SOS Alarm in Norrbotten, Sweden is experiencing extreme call volumes from approximately 20 fires triggered by lightning in a heatwave, resulting in delayed emergency response times.

A 250-hectare lightning-caused wildfire continues to burn in remote forest near Lillselet in Jokkmokk, with firefighters unable to extinguish it until rainfall arrives.

Thunderstorms with heavy lightning have ignited several wildfires across Vestland, prompting weather warnings and emergency responses in Hardanger, Gloppen, Kvinnherad, and Øygarden.

Multiple wildfires across Finnish Lapland this week prompted dozens of rescue responses, with Border Guard and Defence Forces helicopters assisting amid dry conditions and an open fire ban.

Lapland’s rescue services and volunteer fire brigades have responded to dozens of wildfires and smoke reports since Tuesday amid very dry terrain and lightning strikes igniting new fires, though current resources have been sufficient.

The total area of active forest fires in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) grew from 265 ha to 1,462.5 ha on July 22, with 10 fires being fought by 306 personnel and 14 units of equipment.

Several wildfires broke out across Överkalix and other parts of Norrbotten following a thunderstorm and lightning strikes on July 22, 2025, overwhelming local emergency services.

Authorities in Russia’s Tyva Republic declared a state of emergency after eight wildfires grew to over 324 hectares, banning public entry to forests.

A BC Wildfire Service update reports that a wildfire near Comox Lake in B.C. grew to 4.5 hectares overnight as crews and aircraft work to contain the out-of-control blaze, while a separate 3-hectare fire near Nanaimo River Road also remains uncontained.

Over the weekend, train traffic on the Iron Ore Line was halted for nearly 24 hours due to sun-induced track kinks (“solkurvor”), a phenomenon that Trafikverket warns could recur on hot days.

In July 2025, lightning-triggered wildfires near the Kobuk River in Northwest Alaska threatened local homes and the tundra ecosystem. The author returned by small plane to set up firebreaks and sprinkler systems with fire crews to protect his sod house and surrounding caribou habitat.