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Officials say a multinational force is helping Cyprus fight a stubborn wildfire that has scorched miles of mountainous terrain in the summer heat NICOSIA, Cyprus -- A multinational force is helping Cyprus fight stubborn wildfires in the summer heat, with Israel joining Lebanon, Greece and Jordan in sending aircraft to fight a blaze that has scorched miles of mountainous terrain, officials said Monday. Israel said two “Air-Tractor” fire fight ing aircraft, ground crews and wildfire experts along with six tons of flame retardants were on their way to the island nation , adding to the 20 tons of material that Greece is sending. Lebanon is pitching in with a pair of helicopters, while two Greek Canadair aircraft have been dispatched to help douse the fire in the mountains about 11 miles (17 kilometers) north of the coastal town of Limassol. Jordan has sent three aircraft of its own, including two Super Puma helicopters and a Russian-made Mi26 helicopter. The multinational effort is battli...

Areas from Toronto to New York and Washington are covered in a haze as forecasters warn of more smoke to come from Canadian wildfires. Millions of people in the Midwest and Northeast, from Toronto and New York City to Washington, D.C., faced smoky air throughout the day Tuesday and Wednesday. MORE: Wildfire smoke map: Which US cities, states are being impacted by Canadian wildfires As wildfire smoke from Canada swept south, the New York skyline was barely visible for most of the day, and the smell of the smoke was strong as commuters hit the evening rush. MORE: Smoke from Canadian wildfires could impact the health of millions in the US Fueled by record heat and dry conditions, wildfire s burning in Quebec are impacting millions of people as far south as North Carolina. In Toronto, thick smoke turned the setting sun red, and made views of the city from the CN tower almost invisible. Air quality alerts were issued as the thick haze made breathing difficult and turned skies over much ...

Grazing goats are in high demand to devour wild grass and shrubs that are proliferating across California after a drought-busting winter of heavy rain and snow WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Hundreds of goats munch on long blades of yellow grass on a hillside next to a sprawling townhouse complex. They were hired to clear vegetation that could fuel wildfires as temperatures rise this summer. These voracious herbivores are in high demand to devour weeds and shrubs that have proliferated across California after a drought-busting winter of heavy rain and snow. “It’s a huge fuel source. If it was left untamed, it can grow very high. And then when the summer dries everything out, it’s perfect fuel for a fire,” said Jason Poupolo, parks superintendent for the city of West Sacramento, where goats grazed on a recent afternoon. Targeted grazing is part of California’s strategy to reduce wildfire risk because goats can eat a wide variety of vegetation and graze in steep, rocky terrain that’s hard to...