New Zealand: Major Fire Tears Through Former Boat Factory in Glendene, Auckland

A major fire broke out at a vacant warehouse on Culperry Road in Glendene, West Auckland, on Tuesday, April 28, sending thick black smoke over the city. More than 14 fire crews responded, containing the blaze by around 10:40am. The building, a former boat factory, was declared a total loss.

US: Metrobus Catches Fire in DC Tunnel, Sending Thick Smoke Over Downtown 2

A Metrobus caught fire inside the 9th Street Tunnel in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, April 23, sending a thick plume of black smoke over downtown and forcing road closure. The driver escaped safely with no injuries reported, while the cause of the fire remained unknown.

US: Metrobus Catches Fire in DC Tunnel, Sending Thick Smoke Over Downtown

A Metrobus caught fire inside the 9th Street Tunnel in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, April 23, sending a thick plume of black smoke over downtown and forcing road closure. The driver escaped safely with no injuries reported, while the cause of the fire remained unknown.

US: Smoke Reported Over Newark Liberty Airport in New Jersey

Thick black smoke was seen filling the skies above Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey on the night of Thursday, April 9, 2026. The cause of the smoke remains unclear.

Japan: Fire Tears Through Scrap and Materials Yard in Bando City, Ibaraki 2

A fire broke out at a storage yard for materials and scrapped vehicles in Bando City, Ibaraki, on Thursday, April 9, sending massive plumes of black smoke into the sky. The blaze, which started around 12:15 p.m., engulfed buildings and vehicles stored within the yard and continued to burn for more than six hours. No injuries have been reported.

Japan: Fire Tears Through Scrap and Materials Yard in Bando City, Ibaraki

A fire broke out at a storage yard for materials and scrapped vehicles in Bando City, Ibaraki, on Thursday, April 9, sending massive plumes of black smoke into the sky. The blaze, which started around 12:15 p.m., engulfed buildings and vehicles stored within the yard and continued to burn for more than six hours. No injuries have been reported.

US: Potawatomi Hotel Casino Evacuated After Roof Fire Sends Black Smoke Into Sky 3

Potawatomi Hotel Casino in Milwaukee was evacuated on Monday, April 6, after a fire broke out in the HVAC system on the roof of the casino building, sending a massive plume of black smoke into the sky. The fire was brought under control with no injuries reported, and the casino reopened to the public at 6 p.m.

US: Potawatomi Hotel Casino Evacuated After Roof Fire Sends Black Smoke Into Sky 2

Potawatomi Hotel Casino in Milwaukee was evacuated on Monday, April 6, after a fire broke out in the HVAC system on the roof of the casino building, sending a massive plume of black smoke into the sky. The fire was brought under control with no injuries reported, and the casino reopened to the public at 6 p.m.

US: Potawatomi Hotel Casino Evacuated After Roof Fire Sends Black Smoke Into Sky

Potawatomi Hotel Casino in Milwaukee was evacuated on Monday, April 6, after a fire broke out in the HVAC system on the roof of the casino building, sending a massive plume of black smoke into the sky. The fire was brought under control with no injuries reported, and the casino reopened to the public at 6 p.m.

Scene from Tehran

Scene from Tehran

Black smoke rise in Teheran on April 5, 2026, following missile attacks.

Scene from Tehran

Scene from Tehran

Black smoke rise in Teheran on April 5, 2026, following missile attacks.

US: Fast-Moving Springs Fire Breaks Out in Riverside County, Prompting Evacuations 2

The Springs Fire broke out east of Moreno Valley in Riverside County on Friday, April 3, quickly spreading to more than 4,000 acres and prompting evacuation orders for nearby residents, including the campus of Moreno Valley College. The fire was driven by strong winds with no injuries reported.

Scene from Tehran

Scene from Tehran

Black smoke rises in Tehran on April 3, 2026.

Scene from Tehran

Scene from Tehran

Black smoke rises in eastern Tehran on April 3, 2026.

Scene from Tehran

Scene from Tehran

Black smoke rises in eastern Tehran on April 3, 2026.

UK: Large Fire Breaks Out at Birmingham Scrapyard

A large fire broke out at a scrapyard in Kings Norton, Birmingham on Wednesday, April 1, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky.

UK: Large Fire Breaks Out at Birmingham Scrapyard 2

A large fire broke out at a scrapyard in Kings Norton, Birmingham on Wednesday, April 1, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky.

Canada: Rooftop Fire Breaks Out in Downtown Toronto After Possible Propane Explosion 6

Firefighters extinguished a fire on the roof of a building under construction on Richmond Street in downtown Toronto on Friday, March 27, after a possible explosion involving propane cylinders. No injuries were reported, though road closures remained in place in the area.

Canada: Rooftop Fire Breaks Out in Downtown Toronto After Possible Propane Explosion 5

Firefighters extinguished a fire on the roof of a building under construction on Richmond Street in downtown Toronto on Friday, March 27, after a possible explosion involving propane cylinders. No injuries were reported, though road closures remained in place in the area.

Canada: Rooftop Fire Breaks Out in Downtown Toronto After Possible Propane Explosion 3

Firefighters extinguished a fire on the roof of a building under construction on Richmond Street in downtown Toronto on Friday, March 27, after a possible explosion involving propane cylinders. No injuries were reported, though road closures remained in place in the area.

Canada: Rooftop Fire Breaks Out in Downtown Toronto After Possible Propane Explosion 4

Firefighters extinguished a fire on the roof of a building under construction on Richmond Street in downtown Toronto on Friday, March 27, after a possible explosion involving propane cylinders. No injuries were reported, though road closures remained in place in the area.

Canada: Rooftop Fire Breaks Out in Downtown Toronto After Possible Propane Explosion

Firefighters extinguished a fire on the roof of a building under construction on Richmond Street in downtown Toronto on Friday, March 27, after a possible explosion involving propane cylinders. No injuries were reported, though road closures remained in place in the area.

Canada: Rooftop Fire Breaks Out in Downtown Toronto After Possible Propane Explosion 2

Firefighters extinguished a fire on the roof of a building under construction on Richmond Street in downtown Toronto on Friday, March 27, after a possible explosion involving propane cylinders. No injuries were reported, though road closures remained in place in the area.

US: Large Fire Near Newark Liberty International Airport Sends Thick Smoke Into Sky

A large fire broke out near Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey on Thursday, March 26, 2026, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky visible across the region. Firefighters were called to 635 Delancy Street in Newark at about 2:48 p.m., where an outdoor fire had spread to an occupied building. Everyone inside was able to evacuate safely and no injuries were reported. The blaze was brought under control at about 4:30 p.m., and its cause remains under investigation. No flights in or out of Newark Airport were affected by the fire.

US: Rooftop Fire Breaks Out Near NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Midtown 4

Thick plumes of black smoke billowed into the sky over Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday, March 17, after a fire broke out in a cooling tower on the roof of a building under renovation near the start of the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. Construction workers evacuated safely and no impact reported on the parade.

US: Rooftop Fire Breaks Out Near NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Midtown 3

Thick plumes of black smoke billowed into the sky over Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday, March 17, after a fire broke out in a cooling tower on the roof of a building under renovation near the start of the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. Construction workers evacuated safely and no impact reported on the parade.

US: Rooftop Fire Breaks Out Near NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Midtown 2

Thick plumes of black smoke billowed into the sky over Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday, March 17, after a fire broke out in a cooling tower on the roof of a building under renovation near the start of the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. Construction workers evacuated safely and no impact reported on the parade.

US: Rooftop Fire Breaks Out Near NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Midtown

Thick plumes of black smoke billowed into the sky over Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday, March 17, after a fire broke out in a cooling tower on the roof of a building under renovation near the start of the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. The cause of the fire was under investigation with construction workers evacuating safely and no impact reported on the parade.

UK: Large Fire Breaks Out at Bolton Industrial Estate, Prompting Major Emergency Response

A large fire broke out early Friday, March 13, at the Raikes Clough Lane industrial estate in Bolton, Greater Manchester, where a large pile of scrap metal caught fire, prompting a major emergency response and road closures. No injuries were reported, and residents nearby were advised to keep doors and windows closed due to heavy smoke.

Taiwan: Fire Breaks Out at Apartment in Kaohsiung

A fire broke out at an apartment building on Dagong Road in Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City, around 7:30 PM on Thursday, March 12. Police and fire services promptly responded, extinguishing the blaze and evacuating six residents. Three individuals were hospitalized after feeling unwell. The fire was brought under control shortly, and the cause is currently under investigation by the fire department.

UK: Large Fire Erupts at Scrapyard in Grimsby, England

A major fire broke out Wednesday afternoon, March 11, at a salvage yard on Railway Street in Grimsby, a port city in northeastern England. Thick plumes of black smoke billowed into the sky, visible across a wide area of the town.

Chile: Massive Fire at Puente Alto Paper Mill Prompts Evacuation Order 2

A massive structural fire broke out at a paper mill in Puente Alto on Tuesday, March 3, prompting SENAPRED to activate the SAE emergency alert system and order the evacuation of nearby residents. The blaze sent a large plume of smoke visible across Santiago, leading health authorities to issue warnings as multiple fire departments worked to contain the flames.

UAE: Fire Breaks Out Near US Consulate in Dubai After Reported Drone Attack 2

Flames and black smoke were seen near the US Consulate in Dubai on Tuesday, March 3 after reported explosions and a suspected drone attack amid regional tensions.

UAE: Fire Breaks Out Near US Consulate in Dubai After Reported Drone Attack

Flames and black smoke were seen near the US Consulate in Dubai on Tuesday, March 3 after reported explosions and a suspected drone attack amid regional tensions.

Chile: Massive Fire at Puente Alto Paper Mill Prompts Evacuation Order

A massive structural fire broke out at a paper mill in Puente Alto on Tuesday, March 3, prompting SENAPRED to activate the SAE emergency alert system and order the evacuation of nearby residents. The blaze sent a large plume of smoke visible across Santiago, leading health authorities to issue warnings as multiple fire departments worked to contain the flames.

UAE: Dubai Targeted as Iran Launches Retaliatory Attacks Across Middle East

Iran launched retaliatory strikes against Israel and several Middle East nations, including the UAE and Qatar, following joint US and Israeli attacks that began on February 28. This video shows thick black smoke rising over Ocean Beach in Dubai following the strikes.

South Africa: Passengers Evacuated as Fire Breaks Out at Cape Town Airport

A fire broke out at Cape Town International Airport on Tuesday, February 24, prompting passenger evacuations and disrupting flights. While the blaze was quickly extinguished with no injuries reported, the incident caused significant power outages and IT system failures, leading to diverted flights and temporary suspensions of international departures.

China: Man Rescues Child Trapped on Window Ledge From Apartment Fire

On July 13, 2023, in Jinan, Shandong, a neighbor climbed the exterior of an apartment building to reach a child trapped on a window ledge during a fire. He guided the child to a narrow space beside an air conditioner unit, where they both waited for further assistance to escape the thick smoke and flames.

US: Four Injured in Metallurgical Plant Explosion in Langeloth, Pennsylvania

Four people were injured after an explosion at the Langeloth Metallurgical Company plant in Washington County, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, January 29. Authorities initially issued a shelter-in-place order due to a potential hydrogen peroxide release during a chemical transfer, but the notice was later lifted after officials confirmed there was no public health threat.

South Korea: Two Missing as Massive Fire Rages at North Chungcheong Manufacturing Plant

A massive fire broke out at a manufacturing plant in Duseong-ri, Maengdong-myeon, Eumseong-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, on Friday, January 30, spreading to a nearby mountain and leaving two people missing. Authorities issued a Level 2 fire response alert and are investigating the whereabouts of two employees believed to be inside the factory building.

Mexico: Massive Fire Destroys Plastics Factory in Xochimilco, Mexico City

A massive fire broke out at a 2,000-square-meter plastics factory in the La Noria area of Xochimilco, Mexico City, on Thursday, January 22, forcing at least 50 people to evacuate. Firefighters and Navy personnel brought the fire under control after several hours of work.

US: Prescribed Burning Starts in Lake Havasu, Sending Massive Smoke

Massive smoke was seen on the horizon north of Lake Havasu City on Monday, January 19, as prescribed burning started at Lake Havasu National Wildlife Refuge near Topock. Access to burn areas is being restricted during active operations for public safety.

UK: Commuter Bus Evacuated After Bursting Into Flames in Merseyside

An Arriva commuter bus was evacuated after it burst into flames on Ormskirk Road in Aintree on Friday, January 16. Authorities confirmed that all passengers and the driver escaped safely without injuries, though the blaze caused significant traffic delays near Aintree Shopping Park.

US: Gas Line Explosion Reported Near Willow River in Minnesota, Forcing Evacuations

A large gas line explosion was reported on Friday, January 16, near Willow River in Pine County, Minnesota, forcing nearby residents to evacuate. Minnesota Energy Resources said customers in the area could be without natural gas for days, though authorities reported no injuries and suspect no criminal activity at this time.

US: Gas Line Explosion Reported Near Willow River in Minnesota, Forcing Evacuations 2

A large gas line explosion was reported on Friday, January 16, near Willow River in Pine County, Minnesota, forcing nearby residents to evacuate. Minnesota Energy Resources said customers in the area could be without natural gas for days, though authorities reported no injuries and suspect no criminal activity at this time.

Netherlands: At Least Four Injured as Gas Leak Explosion Destroys Multiple Homes in Utrecht 2

A gas leak triggered a powerful explosion at a house in central Utrecht on Thursday, January 15, leaving at least four people injured. While the damage was immense, there were no reports of missing persons. The cause of the blast was not immediately known.

Netherlands: At Least Four Injured as Gas Leak Explosion Destroys Multiple Homes in Utrecht

A gas leak triggered a powerful explosion at a house in central Utrecht on Thursday, January 15, leaving at least four people injured. While the damage was immense, there were no reports of missing persons. The cause of the blast was not immediately known.

US: Massive Structure Fire Reported Near Glendale in Denver 2

A third-alarm fire was reported at the construction site on Leetsdale Drive and Holly Street in Denver on Friday night, January 2, forcing road closures. This is a developing story.

US: Massive Structure Fire Reported Near Glendale in Denver

A massive structure fire was reported near Glendale and Cherry Creek in Denver on Friday night, January 2.

China: Quick-Thinking Resident on Floor Above Extinguishes Balcony Fire

On December 10 in Jiaxing, Zhejiang, a quick-thinking neighbor used a firefighting hose from the floor above to extinguish a fire on a resident's balcony. The neighbor also shouted to alert the resident, successfully knocking down the flames before the fire could spread further.