California’s Park Fire now among state’s top 13 largest ever as it consumes 239,000 acres
Hot and dry weather fuels wildfires in the Western United States and Canada, with fires damaging homes, causing injuries and forcing evacuations. Here’s the latest.
Hot and dry weather is fueling intense wildfire activity in the Western US and Canada, leading to devastating consequences. In the US, a wildfire in eastern Oregon has scorched over 280,000 acres, while the Park Fire in California's Butte and Tehama counties has burned more than 239,000 acres, destroying structures and forcing evacuations. Three firefighters suffered minor injuries, and a suspect has been arrested for allegedly starting the California blaze. Meanwhile, in Oregon, the Durkee Fire has burned over 288,000 acres, destroyed homes, and injured three people. Wildfires are also impacting Canada, with a fast-moving blaze in the tourist town of Jasper, Alberta, forcing evacuations and damaging up to half of the town's structures. Cooler temperatures and rain are expected to aid firefighting efforts in the coming hours. California residents have shared their heartbreaking experiences of losing their homes, and authorities are emphasizing the unprecedented nature of these fires. A suspect has been arrested for allegedly starting the California fire, and officials in both countries are working tirelessly to support those affected and contain the blazes.