NASA satellites spot wildfires as extreme heat drives fire season in North America and Europe

NASA satellites detected active wildfires across North America and Europe, driven by extreme heat, drought, and winds, intensifying a dangerous global fire season. The Fire Information for Resource Management System identified hot spots near Spokane, in Canada, and across Europe during the past week. It uses satellite instruments to provide near-real-time data to authorities for fire monitoring and resource deployment. Wildfires can destroy homes, ecosystems, and emit CO2 and smoke affecting air quality far away. Scientists link global warming to more fire weather, making space-based monitoring increasingly critical.