🔥 Oregon, USA is on fire! Literally.
A massive wildfire dubbed the Durkee Fire has exploded to an area of 1,554 square kilometers—that's over half the size of Rhode Island! 😱 Officials reported on Friday that this blaze, sparked by lightning on July 17, is now the largest in the United States this year. And here's the kicker: it's only 20% contained. 😬
But that's not all. In a tragic turn, a single-pilot tanker plane went missing on Thursday while battling the Falls Fire near Seneca, on the edge of the Malheur National Forest. 💔 The plane was found Friday morning, and authorities confirmed the pilot didn't survive the crash.
The Falls Fire itself isn't backing down either. It's grown to 567 square kilometers, with containment at 55%, as per InciWeb. Meanwhile, wildfires have scorched almost 4,047 square kilometers in Oregon and 509 square kilometers in Washington state this year. Talk about a fiery summer! 🔥🔥
Down in California, the Park Fire is keeping residents on their toes. Over 4,000 people in Butte County have been evacuated as the fire raged overnight from 505 square kilometers on Thursday to 664 square kilometers by Friday morning, according to Cal Fire. 😖
Nationwide, more than 110 active fires are blazing across 7,250 square kilometers, says the National Interagency Fire Center. That's a lot of heat! 🌡️
Stay safe out there, everyone! And let's hope these heroes fighting the flames can get things under control soon. 🙏
Reference(s):
Wildfire in U.S.' Oregon scorches over half the size of Rhode Island
cgtn.com
