Firefighters in southern Europe, northern Africa and Canada battled wildfires as extreme heat created dangerous conditions around the Northern Hemisphere for workers. We’ve gathered articles on the news from SHRM Online and other media outlets.
Wildfires Across Europe, Northern Africa
Wildfires recently burned in at least nine countries across the Mediterranean, including in Croatia, Italy and Portugal, with thousands of firefighters fighting the flames caused by high temperatures, dry conditions and strong winds. At least 34 people were killed in Algeria, where 8,000 firefighters on July 25 fought the wildfires. In Sicily, wildfires may have been caused partly by arson. Greece has been hard hit, with 20,000 people recently evacuated from homes and resorts in the island of Rhodes. In Croatia, firefighters battled wildfires near Dubrovnik.
High Temperatures, Water Cuts
In parts of Algeria, temperatures have reached 135 degrees Fahrenheit; in Tunisia, they have hit 120 degrees. Power and water cuts have hit Algeria for two weeks, with taps running dry in many cities. Fires have devastated Algeria during each of the last few summers. Among the dead from this summer’s wildfires included 10 soldiers aiding rescue efforts.
Canadian Wildfires Continue
More than 1,000 wildfires in Canada caused smoke to cross into the Great Lakes, causing poor air quality July 25. Those with chronic respiratory issues were advised to limit their activities outdoors, and many were advised against strenuous activity, including teens, seniors, people with heart or lung disease and those who are pregnant. Many of the wildfires are in drought-stricken British Columbia, where more than 460 fires are burning.
(CNN)
AI Used to Monitor Wildfires
Several states, including California, are using AI-powered systems to detect wildfires faster than traditional bystander reporting. Stopping wildfires sooner could save lives and reduce huge costs in damage. Wildfires caused $81.6 billion in damages from 2017 to 2021 in the U.S.—compared to the $8.6 billion worth of damage they caused from 2012 to 2016, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Employers should consider their obligations to employees when there are wildfires.
(Axios) and (SHRM Online)