Smoke plumes from wildfires in Canada have crossed the Atlantic and reached Europe. These wildfires released an estimated 56 megatonnes (56 billion kg) of carbon, prompting large-scale evacuations and deteriorating air quality across parts of North America and Europe as smoke plumes crossed the Atlantic and reached the Mediterranean in May 2025.
Over 25 000 residents across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta have been evacuated due to dozens of out-of-control wildfires. Smoke from the fires is affecting air quality across much of the central and eastern United States, including the Midwest, Great Lakes, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic regions, prompting health advisories and air quality alerts in multiple states.
A lightning-ignited wildfire, known as the Perchman Fire, started on May 27, 2025, in Ocala National Forest near State Road 19 and National Forest Road 74 in Putnam County, Florida. The fire has since burned 343 ha (849 acres) and is 50% contained.
The Camp Fire near Fort Stanton, New Mexico, destroyed or damaged several historic buildings at one of the oldest military forts in the United States. Among the structures lost were two wooden buildings from the 1940s, located near former World War II-era internment camps.
More than 17 000 people were evacuated across Manitoba, Canada, on May 28, 2025, after the provincial government declared a state of emergency due to 22 active wildfires, 11 of which remained out of control. The evacuation is considered the largest in recent memory for the province and is expected to require significant resources and coordination among all levels of government.
The Jaw Fire and Democrat Fire in California’s Kern County have scorched approximately 1 657 ha (4 095 acres) of land as of May 21, 2025. Jaw Fire, the larger of the two, rapidly expanded on May 20, burning over 1 295 ha (3 200 acres) since its ignition on May 19. Meanwhile, the Democrat Fire has consumed about 362 ha (895 acres) since it started on May 18.
Wildfires in Minnesota have destroyed at least 140 buildings and scorched over 8 094 ha (20 000 acres) of land since May 11, 2025, prompting evacuations, road closures, and air quality alerts.
The Bryce Fire near Fort Thomas, Arizona, has burned 1 172 ha (2 896 acres) and remains 25% contained as of May 11, 2025. No structures have been reported damaged, but pre-evacuation notices have been issued for nearby residents.
Wildfires burned over 2 500 ha (6 200 acres) across North Dakota’s Turtle Mountain and Fort Berthold reservations in early May 2025, threatening homes. Coordinated efforts by state, tribal, and federal agencies saved most structures, with only one abandoned trailer lost.
Wildfires erupted near Jerusalem on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, prompting a national emergency in Israel, disrupting independence day celebrations leading to evacuation in 12 towns near the city and closing Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway on Thursday, May 1.
