Thousands of residents in California, Nevada, and Oregon have been forced to evacuate as powerful wildfires that began almost a week ago continue to rage across the western United States.
Firefighters were left battling challenging conditions to contain the blazes that consumed thousands of acres, temporarily shut down schools, and caused widespread power outages. With scorching temperatures and dry conditions, the National Weather Service has issued an excessive-heat warning for parts of Southern California.
Although, there might be a slight drop in temperatures by midweek, the fire risk remains high, as low humidity and gusty winds continue to fuel the fires across the region.
Line Fire
The Line Fire has so far remained one of the most destructive wildfires that swept through San Bernardino County, quadrupling in size over the weekend. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency and managed to secure federal assistance to fight the rapidly spreading blaze.
More than 25,000 acres have already been burned and approximately 38,000 structures are at risk. As of Tuesday, more than 1,800 firefighters were engaged in efforts to control the fire amid extremely dry vegetation and triple-digit temperatures.
Evacuations have already been ordered for several communities, including Running Springs and Arrowbear Lake, which have affected thousands of residents. The fire that started five days ago has been contained by merely 5 percent.
Despite all that, some residents have refused to abandon their properties at the moment, even though they lie in the fire’s path.
Airport Fire
A new fire erupted on Monday in Orange County, California, known as the Airport Fire. It quickly spread through Trabuco Canyon and Rose Canyon, destroying over 5,400 acres overnight. With zero percent containment, the fire posed an immediate threat to nearby communities, as the terrain and wind conditions allow the flames to flare uphill.
Firefighting aircraft and ground crews were working tirelessly to contain the rapidly advancing blaze, but strong winds and high temperatures made progress slow. Officials have warned that the situation could worsen as fire danger continues to rise in the coming days.
Boone and Bridge Fires
In Fresno County, the Boone Fire has so far burned more than 17,000 acres since it started exactly a week ago. Firefighters faced temperatures in the 90s as they fought to contain the fire, which is now 41 percent under control, according to reports.
Local fire officials have warned that the dry conditions would pose a major challenge in containing the blaze despite weather forecasts of a slight cooling trend. The Bridge Fire in Los Angeles County has burned nearly 3,000 acres since it started on Sunday afternoon.
The brush fire has led to road closures and evacuations, as firefighters deployed aircraft and ground crews to contain the flames.
Davis Fire
Over in Nevada, the Davis Fire has so far ravaged 5,000 acres in Washoe County. Strong, dry winds have intensified the fire, forcing Governor Joe Lombardo to declare a state of emergency. Firefighters battled to contain the fire south and east of Mt Rose Highway, while aircraft dropped water on impacted areas to assist containment efforts.
Evacuation orders have been passed for several communities, displacing thousands of residents. Local authorities continue to monitor the fire’s rapid spread, with further evacuation orders likely as the fire shows no signs of slowing.
Little Lava and Shoe Fly Fires
Over in Oregon, the Little Lava Fire has reportedly grown significantly in Deschutes County, prompting expanded evacuation areas as the blaze, located southeast of Little Lava Lake, shows no signs of reduction.
Firefighters have been working around the clock to contain the fire, but dry conditions have allowed it to spread rapidly. The fire has so far burned 1,000 acres and is currently un-contained.
The Shoe Fly Fire, which started on September 2, also continues to challenge firefighters in Oregon. More than 26,000 acres have been reduced to ash, and still the blaze is only 26 percent contained. Residents in the northeast corner of the fire’s path have been ordered to evacuate, while firefighters are focusing on protecting homes and businesses in the affected areas.