wildfires

As dangerous wildfires continue to sweep across Los Angeles, many families are caught unprepared as they race to evacuate their homes. In just over a week since the fires started, nearly 60 square miles has burned up and at least 27 people have died. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire protection, the Eaton fire is 81 percent contained and the Palisades fire is 52 percent contained. I spoke with Samantha Penta, an associate professor in the University at Albany’s Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, about how you can prepare yourself for disaster.

After 25 years of stumping scientists, a mysterious mollusk found drifting in the ocean off the coast of California, has been identified. We’ll learn more about this unusual animal.And we’ll learn about how human practices can both contribute to and help prevent wildfires.

Much of Massachusetts remains under a Level 3 Critical Drought — one step lower than the most dire rating. The entire state besides the Cape and Islands Region is experiencing extremely dry conditions.

Precipitation over the last few days helped slow and contain the Butternut Fire on East Mountain in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

Some much-needed rain came to drought-stricken Massachusetts Thursday, but the battle against a wildfire in southern Berkshire County has no end in sight.

Crews are continuing to battle a wildfire in the southwest corner of Massachusetts.

After weeks of warnings about the threat of wildfires during the fall drought, officials in and around Great Barrington, Massachusetts are scrambling to contain flames near East Mountain.

The solar cycle is in its maximum phase, causing the northern lights to recently be visible in lower latitudes. We’ll learn about the science of auroras.And amid a drought in the northeast United States, we’ll learn about the causes and science behind wildfires.

Outdoor burn bans are in effect throughout Berkshire County as drought conditions persist across Massachusetts.

Officials say Massachusetts is experiencing an "unprecedented" fall fire season amid widespread, critical drought conditions. With a red flag warning up for the entire state, Governor Maura Healey and others gave an update Tuesday as fire crews work to contain the flames.