An unusually large and hot fire has struck Alberta, Canada at an unusually early time of year. According to researchers, this is the new normal.
Melody Rowell reports the news that shocks with the scale of its destruction: "An enormous wildfire in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, has displaced more than 80,000 people and destroyed an estimated 2,400 buildings, the majority of them homes."
While linking to many other examples of news coverage of the fire, the article for National Geographic is devoted to a series of photographs by Ian C. Bates.
Another recent article from the Associated Press puts the scale of the fire, which began on May 1, in historical context. According to that article, the fire in Alberta is just the latest example of larger and more extreme wildfires burning as a result climate change. The Associated Press also surveys the opinions and findings of researchers working on the subject.
FULL STORY: On the Ravaged Trail of Canada’s Monster Fire
New Yorkers Face New Climate Risks
A two-acre fire in a city park prompted city officials to ban grilling while urging residents to conserve water to limit the impact of a historic drought.
Wildfires Explode Across the West
Multiple massive fires are burning across the Western United States and Canada, prompting governments to explore new mitigation and response strategies.
How the West Got Bigger, Badder Fires
Two new books chronicle the origin of U.S. policy on wildfire, the damage that policy has done, and why it’s unlikely to change any time soon.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
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Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
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