3,573 Migrants Killed in 365 Days Trying to Reach Europe by Sea

10 Migrants killed each day trying to reach Europe

At least 3,573 migrants were killed while attempting to reach Italy, Greece and Spain by sea, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The 2015 death toll currently stands at 2,373 on all sea routes to Europe, which is more than 12 percent higher compared to the same period last year (2,081).

In 2014 a total of 3,281 migrants were killed, said the report.

The following statistic for the deaths at sea so far this year are as follows:

• Central Route (North Africa to Italy and Malta): 2,267 (migrants killed)
• Eastern Route (Turkey to Greece): 83
• Western (Africa to Spain, including Canary Islands): 23

Wildfires Burning 2 Million Acres across 15 U.S. States

Deadly wildfire complex in Washington breaks State’s record

The so-called Okanogan Complex wildfires have burned nearly 260,000 acres (105,000 hectares) breaking a state record set last year by Carlton Complex fire.

About 100 active fires are currently burning more than 2 million acres (81,000 km²) across 15 U.S. States: Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Year-to-date statistics [Source: NIFC]
2015 (1/1/15 – 8/24/15) Fires: 42,519 – Acres: 7,487,737
[Caution: The stats provided by NIFC have previously proved to be incomplete, erroneous and unreliable. See related blog entries since 2007.]

The Federal government has proclaimed an additional Fire Management Assistance Declaration as follows:

• Washington Renner Fire (FM-5108)
  Incident period: August 21, 2015
  Fire Management Assistance Declaration declared on August 21, 2015

Weather Forecast by National Weather Service (NWS)

High Fire Danger Continues in the West

Hot, dry and breezy conditions will continue early this week across much of the Northwest U.S. and northern Rockies. Numerous wildfires are burning in this region, and dense smoke is causing air quality issues in several states of the Northwest. Red Flag Warnings and Air Quality Alerts are in effect.

Related Links

• Federal Emergency Declared in Washington August 22, 2015
• Deadly Wildfires Burning in Pacific Northwest August 20, 2015