Emergency Declared: California and Colorado Hit Hard by Massive Wildfires

Nearly 100 wildfires are raging across the US, some moderately contained and others out of control. 

US up in Flames 

Major parts of the United States are literally going up in smoke as no fewer than 95 wildfires are torching up the country. 

In total, more than 2.1 million acres have been burnt up, according to the National Interagency Fire Center on Wednesday. 

State-Sized Damages 

In addition to California and Colorado, more blazes are also spreading in Oregon and Idaho. 

As per the fire center, “So far in 2024, 28,154 wildfires have burned 4,449,282 acres.” 

For comparison’s sake, the amount of land scorched so far in 2024 is bigger than the state of Connecticut’s square mileage. 

More Help Needed 

“The vast majority of fire starts are contained at small sizes within 24 hours of their discovery,” the fire center stated, expressing the need for firefighting teams to be on standby for an “initial attack” in regions that are prone to wildfire breakouts. 

California’s Park Fire  

The blaze burning up Northern California, which started on July 24th, is currently larger than the city of Los Angeles. Dubbed the Park Fire, this is the fifth-biggest wildfire to ever hit the state. 

So far, more than 391,000 acres (611 square miles) have been lost to the flames, as stated by Cal Fire. 

Thousands Are Fighting 

More than 500 fire engines and 40 helicopters are currently in use by over 5,800 workers fighting the Park Fire.

As per Cal Fire Incident Commander Billy See: “This region, both Butte and Tehama (counties) … has had four of the largest 10 fires known in history.” 

By Wednesday afternoon, the blazes were 18% contained, yet had already eliminated more than 360 structures. 

Arsonist Arrested 

Meanwhile, the suspect arrested on suspicion of starting the Park Fire, Ronnie Dean Stout II, has been charged with arson. This is after he was witnessed by authorities pushing a burning car down a 60-foot embankment.  

Wasn’t Me 

According to Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey, Stout denied pushing the car and did not enter a plea deal when appearing in court on Monday.

Stout was denied bail and his prosecution was scheduled for Thursday, as he could possibly face more charges, Ramsey said. 

California’s Borel Fire

In Southern California, Governor Gavin Newsom had to proclaim a state of emergency on Tuesday due to the Borel Fire sweeping across Kern County where it obliterated a historic mining community. 

Making Some Progress 

That fire, which also started on July 24th, has already destroyed 59,225 acres as well as the town of Havilah. 

By 3 p.m. on Thursday, firefighters managed to have the Borel Fire 41% contained. 

Not Out of the Woods Yet 

As per a statement released by the US Forest Service on August 1st, previous evacuation orders have been reduced for some areas, yet remain intact for others.

Colorado’s Stone Canyon Fire 

Over in Colorado, firefighters scrambling along the tree-covered foothills of the Rocky Mountains’ eastern edge managed to contain the Stone Canyon fire to 30% by Thursday night. 

One Life Lost (Thus Far) 

Officials have confirmed that the day before, the remains of one fire victim have been found inside a home. 

The victim’s name is set to be made public by the Boulder County Coroner’s Office.  

Not the Only Danger 

The Stone Canyon Fire is one of three wildfires currently charring up the Denver area, as per Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson. 

Major Damage 

State Governor Jared Polis said more than 1,500 acres have already been lost in the Stone Canyon Fire. 

Evacuation orders have been lifted for certain areas of the town of Lyon, yet firefighters continue to battle the flames. 

Good Thinking 

According to the sheriff, some gas services have been turned off for certain neighborhoods as a protective measure: “Getting people back in with utilities will take some time.” 

Another Arson? 

Federal investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have also arrived in Lyons. 

According to Todd Hedglin, the chief of fire investigations for the state, leads are being examined that suggest the Stone Canyon Fire might have been caused by human activity.

That Means It’s Serious 

This is the first time that Colorado’s fire investigations unit has become engaged on such a significant level.

Colorado’s Quarry Fire  

Still in Colorado, the Quarry Fire (which was previously called the Wildland Fire) was still 0% contained by Wednesday night. That was when the flames had blown up from 50 to 341 acres, as posted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on X.  

Emergency teams scrambled in Denver’s southwestern area overnight to help residents evacuate homes, said the sheriff’s office.  

Race Against Time 

Three helicopters and two planes were used to drench the flames with fire retardant and water on Thursday afternoon. 

Meanwhile, teams on the ground, made up of over a dozen fire agencies, raced to stop the flames from proceeding any further. 

Fire Not the Only Danger 

Although the Quarry Fire has not yet damaged any structures or caused any injuries, firefighters don’t have it easy. Along with steep and mountainous terrain which is “really hard to navigate on foot,” the teams also must watch out for poisonous creatures. 

“We have a rattlesnake problem to deal with,” said Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Mark Techmeyer on Wednesday. 

Can’t Catch a Break 

Weather conditions don’t seem to be making it any easier for people fighting or fleeing the flames. 

Elevated temperatures from 10 to 15 degrees above average have been predicted for areas across the Pacific Northwest and the Northern Rockies. 

And daily high temperatures could tie or even break records this weekend, particularly in the Pacific Northwest.

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