The Park Fire, burning north of Sacramento, has rapidly grown to become the fifth-largest wildfire in California’s history, signaling a potentially destructive wildfire season across the Western United States. According to a New York Times tracker, nearly 50 other significant fires are currently burning throughout the region.
While this year’s fire season doesn’t yet compare to the catastrophic 2020 season, the sheer number of active fires has threatened to overwhelm firefighting resources. “Normally we’re ramping up in July to get to that peak in August, early September,” said Alex Robertson, director of fire and aviation management for the U.S. Forest Service. “But this year, we’re going into August already at our full tilt.”
Tragically, at least one person has been killed by a wildfire near Denver, and a historic mining town was leveled near Bakersfield, California. Over half a million acres have burned in the past week alone, with more than 4.4 million acres affected so far this year.
The U.S. Forest Service has requested about 80 aviation and fire operations experts from Australia and New Zealand to help manage the fires. It is unusual for the United States to need this much international assistance so early in the season.
A wet winter and spring allowed vegetation to grow quickly, which, combined with record-breaking heat, created perfect conditions for wildfires. July 22, two days before the Park Fire began, was Earth’s hottest day on record.
Here are some of the most threatening fires now burning in the Western United States:
The largest fire currently burning in the Western U.S., the Park Fire has consumed about 390,000 acres since July 24. It was started by a burning car pushed into a ravine near Chico, California. A suspect charged with felony arson is set to appear in court today. Over 5,500 firefighters are battling the blaze, which is 18 percent contained. Around 360 structures have been destroyed, and thousands of residents have been evacuated.
The Stone Mountain and Alexander Mountain fires in northern Colorado are burning between Lyons and Loveland. The Alexander Mountain fire quickly burned over 5,000 acres in its first 24 hours due to dry conditions. One person has died in the Stone Mountain fire.
In Washington, crews are protecting the community of Stehekin from the Pioneer fire, which has burned more than 30,000 acres and is less than two miles from the town. The Swawilla I fire near Keller has burned about 50,000 acres over the last two weeks and is 45 percent contained. The Retreat fire near Naches has consumed more than 30,000 acres and is 18 percent contained.
Weather forecasts predict continued hot, dry conditions across Washington, Oregon, and Colorado, with temperatures expected to reach about 100 degrees Fahrenheit daily through the end of the week.
Firefighters are concerned about becoming fatigued too early in the season, which could further strain resources. “That happens to somebody when they’re home for three days, and then they’re out off again,” said Robertson.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation.