Canada wildfire threat eases, but oil drilling continues with summer around the corner
The threat from a wildfire near Fort McMurray, Alberta, eases with favorable winds, but challenges persist in balancing oil industry and climate change efforts. [ more ]
National parks advocates are fed up with destructive gender reveal parties, they say
A couple pleaded guilty to starting a deadly wildfire during a gender reveal photo shoot in California, bringing attention to the need for accountability in damaging natural areas.
The husband was sentenced to a year in county jail, while the wife received one year of probation and both were ordered to pay $1,789,972 in restitution to the victims. [ more ]
Dixie Fire: PG&E agrees to $45 million settlement related to California's second-largest wildfire
Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) will pay $45 million in penalties for its role in the Dixie Fire, the second-largest wildfire in California's history.
The settlement with PG&E includes $40 million in shareholder funding to improve inspections and preventive maintenance and $2.5 million to tribal communities impacted by the fires. [ more ]
California utility regulators fine PG&E $45 million for Dixie Fire, state's 2nd-largest wildfire
The California Public Utilities Commission has approved a $45 million fine against Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) for the Dixie Fire, the second-largest wildfire in the state's history.
PG&E caused the fire when a Douglas Fir tree fell on its power lines, leading to the destruction of nearly 1 million acres and over 1,300 structures.
The majority of the fine, $40 million, requires PG&E to digitize its maintenance records, and the remaining $5 million will be distributed to tribal entities affected by the fire and deposited into California's general fund. [ more ]
Exclusive: Maui wildfire survivors face soaring rates of depression and lung problems study
Rates of depression, respiratory problems, and kidney abnormalities are soaring among survivors of the Maui wildfire.
The University of Hawaii is conducting a 10-year study to track and address the health impacts of the wildfire on residents.
Initial findings show that almost half of participants reported worse health since the wildfires, with high rates of depression and respiratory issues. [ more ]
What we're reading: writers and readers on the books they enjoyed in November
Fire Weather by John Vaillant is a terrifying and award-winning nonfiction book about a devastating fire in Canada that created its own weather systems.
Big Swiss by Jen Beagin is a funny and captivating novel about a transcriber who becomes infatuated with a client of a sex therapist. [ more ]