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Fires

Traffic continues on Interstate 35 as Waxahachie firefighters battle a massive fire at the Magnablend chemical processing plant on October 3rd, 2011, in Waxahachie, Texas.
Key Takeaways

The Houston Area Has Had Two Chemical Plant Fires in Two Weeks. Why Do They Keep Happening?

Frequent chemical fires in the Houston area signal larger deficiencies in oversight of the chemical industry at both the state and federal levels.

By Leah Dunlevy
Revelers parade through the streets of Lewes in East Sussex, southern England, on November 5th, 2018, during traditional Bonfire Night celebrations. Thousands of people attended the annual parade through the narrow streets until the evening came to an end with the burning of an effigy or "guy," usually representing Guy Fawkes, who died in 1605 after an unsuccessful attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament.
Viewfinder

Viewfinder: Bonfire Night in England

Revelers parade through the streets of Lewes in East Sussex, southern England, on November 5th, 2018, during traditional Bonfire Night celebrations.

By Pacific Standard Staff
A view of homes that were destroyed by the Carr Fire on July 27th, 2018, in Redding, California.
Environment

The Five Largest Wildfires Burning in California Right Now

Fires have already scorched nearly 300,000 acres in the state this year.

By Emily Moon
A plume of smoke is seen from Ojai, California, as the Thomas Fire grows and advances toward seaside communities on December 10th, 2017, near Carpinteria, California.
Environment

Viewfinder: Smoke Blankets Southern California as Fires Continue to Burn

A plume of smoke is seen from Ojai, California, as the Thomas Fire grows and advances toward seaside communities on December 10th, 2017, near Carpinteria, California.

By Pacific Standard Staff
The fire burns near Oregon 138, east of Glide in a closed section of the highway, on September 7th, 2017.
Environment

The Teen Accused of Starting the Oregon Fire Has Rekindled the Debate Over Trying Juveniles as Adults

Investigators say the Eagle Creek Fire was likely started by a boy's misuse of fireworks. Now Oregonians are calling for criminal charges.

By Kate Wheeling
Firefighters use a hose to spray water as they fight against a fire in Castagniers, France, on July 17th, 2017.
News in Brief

Viewfinder: Fighting Fires in France

Firefighters use a hose to spray water as they fight against a fire in Castagniers, France, on July 17th, 2017.

By Pacific Standard Staff
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Environment

Searching for Signs That a Fire Is About Blow Up

Researchers detect "critical slowing down" as fires explode in the lab.

By Nathan Collins