Thousands Evacuated Across Multiple States Amid Extreme Heat and Drought Conditions
More than 60 wildfires are currently raging across at least 10 states in the drought-stricken American West, with the largest fire in Oregon consuming an area nearly twice the size of Portland. The fires, exacerbated by a major drought and dangerously high temperatures, have caused widespread destruction, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate from Alaska to Wyoming.
According to the National Interagency Fire Center, Arizona, Idaho, and Montana are the hardest hit, with these states accounting for over half of the large active fires. The heatwave, which has gripped the region, marks the second extreme temperature spike in just a few weeks, compounding the already challenging fire conditions. Scientists attribute the severity of the situation to the climate crisis, which has made the conditions even more hazardous.
In Northern California, the Beckwourth Complex fire, sparked by lightning, is now 46% contained after several days of intense firefighting efforts. The flames, fueled by high winds, hot temperatures, and dry vegetation, have forced the evacuation of more than 3,000 residents from remote areas in California and neighboring Nevada. Although the heatwave appears to have peaked in many areas, excessive heat warnings continued into the night in some California deserts, and temperatures in the 80s and 90s are expected to persist in many regions.
