As reported by AP News, Oregon has experienced its worst wildfire season since records began in 1992, with more than 1.4 million acres burned by mid-August.
This surpasses the previous record set in 2020.
The Northwest Interagency Coordination Center confirmed that 71 large fires have been responsible for the majority of the damage, fueled by high temperatures, dry conditions, and low humidity.
Evacuation notices have been issued across the state, including near the Portland metro area.
Authorities stated that 32 homes have been destroyed in Oregon as the fires spread across rural and mountain areas.
A particularly concerning fire near Cherry Grove, 35 miles west of Portland, prompted Level 3 “go now” evacuation orders.
Air support, including airplanes and helicopters, has been utilized to battle the blaze, with water being drawn from Henry Hagg Lake.
The Durkee Fire in eastern Oregon has emerged as the largest blaze in the state, covering more than 459 square miles.
It was reported to be 95% contained by Friday, but its sheer size at one point made it the largest active fire in the United States.
However, California’s Park Fire has since surpassed it, burning over 660 square miles and destroying over 600 structures.
The Crozier Fire in California’s El Dorado County is another major blaze, having consumed about 3 square miles with just 5% containment.
This fire poses a significant threat to more than 4,000 structures, and the difficult terrain has hampered containment efforts.
In addition to the widespread fires in rural areas, a fire near Oregon City, a suburb of Portland, led to the temporary closure of a state highway and the issuance of “go now” evacuation orders.
The orders were later downgraded, and the highway was reopened by mid-afternoon.
Meanwhile, efforts to contain the fire near Cherry Grove have shown some progress, although the blaze remains uncontained.
The 2024 wildfire season in Oregon has set a new record, with more than 1.4 million acres burned, surpassing the previous high in 2020.
Authorities report that 71 large fires have contributed to the extensive damage, destroying 32 homes and prompting widespread evacuations.
With mid-August marking the peak of the fire season, residents and authorities alike are bracing for further challenges as the season continues.
Oregon’s 2024 wildfire season has been the most destructive since records began, with over 1.4 million acres burned, surpassing the previous record set in 2020.
The fires have destroyed 32 homes and prompted evacuation notices across the state, including near the Portland metro area.
The largest fire, the Durkee Fire, has burned more than 459 square miles and is 95% contained.
Authorities have been battling the blazes with air support and ground crews, but the dry, hot conditions continue to fuel the fires as the peak of the season approaches.
