Scores of wildfires in the United States and Canada have devastated areas in California, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, Alberta, and more, leading to evacuations, road closures, and damage to structures. Air quality advisories have been issued in certain regions affected by the fires. The current status of several major fires is provided below as of Friday.
The Durkee Fire in Baker County, Oregon, is the largest active wildfire in the U.S., covering approximately 630 square miles (1,630 square kilometers) after merging with the Cow Fire. The fire has been burning for nine days and remains only 20% contained as of Friday. Evacuation orders for the city of Huntington in eastern Oregon were lifted following thunderstorms that brought rain and cooler temperatures.
In Butte County, California, the Park Fire near Chico has burned 257 square miles (666 square kilometers) and was reported as completely uncontained on Friday. Evacuations were mandated in Butte and Tehama counties, affecting around 4,400 residents. The Butte County Sheriff revealed that two minor injuries occurred, over 130 structures were destroyed, and approximately 4,200 structures were under threat. A California man was arrested for allegedly causing the state’s largest wildfire this year by pushing a burning car into a gully.
In the Canadian Rockies, a wildfire has ravaged 139 square miles (360 square kilometers), leading to the evacuation of 25,000 individuals in Jasper, where up to half of its structures were destroyed. Cooler weather and rain on Friday limited the fire’s spread, but officials cautioned that warmer temperatures in the forecast could escalate wildfire activity within the next 72 hours. In Jasper National Park, authorities expressed hope that the weather conditions would help control the fires temporarily.
The Falls Fire, a human-caused wildfire in Harney County, Oregon, has charred 219 square miles (567 square kilometers) and was 55% contained. Evacuation orders remained in effect in Grant and Harney counties due to the Falls Fire and the nearby Telephone Fire. The fire’s origin is currently being investigated.
The Lone Rock Fire in Gilliam County, Oregon, has burned 213 square miles (552 square kilometers) and was 45% contained as of the latest update. Crews made significant progress on Thursday, leading to increased containment and a reduced threat to structures. The cause of the Lone Rock Fire is also under investigation.