Wildfires

Crews battle wildfires in North and South Carolina amid dry conditions

The National Weather Service warned of increased fire danger in the region due to a combination of critically dry fuels and very low relative humidity.

After fires, LA students yearn to get back to school, and a normal life

The historic fires in Los Angeles meant many students lost homes, schools, or both. Now, as some schools reopen, families are trying to find routine.

Cleaning up after the LA wildfires is dangerous. Here’s how to protect yourself

The ash and debris created during the burns could be loaded with dangerous materials. Experts suggest taking care.

Private firefighters are helping out in LA wildfires. It raises ethical questions

Insurers are deploying private firefighters amid the Los Angeles wildfires. Are they an added bonus for all — or only for those who can afford them?

LA fires are still raging, but forecasters expect calmer winds in the coming days

It was another day of fierce winds gusting to 65 mph in mountainous areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, but weather more conducive to firefighting operations is expected soon.

Pistachio moguls and reservoirs: False water claims spread about California fires

Influencers and politicians are spreading false narratives about water and the L.A. wildfires. These include the idea that farm moguls took firefighting water and an empty reservoir is part of a plot.

L.A. is bracing for the return of more powerful winds as fires continue to burn

As firefighters continue to battle blazes in multiple fires, more Santa Ana winds in the coming days threaten to increase fire risk.

FEMA’s administrator says more than 24,000 in LA have applied for assistance

"People have lost everything," says FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell. More than 24,000 have already applied for assistance from FEMA, but Criswell says that number is certain to rise.

Firefighters make progress on LA blazes, and alert system is changed

Firefighters made progress overnight on almost all of the active fires, including the massive Palisades and Eaton blazes, officials said.

Photos: Southern California residents return to devastation as two major wildfires rage on

More than 100,000 Los Angeles County residents remain under evacuation orders, and the threat of fire there is not over. New evacuations were ordered last night and strong Santa Ana winds are expected to pick up again today.

What is the flame retardant that planes are dropping on the LA fires?

As fire crews and air tankers work to block the wildfires' explosive growth, images of red clouds of fire retardant falling onto trees are common. What is it — and what's in it?

Photos: See the California wildfires’ destructive force, in satellite images

Satellite images show the extent of devastation from multiple wildfires burning in Los Angeles County after one day. The fires have killed at least five people and destroyed thousands of structures.

‘Raining ash’: Residents share how they fled the Southern California wildfires

Tens of thousands of people have been ordered to evacuate amid the uncontained wildfires. NPR member station LAist spoke to members of the community about how they have been affected.

US Forest Service and historically Black colleges unite to boost diversity in wildland firefighting

Wildfire season around the U.S. continues to grow while minorities remain underrepresented in forestry and firefighting.

Code Red

The Birmingham metropolitan area was placed under an air quality alert once again Wednesday for particle pollution, a code red for what officials say was a particularly dangerous situation: smoke coming from wildfires burning in Georgia and Florida. Winds have shifted and the smoke has moved out of the area -- for now.