around Santa Fe. The causes of the fires, downed power lines and human activity, have raised concerns about growth potential and containment efforts.
California's Powerhouse Fire at night
The NASA-NOAA Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership satellite captured an image of the Powerhouse Fire in California at night. The high-sensitivity instrument detected the fire using illumination from natural and man-made sources, revealing its large impact on city lights and surrounding landscape.
NASA MASTER infrared view of the Powerhouse Fire, California
The NASA MASTER instrument captured a color composite image of the Powerhouse Fire in California, showing heat intensity in different colors. The pixel resolution is 50 meters, with bands used for red, green, and blue infrared light.
Fires in eastern China
Multiple wildfires burned in eastern China, producing massive smoke plumes detected by NASA's Aqua satellite. The MODIS instrument revealed hot spots as red areas and smoke as light brown areas.
Powerhouse Fire, California
The Powerhouse Fire in California has burned approximately 46 square miles of the Angeles National Forest, destroying at least six homes and damaging 15 more. Evacuation orders are in place for large portions of the fire area, including several communities, as 975 personnel fight to contain the rapidly spreading blaze.
Tres Lagunas Fire, New Mexico
The Tres Lagunas Fire has burned over 7,476 acres in New Mexico and forced evacuations for hundreds of homes and primary residences. The fire started on May 30 due to a downed power line and is currently uncontained.
Agricultural fires in Africa
Dozens of agricultural fires in central Africa were detected using NASA's MODIS satellite, highlighting the widespread use of slash-and-burn agriculture methods. These practices threaten biodiversity and air quality, producing smoke that can lead to deforestation and erosion.
Thompson Ridge Fire, New Mexico
The Thompson Ridge Fire, located in the Valles Caldera National Preserve, has burned approximately 1,906 acres as of May 31, 2013. The Tres Lagunas Fire, started by a downed power line, has burned over 7,400 acres and is currently uncontained.
Agricultural fires in western Mexico
Dozens of agricultural fires were detected in western Mexico, likely set to manage land for crop growth, but producing smoke that degrades air quality. The fires were outlined in red by NASA's MODIS satellite on May 30, 2013.
Farmland fires in Angola
Deliberate farmland fires were detected in Angola, primarily used by smallholder farmers to clear land and return nutrients. The widespread nature of the fires highlights their potential impact on air quality and soil health.
Wildfires in Siberia
Wildfires in Siberia have been reported across two regions, with multiple hotspots detected by NASA's MODIS satellite. The Kosmosnimki website reports a total of 85 outbreaks in the Suntarsky Ulus region and 237 outbreaks in the Kobjajsky ulus region.
White Mountains hikers often underprepared
A study by Brown University found that three out of five hikers brought seven or fewer items, while only 18 percent packed all 10 essential items. Young and inexperienced hikers were most likely to lack multiple items recommended by the State of New Hampshire's HikeSafe program.
Climate change and wildfire
A new article synthesizes recent findings on climate-fire interactions, highlighting the significant regional climate effects of smoke particles and their impact on global temperatures and precipitation. The study also explores the role of black carbon in accelerating snow melting and its influence on terrestrial ecosystem services.
SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateMay 21, 2013
Principles of locomotion in confined spaces could help robot teams work underground
Researchers studied fire ants' tunnel networks to discover fundamental principles of locomotion that can be applied to robot teams working underground. The study found that ants use their antennae for both sensing and movement in confined spaces, allowing them to move quickly and easily through tunnels.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2013
Invasive crazy ants are displacing fire ants in areas throughout southeastern US
Invasive crazy ants are displacing fire ants across the southeastern US, eliminating native species and reducing biodiversity. Crazy ants outcompete fire ants for food sources and damage electrical equipment, making them a significant pest.