Wildfires Rage Across Western US, Thousands Evacuated
Firefighters battled massive wildfires across the western United States over the weekend, aided by improving weather conditions. However, further evacuations were necessary as thousands of personnel tackled the flames.
The Park Fire, the largest wildfire in California this year, was one of more than 100 large active wildfires burning in the U.S. on Monday. Evacuation orders were in effect for 25 wildfires, with over 27,000 firefighters and support personnel assigned to the blazes.
Some of the fires were sparked by the weather, with climate change increasing the frequency of lightning strikes as the western U.S. endures blistering heat and bone-dry conditions.
The Park Fire had scorched an area greater than the city of Los Angeles, destroying over 100 structures and threatening 4,200 more. Winds and temperatures were expected to increase slightly, raising concerns about further fire spread.
In Oregon, a single-engine air tanker pilot died while fighting the Falls Fire. The Falls Fire was roughly 222 square miles and nearly 70% contained Monday.
In California, Paradise and several other communities were under an evacuation warning. The fire’s southernmost front was “looking really good,” but officials warned that things could change rapidly.
More than 4,800 firefighters were battling the Park Fire, with reinforcements expected to provide much-needed rest. The fire has drawn comparisons to the 2018 Camp Fire that devastated Paradise.
In Southern California, about 2,000 people were ordered to evacuate due to a fire sweeping through the Sequoia National Forest. No fatalities have been reported, but officials urged residents to heed evacuation orders.
The historic mining town of Havilah and several other communities were “heavily impacted” by the fires. Jerry White, a resident of Magalia, evacuated his home after authorities issued a warning, remembering the pain of third-degree burns he sustained years earlier.
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