US Wildfires Burn 1.6 Million Acres
According to the carefully followed National Information Fire Agency, 89 large active wildfires exist in the US. So far, they have burned 1.6 million acres, and the number is rising quickly. Over 20,000 firefighters are trying to contain them. The agency says, “Fire managers are using full suppression strategies on 85 wildfires.”
Climate News –World Breaks Record Heat Two Days In A Row
Most wildfires are in the Western US, notably Oregon, Washington, and California. There are predictions that new fires could reach Utah, Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona. In California, one fire burned 45,000 acres in 14 hours.
Wind and drought are among the reasons these fires are hard to contain. In California and Montana, winds are expected to surge as much as 45 MPH. Humidity is extremely low, at 8% to 25%. Aging Americans are at great risk.
Rain May Help
Some parts of the country are safe. “Showers and thunderstorms will continue to be numerous along a stalled front from southeast Texas into the Southeast, with a few lingering showers and thunderstorms expected in the Mid-Atlantic and New England, as well,” the National Information Fire Agency wrote,
Costs Will Hit Hundreds Of Billions Of Dollars
Aside from the danger to humans and wildlife, the expense of these fires could reach into the billions of dollars. A report issued last year to some members of the US Senate said annual wildfire costs range between $394 billion and $893 billion. This includes property damage, direct and indirect deaths and injuries, health impacts from wildfire smoke, income loss, and watershed pollution.
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