Digital Phablet

Tag: smoke

  • Canada wildfire smoke shrouds US Midwest and Northeast with dangerous air

    Canada wildfire smoke shrouds US Midwest and Northeast with dangerous air

    Wildfires burning across Canada have released thick smoke, drifting into parts of the U.S. from the Midwest to the Northeast on Thursday. Officials warn residents to stay indoors when possible and steer clear of the toxic air. Detroit hit the highest air quality risk worldwide, with a pollutant index of 600—twice the level deemed “hazardous” by the U.S. EPA.

    Dangerous smoke levels have been detected across Minnesota, Michigan, northern Illinois, northern Ohio, and Ontario, affecting major cities like Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Toronto. At least 10 states are experiencing at least some areas with unhealthy air quality, stretching from Minnesota to Maryland.

    Chicago resident Stephanie Villanova, 33, described the scene: “It looks like fog outside, but it’s smoke. It completely covers the city, and it burns when you go outside,” she said during a morning walk with her 68-year-old father, both wearing masks.

    Minnesota has canceled outdoor activities, including shows, fairs, and concerts such as a Creed performance at Mystic Lake Amphitheater. Parks, golf courses, outdoor programs, and public pools in Minneapolis are also closed due to the poor air.

    In the northeastern Iron Range region along Lake Superior, cities like Duluth and Hibbing recorded particulate levels as high as 900 micrograms per cubic meter, triple the hazardous threshold.

    Atmospheric scientist Emily Fischer of Colorado State University explained, “It’s essentially a river of smoke pouring into the Midwest right now—directly linked to climate change. This is the air people are breathing.”

    The situation is expected to worsen throughout the day. In New York, the sky has taken on an orange hue, and the air smells strongly acrid. Officials urge residents to limit outdoor activities, especially vulnerable groups like the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health issues.

    This unhealthy air risk coincides with the upcoming FIFA World Cup final in nearby New Jersey, scheduled for Sunday with over 80,000 spectators. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani warned, “Today could be the worst day of this event. At unhealthy levels, everyone—regardless of health status—may experience health effects. Everyone should take precautions.”

    The city is distributing free KN95 masks at libraries, police stations, and firehouses. As of Thursday morning, Canada reports 858 active wildfires, with 111 out of control, mostly in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. The wildfire season has burned approximately 5.9 million acres, with scientists attributing the increase to rising global temperatures, which intensify and extend wildfire activity worldwide.

    Wildfire smoke, capable of lingering in the atmosphere for weeks and traveling thousands of miles, is more hazardous than typical pollution. Studies link exposure to higher rates of heart attacks, strokes, cancers, pregnancy complications, and immune system weakening.

  • Ukraine strikes key Russian oil hub near Finland

    Ukraine strikes key Russian oil hub near Finland

    Ukraine launched drone attacks aimed at a major Russian oil terminal near the Finnish border on Monday, both Moscow and Kyiv confirmed, resulting in a large blaze at the facility. Satellite imagery captured flames and dense black smoke billowing from the oil terminal in Primorsk, a Russian town situated on the Gulf of Finland, roughly 30 miles from the European Union and NATO countries. Russia has been conducting almost daily air strikes against Ukraine, primarily targeting energy infrastructure and causing blackouts that left millions in cold and darkness during winter. In response, Ukraine has carried out drone raids on Russian military and energy sites, mainly around Moscow.

    Alexander Drozdenko, governor of Russia’s Leningrad region, stated that a fuel tank at Primorsk was damaged, igniting a fire. He added that Russian defenses had intercepted over 70 drones in the region, which is not a primary front in the ongoing conflict. Ukraine’s military reported hitting significant fuel and energy facilities within Russia, including at Primorsk, with initial reports indicating both the tank farm and loading infrastructure were struck. Satellite images suggest fires and smoke emanating from several cylindrical tanks at the site. The port is responsible for approximately 60 million tons of oil annually, Ukraine noted, accusing Russia of using the profits from oil sales to fund the war effort.

    The Ukrainian General Staff also claimed they targeted an oil refinery in Ufa, about 870 miles east of the front lines, resulting in a fire. Ukrainian air forces reported that Moscow launched 251 drones into Ukraine overnight, with 234 intercepted.

  • How To Find the Source of the Smoke in Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

    How To Find the Source of the Smoke in Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

    As you venture into the unknown forest world of Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, you’ll learn fresh survival skills and connect with the Na’vi tribes across the land. Human invaders spread chaos and destruction wherever they go. It’s your mission, with the resistance, to protect the planet’s natural beauty and its cultures.

    In the From the Ashes DLC, you play as So’lek and see what happens after the main story. The game guides you through the first mission, so you can get fully immersed in the world and stand against the RDA.

    Follow the Smoke Trail

    After meeting the travelers, the Sarentu agrees to look into the threat. Head down to the base of Hometree to meet them, then climb onto your ikran. Follow the Sarentu southeast to find Weaver’s Flourish ruins, now completely burned and destroyed.

    Investigating the Destroyed Weaver’s Flourish

    You’ll need to explore three spots to start your investigation:

    • Dead Direhorse: Located in the middle of Weaver’s Flourish, this spot is easy to spot.
    • Destroyed Sleeping Nook: To the left of the dead Direhorse, find a smoking, burnt-out sleeping area.
    • Ransacked Na’vi Baskets: South of the encampment, check the foliage for torn baskets.

    Continue southeast through a fallen log until you see an unfamiliar symbol in the ashes. Fight off the feral viperwolves and investigate with the Sarentu.

    Here, you and the Sarentu split up to check both the fires and the signals from Teylan’s report. Fly east on your ikran for speed. When you see a flaming tree ahead, be ready for a fight.

    Defeat the RDA

    RDA forces are hiding in the woods, torching everything around. There are two AMP pyro suits and a few soldiers nearby. You can sneak up and take out one of the suits quietly, but the rest will likely lead to an open fight. You can stay hidden or attack aggressively.

    Enter the Destroyed Resistance HQ

    After defeating the RDA, head further east until you see another burning symbol. Climb north toward the old resistance headquarters ruins located on the cliffs. Be cautious—fire surrounds the entrance.

    Once there, land and walk over the collapsed roof. Inside, find a dead feral viperwolf tied up in the southwest corner. Crawl through the nearby tunnel to the east, where Na’vi-made weapons hang on the wall.

    Follow the corridor north to find a dormant fuse box. Turn it on to restore power. Note the machinery—this hints at what’s coming next.

    Prepare for battle

    Enemies will flood the area soon, so grab ammo near the door and a Dapophet pod. Expect to face AMP suits, light ground troops, and Hellhound Veteran Trackers. You can quietly take down most enemies with arrows, but multiple waves will arrive if you’re detected.

    If you need a breather, hide in the small tunnel behind the ramp where you entered. It offers a good spot to wait for reinforcements.

    Locate the Abandoned TAP Facility Entrance

    Southeast, find the overgrown entrance to the old TAP facility. Follow Sarentu’s instructions to go higher up the cliffs on your ikran, then climb the rest of the way to enter.

    How to Reach Mercer’s Office

    Use your melee skills to destroy vines blocking the Ops Center entrance. Proceed down stairs and along a long ramp into an overgrown tunnel. Watch for poisonous bulbs releasing toxic gases—shoot them early to cause an explosion.

    Enter through the contamination doors and ascend the stairs to find a TAP audio recording. Then go downstairs; if you reach the flooded floor, you’ve gone too far. Here, you can also pick up extra ammo.

    Walk through the open door to the Area B Loading Bay and follow Sarentu across the crumbling TAP infrastructure. You’ll encounter a locked door that needs power. Instead of searching for a fuse box, jump into the water and swim through the open hole at the far end.

    Swim south and through the emergency doors, which are sealed. Break nearby vent covers to crawl into the maintenance area. Turn on the power there, then return through the tunnels.

    To shortcut back to Sarentu, use the underwater door and follow the path to a flooded platform. Let Sarentu open the sealed door for you, then continue through the corridor. Rise to the next room for air, then swim down and right, following the bubbles into another section.

    Climb wreckage and crawl through vents to reach the next area. You may find a small hideout here for an extra TAP recording and ammo.

    In the cryo room, break the vines blocking your way using your melee attack. A feral viperwolf hurls itself through the glass and attacks—be ready. Collect more ammo and another TAP recording before approaching the flames at the hall’s end.

    You can drop into the vent to avoid fire, or take the right door and grab another TAP recording. Climb through wreckage to reach Mercer’s office.

    Find supplies if running low, then go into the classrooms where a broken TV displays Alma and her avatar. Proceed to the electric-water room, break the fuse box with a shot, and cross safely once the water’s no longer energized.

    Enter the office, get more ammo and recordings, then head into the control center. Destroy the fuse box there, and continue into the dormitories. Climb into the rafters and move toward the gym.

    Destroy the fuse box in the research cell, then access the foliage-filled hallway. Break through vines, descend the stairs into the gym, and cross the poisonous vines to reach the stairs and locked door where Sarentu waits.

    Walk to the hall’s end, entering John Mercer’s old office. A long cutscene follows. Afterward, leave the building and return home to finish the quest.

  • Firefighters Fight Wildfires Across Turkey, Greece, and Albania

    Firefighters Fight Wildfires Across Turkey, Greece, and Albania

    A drone captures images of smoke rising from a wildfire in Harmancik, located in Turkey’s northwestern Bursa province, on July 28, 2025. — Reuters

    – Three Turkish firefighters have died in a vehicle crash.
    – Greece experienced 44 wildfires within a 24-hour period.
    – Albania has deployed 900 firefighters near tourist areas.

    In Athens: Firefighters worked Monday to extinguish wildfires across three Turkish provinces, Greece, and near a popular tourist destination in Albania. These fires were fueled by strong winds after several days of intense heat across the Mediterranean region.

    Thick smoke spread over Karabuk, a mountainous Black Sea province about 125 miles north of Ankara. A wildfire burning for a sixth day prompted the evacuation of more than a dozen villages and consumed large forested areas.

    In Bursa, Turkey, three firefighters died Sunday when their vehicle crashed, according to the Forestry Ministry. Fire crews tackled two separate blazes in the region on Monday, after evacuating over 3,600 residents from communities in Mersin and Antalya in the south.

    Turkey has seen dozens of wildfires recently due to soaring temperatures, including a deadly blaze last week in Eskisehir that claimed the lives of 10 firefighters.

    While hot and dry conditions are typical for the Mediterranean summers, recent extreme heatwaves have increased the severity and frequency of destructive wildfires globally.

    In Greece: The fire brigade reported at least 44 wildfires in the past 24 hours. On the island of Kythera, strong winds reignited a blaze that started Saturday. Near Athens, firefighters quickly contained a fire at the base of Mount Hymettus, near a university and densely populated suburbs.

    In Albania: Over 900 firefighters, supported by the army, fought to control a wildfire heading toward the coastal city of Saranda and other tourist spots along the Ionian coast. Police reported 13 arrests related to arson over the past three days.

    Bulgaria also contributed firefighting aircraft, aided by several European nations, to control a large wildfire near the Bulgarian-Turkish border. So far, around 16,000 acres have burned. Authorities have detained two individuals, investigating the origins of the fires.

    During the weekend, several Greek villages were evacuated, and five people were injured in various wildfires.

    As Greece managed its third heatwave of the summer on Monday, rainy weather in Serbia helped firefighters control over 100 wildfires.

  • Locating the Smoke’s Origin in Ale & Tale: Tavern Quest

    Venture into the woods in Ale & Tale: Tavern and uncover countless mysteries, including ancient ruins, an enchanted cottage, and fierce orc camps. The atmosphere is filled with intrigue, enchantment, and chaos as you work to launch your tavern. Assisting your neighbors offers a great opportunity to discover new recipes along the way.

    One of your neighbors is a reclusive figure living at the edge of the forest. While getting to him is simple, he’s found himself in a precarious position. By lending a hand, you can help spread the word about your tavern far and wide.

    How to Extinguish the Fires

    As your tavern starts to grow, you’ll meet the merchant, who will share news about a rising column of smoke in the forest. It’s crucial to locate the source before it leads to a full-blown wildfire!

    Although there’s a sense of urgency, take your time to find and extinguish the fires.

    Grab your watering can and start your investigation. From your tavern, head directly east to the edge of the woods where you’ll discover a cottage in flames. An elderly hermit in robes stands at the open door. Speak with him to uncover the unfortunate kitchen disaster that ignited the fire.

    To put out the flames, you’ll need to use your watering can. There are ten small fires to extinguish—just aim the can at each blaze and pour to douse the flames. Once everything is under control, return to the hermit to share the good news.

    How to Tidy Up the Hermit’s House

    Even with the fire out, the hermit isn’t pleased. His cottage is covered in soot! He asks if you could clean it up for him—and don’t worry, he’ll reward you for your efforts.

    Step inside and use your broom to sweep the soot off the walls. There are 12 soot stains to clean up, and you’ll also need to break down the crates inside the home.

    Using your axe or sword, clear out the hermit’s damaged home, then return to him to report that the job is finished. He’s grateful for your help, but something still feels amiss.

    How to Re-furnish the Hermit’s Cottage

    The hermit needs new furnishings to cook and relax in comfort. He asks if you can visit the shop to purchase what he requires. He’ll give you 900 gold pieces to buy a double burner stove and a round table.

    Head to the merchant and check his shop. The double burner stove costs 1,200 gold, while the round table is 200 gold.

    You may need to part with some gold, but it’s a small price to pay to assist the old hermit.

    Return to his cottage and set up the table and double burner stove. Place the table at the back of the house and position the stove along the left wall. When you check in with the hermit again, he’s thankful—but he has one final request.

    He needs food to refill his pantry. You’ll be tasked with growing 20 potatoes in your garden, which will take a few moments to harvest. In the meantime, gather ten raw pork chops and ten chicken eggs from the animal pens outside your tavern.

    Bring all the supplies to the hermit so he can celebrate the renewal of his home. For your hard work, you’ll receive 1,500 gold, which you can use to upgrade your tavern!