Authorities in Buryatia have declared a state of emergency as rapidly spreading wildfires, blamed on human activity, devastate the Zabaikalsky region and the Republic of Buryatia, producing heavy smoke and burning homes.

Anchorage is experiencing the highest tree pollen counts in nearly a decade, with counts reaching thousands of grains per cubic meter from birch, poplar, cottonwood, aspen, willow, and alder, triggering widespread allergy symptoms.

A wildfire erupted in Fish Creek Community Forest within Fort St. John, B.C., on May 1, 2025, fueled by warm, dry, and windy conditions amid severe drought, highlighting the increasing risk of human-caused wildfires in urban-adjacent forests due to climate change and industrial practices.

A skier was evacuated to an emergency shelter before being transported by snowmobile to Pangnirtung’s health centre. The incident occurred early Thursday morning and the skier is receiving treatment, with no update on their condition.

Three firefighters who went missing battling wildfires in the Zabaikalsky region of Russia’s Far East were found dead, prompting a criminal investigation amid a large-scale state of emergency.

A rescue operation has been initiated after an avalanche dragged a helicopter that was on the ground in Abisko National Park, with two persons currently reported missing.

Two people were swept under the ice on the Big Susitna River on Thursday morning while three others were able to reach safety, Alaska State Troopers said.

This is Alaska’s first fatal avalanche reported this season. It is also the country’s deadliest since February 2023.

Two individuals were swept into the sea near Akranes harbor when a large swell unexpectedly engulfed the area, dragging along cars and a pedestrian. They were rescued by emergency services, with one later transferred to a hospital in Reykjavík.

A person is missing after a vehicle fell through the ice on Lake Laberge in Yukon. Two others managed to escape.

Oil from damaged Russian tankers has contaminated beaches in Crimea, with significant environmental cleanup efforts underway.