California is battling 16 active wildfires, including the Park Fire, which started on July 24 in a municipal park in Chico, Northern California. It has become the fifth-largest wildfire in California's history.
By July 31, the Park Fire had grown to 611 square miles, which is 12 times the size of San Francisco and larger than the city of Los Angeles.
On Wednesday, California's fire service reported that the Park Fire "continues to burn actively around the perimeter," with rising temperatures and near-record dryness exacerbating the spread. The fire has created fire tornadoes and reached Lassen Volcanic National Park, which is now closed.
Smoke from the fire remains a problem, and air tanker flights for fire suppression were delayed due to poor visibility.
The fire has damaged over 480 structures, and 47 people have been affected.
Another Southern California fire, the Borel Fire, rapidly spread through the historic mining town of Havilah, destroying buildings and vehicles. In six days, it burned over 59,000 acres. About 2,000 people have been ordered to evacuate.
As of July 31, wildfires in California have burned an astonishing 751,000 acres, 29 times more than last year.
In Colorado, wildfires are also raging. In the Front Range mountainous area, several wildfires threaten popular tourist towns, prompting authorities to evacuate hundreds of residents.
The Stone Canyon Fire, burning near Lyons, has claimed one life, with remains found in one of five completely destroyed homes. The fire has burned over 2.5 square miles. Evacuations continue in a large area northeast of Lyons. As of the morning of August 1, the fire was only 20% contained, with 150 firefighters on the scene. Four firefighters have been injured.
The Quarry Fire on the outskirts of Denver in Jefferson County has led to the evacuation of 575 homes in five neighborhoods to the south, with two nearby areas under evacuation warnings. As of July 31, the fire covered less than one square mile, but its growth is expected due to temperatures around 100°F. Aircraft and helicopters are being used to fight the fire, but difficult terrain complicates firefighting efforts. There are no reports of major damage or injuries, though five firefighters were injured on Wednesday.
The Alexander Mountain Fire, which started on July 29 west of Loveland, has burned over 7,600 acres and was only 1% contained by August 1.
About 450 firefighters are working to extinguish the blaze despite challenges from dense smoke that impairs visibility and hinders aerial water drops.
Firefighters are focused on protecting infrastructure and residential areas, with evacuations ongoing west of Loveland. The cause of the fire is not yet known, and there have been no reported injuries or building damage.
Due to smoke from the wildfires, air quality in the region is deteriorating, and the fire near Loveland is expected to burn for weeks or even months.
The Lake Shore Fire started on July 31 near the Gross Reservoir in Boulder County and has become the fourth wildfire of the week along the Front Range in Colorado. By Thursday morning, it covered 6 to 8 acres.
In Wyoming, the Pleasant Valley Fire, sparked by a lightning strike on haystacks, reignited on July 30 and merged with another fire, crossing Highway 26.
As a result, the town of Hartville, which was under threat of being engulfed by the fire, was evacuated.
Crews worked overnight to protect about 100 homes, oil tanks in Guernsey, and Highway 26. Local residents used tractors to create firebreaks, helping to save homes. The Wyoming National Guard has opened a shelter in Guernsey for evacuees.
Large fires are also raging in other states, including Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Montana.
According to the National Interagency Fire Center, as of August 1, nearly 28,000 firefighters are battling 95 major fires across the U.S. This year, almost 7,000 square miles of forest have burned, significantly surpassing the 10-year average.
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