Dozens of massive wildfires burning across the western U.S. have forced thousands to evacuate, and forecasters warn another potentially record-breaking heat wave will trigger further fire risks.
The big picture: Some 88 large fires burning across the West are impacting air quality. Among them is a wildfire in Colorado that authorities said Wednesday killed one person and California's fifth-biggest blaze on record, the Park Fire.
Olympic triathlon athletes swam in Paris' River Seine on Wednesday after officials determined the water to be safe following days of delays stemming from pollution concerns, per a statement from the sport's governing body.
Why it matters: The Seine was polluted for decades and underwent a $1.5 billion cleanup before the Olympics so it could be used for triathlon and marathon events.
The quintessential summer pastime of going to the county fair could carry some risk this year with the threat of bird flu hanging over livestock exhibits and throngs of visitors, experts say.
Why it matters: The mingling of animals, people and equipment at 4-H competitions, milking demonstrations and petting farms creates the conditions for potential transmission to humans.
