Paris Jackson reveals nightmare experience at trea…

SPOKANE: Devastating wildfires sweeping across the outskirts of Spokane, Washington, have destroyed more than 700 buildings, displaced 64,000 residents, and prompted fears that fatalities may be discovered as emergency crews struggle to contain the fast-moving infernos. The cluster of three major wildfires, which erupted over the weekend, has become the highest firefighting priority in the United States, with more than 1,100 firefighters deployed to battle the flames. Despite their efforts, officials confirmed that none of the fires had been contained by Monday. The blazes have scorched over 8,000 acres (3,200 hectares) on the northern edge of Spokane, Washington’s second-largest city, located near the Idaho border. Thick smoke has blanketed the region, reducing visibility and worsening air quality across large parts of the Pacific Northwest. Dramatic aerial footage showed firefighting aircraft repeatedly dropping fire retardant over forests as towering flames raced toward residential neighborhoods. Entire communities have been reduced to ashes, with officials warning that another 400 structures may also have been damaged or destroyed. For many families, the evacuation came with little warning. Among them was Kami Fehlig, who fled her home with her husband, two daughters and family dog after watching flames leap across the Spokane River and race toward their neighborhood. “We knew we had to leave immediately,” she recalled. “We grabbed our wedding album, baby books, pet supplies and whatever we could carry before the power went out.” Hours later, the family learned that their home and surrounding neighborhood had been completely destroyed. Authorities said thousands more residents remain under mandatory evacuation orders as shifting winds continue to threaten additional communities. Emergency officials also warned that the full scale of the disaster may not yet be known. Several people have been reported missing, while search teams have been unable to access some of the hardest-hit areas because of intense fire activity. “There is a high probability that fatalities will be found once crews can safely enter devastated neighborhoods,” incident command spokesperson Benjamin Cossel said. The cause of the fires remains under investigation. The Spokane fires are part of an exceptionally severe wildfire season gripping the Pacific Northwest. Washington alone is battling 15 major wildfires, with more than 250,000 acres already burned. Across the United States, officials have recorded over 44,700 wildfires so far this year, consuming nearly 5.2 million acres, making it one of the worst fire seasons in recent years. Neighboring British Columbia, Canada, is also experiencing intense wildfire activity fueled by record drought conditions and extreme heat. Fire managers hope a brief period of cooler temperatures and lighter winds will help firefighters make progress before another round of scorching weather arrives later this week. Scientists say increasingly frequent and intense wildfire seasons across North America and Europe are being driven by prolonged drought, rising temperatures and other effects linked to human-caused climate change, leaving communities facing ever-growing environmental and economic challenges.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will visit Syria on Saturday. It will be the first visit by a serving UN secretary-general to the country since 2009. The visit comes at a major turning point for Syria. The country is trying to rebuild after years of war, political instability and international isolation. Syria’s conflict began in 2011. It continued for almost 14 years. The war killed hundreds of thousands of people. Millions more were forced to leave their homes. The conflict ended with the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024. Syrian opposition forces removed Assad from power after a rapid offensive. The country is now being led through a transitional period under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. His administration is seeking to establish a new political system and restore Syria’s relations with the international community. Guterres is expected to meet Sharaa during his visit to Damascus. He will also hold talks with Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. The UN secretary-general is also expected to meet other Syrian officials. He will hold discussions with representatives of civil society as part of his visit. The United Nations says Guterres will focus on Syria’s future. He is expected to underline the importance of creating a stable, inclusive and prosperous country. The visit is also expected to highlight the need for national reconciliation. Syria faces major challenges after years of destruction and displacement. The country’s transition has not been without difficulties. Sectarian violence remains a serious concern. Large numbers of Alawites were killed in violence in Syria’s coastal region last year. The Alawite community was closely associated with the former Assad government. Violence later affected the Druze community in southern Syria. Hundreds of people were reportedly killed during clashes. Guterres has expressed concern over both episodes of violence. He has called for accountability and protection for Syria’s minority communities. The new Syrian government is also working to restore diplomatic relations. Damascus wants to move beyond the alliances that dominated the country during Assad’s rule. Syria had long relied heavily on Russia and Iran. The new leadership is now seeking broader international engagement. Sharaa has already taken steps towards rebuilding Syria’s global diplomatic presence. Last year, he became the first Syrian president since 1967 to attend the UN General Assembly in New York. Washington has also taken steps towards improving relations with Damascus. The United States has removed most of its broad sanctions on Syria. US President Donald Trump has also indicated that Washington intends to remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. Guterres is expected to address Syria’s new parliament on Monday. The speech could focus on the country’s political transition and its future relationship with the international community. He will also visit a UN peacekeeping force operating near the Israeli-Syrian frontier. The force has maintained a buffer zone between Israeli and Syrian forces for decades. The situation in southern Syria remains sensitive. Israeli forces have occupied additional areas in the region since Assad’s removal. The Syrian government has demanded the withdrawal of Israeli troops. Damascus has also called for a return to the 1974 disengagement agreement. Guterres’ visit therefore carries significant diplomatic importance. It comes as Syria attempts to rebuild its institutions, economy and international relationships. For the United Nations, the visit also provides an opportunity to engage directly with Syria’s new leadership.