Wildfires

200 Stories

Smoke or sunshine? WA’s new air quality map tells you what’s ahead
Diana Opong
Calls for vigilance as Washington state battles historic wildfire surge

Washington state is facing another active wildfire season, marked by a myriad of challenges exacerbated by drought conditions and persistent winds.
Diana Opong
A ‘tool of last resort’: PSE may shut off power in some areas when fire risk is high

This year’s wildfire season may bring a new wrinkle for some Puget Sound Energy customers. The utility has said it may begin to use temporary power shut-offs in some communities to prevent powerlines from igniting blazes in risky weather conditions.
Kate Walters
National

A new report on the Maui wildfires cites communications breakdowns

As wildfires ripped across Maui last August, a broad communications breakdown left authorities in the dark and residents without emergency alerts, according to a report released Wednesday.
The Associated Press
Washington state lawmakers hit the reset button on rules to protect homes from wildfire

Six years ago, the state set out to create a building code to protect homes in high fire risk areas. That goal has remained elusive.
Libby Denkmann

Hans Anderson
Wildfires don’t just threaten lives and property. They can also impact a person's mental health

New research from the University of Washington has found a link between wildfires and mental health. Researchers say they’ve found a significant increase in prescriptions for antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications among people with pre-existing mental health needs in the six weeks following a major wildfire.
Diana Opong
Investigation finds utility's security light at fault for devastating Gray Fire

In a report released last week, the Washington Department of Natural Resources says the initial sparks came from a security light mounted on an Inland Power and Light pole. Those sparks ignited nearby brush and the fire quickly raged out of control. The Gray Fire burned 10,000 acres last August, forcing thousands to evacuate and destroying hundreds of homes.
Libby Denkmann

Alec Cowan
National

Oregon jury awards $85 million to 9 victims of deadly 2020 wildfires

The verdict comes in a series of legal proceedings that are expected to put the utility PacifiCorp on the hook for billions of dollars over its liability for the blazes.
The Associated Press
4 ways AI can help with climate change, from detecting methane to preventing fires

Many companies, researchers and governments are using artificial intelligence as a tool to help with climate solutions. Here are four ways AI is now used to combat global warming.
Julia Simon
Record fires or wildfire deficit, which is it for Washington state?
Paige Browning

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