Wildfires

The Latest

The Holy Spirit Catholic Mission in Washoe Valley, Nevada, before (left) and after a rampant wildfire destroyed the church on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.

Latin Mass parish in Nevada destroyed by wildfire

Sep 11, 2024

By Kate Quiñones

A rampant wildfire in Nevada destroyed The Holy Spirit Catholic Mission on Saturday, which held the only Latin Mass in... Read more

An aerial view shows charred remains on the side of the road beside the highway in Enterprise, Northwest Territories, Canada, on Aug. 20, 2023. Enterprise and Hay River were put on evacuation orders prior to the city of Yellowknife. The town of Enterprise, Northwest Territories, was burned to the ground by forest fires.

Canadian bishop calls fire devastation ‘closest image to apocalyptic wasteland I have ever seen’

Aug 22, 2023

By The B.C. Catholic

After a 12-hour drive to escape the wildfires sweeping through Canada, Bishop Jon Hansen shared the story of his journey... Read more

Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, California.

Thomas Aquinas College reports minimal damage amid tropical storm, earthquake

Aug 22, 2023

By Jonah McKeown

Tropical Storm Hilary made landfall in California as the first such storm to hit the state in 84 years. Read more

Volunteers load water onto a boat to be transported to West Maui from the Kihei boat landing on Aug. 13, 2023 in Kihei, Hawaii.

How to help Maui wildfire victims from afar

Aug 21, 2023

By Jonah McKeown

Here’s how you can help those affected by the devastating fires on Maui. Read more

The Cardenas family, of Sacramento, posing outside Maria Lanakila Catholic Church in Lahaina, Hawaii.

Catholic family narrowly escapes Hawaii wildfires: ‘We did a lot of praying’

Aug 16, 2023

By Jonah McKeown

Angel and Ana Cardenas and their three children, of Sacramento, California, have been visiting Maui annually on family vacations for... Read more

Charred remains of a burned neighborhood are seen in the aftermath of a wildfire in Lahaina, western Maui, Hawaii, on Aug. 14, 2023.

Honolulu bishop details ‘shocking’ devastation on Maui after visit to Lahaina

Aug 15, 2023

By Daniel Payne

Honolulu Bishop Larry Silva on Tuesday shared details after visiting the town of Lahaina where he celebrated Mass with about... Read more

Burned houses are seen adjacent of Maria Lanakila Catholic Church on Aug. 11, 2023, in the aftermath of a wildfire in Lahaina, western Maui, Hawaii.

‘For us, it’s like a miracle’: Catholic church appears to survive devastating Maui fire

Aug 13, 2023

By Kevin J. Jones

The death toll from the disaster, which stood at 93 on Aug. 13, is expected to rise as search crews... Read more

A monk from the Monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos in Spain.

Wildfires force monks out of Santo Domingo de Silos Monastery in Spain

Jul 25, 2022

By CNA Staff

The monks, who are known for their Gregorian chant, have been taken in by the nuns at a nearby Benedictine... Read more

Pope Francis prays in St. Peter's Basilica on June 14, 2020.

Pope Francis prays for people affected by California wildfires

Oct 11, 2020

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis expressed his concern Sunday for people suffering from the effects of wildfires in California and South America.  Read more

California wildfire.

Archbishop Gomez asks for prayers for those impacted by Calif. fires 

Oct 28, 2019

As 16 wildfires continue to incinerate thousands of acres of land in California, destroying businesses and homes, Archbishop Jose Gomez... Read more

Smoke plume from the 416 Fire near Durango, CO on June 1, 2018.

As wildfires burn in southwest US, Catholics offer prayer, support

Jun 6, 2018

As ongoing wildfires rage through the southwest region of the United States, local dioceses are offering their prayers and support... Read more

Fire consumes a barn as an out of control wildfire moves through the area in Glen Ellen, Calif., Oct 9, 2017.

Bishop Vasa on California fires: 'Our diocese has been hit hard'

Oct 12, 2017

By Mary Farrow

While firefighters in northern California are currently battling 17 wildfires in five counties, Bishop Robert Vasa of the Diocese of... Read more