Durkee and Hawarden Fires in Oregon
The Durkee fire in Oregon, which broke out on July 17, was recorded as the state’s largest fire. The fire, which started as a result of a lightning strike, burned about 240,000 acres in Baker and Malheur Counties. Federal funds will be used to support firefighting efforts. The flames were reported to pose a risk to residential areas, and sections of Interstate-84 were closed to traffic.
Lake and Hawarden Fires in California
The Lake fire, the largest of the ongoing fires in California, has burned 38,664 acres so far. The Hawarden fire, which started on Sunday due to fireworks, affected 527 acres. At least 7 homes were damaged in Riverside, 2 people were injured and more than 1,500 people were forced to leave their homes. The fire is reported to be under control at 40%.
Wildfires in Canada
Wildfires are also continuing in neighboring Canada. In Alberta, a fire broke out in Jasper National Park, and about 25,000 people in the park and surrounding communities were evacuated. All reservations in the park have been canceled, while more than 170 wildfires continue in the province. The Alberta Emergency Management Agency announced that about 10,000 people in the town of Jasper and 15,000 people visiting the park have been affected.