Western U.S. wildfires prompt emergency declarations
Western U.S. wildfires prompt emergency declarations
Western U.S. states are battling multiple fast-spreading wildfires, with several regions under states of emergency and communities facing urgent evacuations.
The U.S. National Interagency Fire Centre, Monday’s briefings showed numerous large fires with zero or low containment, fueled by dry, windy terrain.
A 60-year-old contract firefighter from Oregon died Sunday while fighting a wildfire in Montana’s mountainous region, where the fire had burned about 9.1 sq. km as of Monday morning.
In Wyoming, Gov. Mark Gordon issued an emergency declaration for a wildfire north of Pinedale, allowing for expanded state support.
The blaze had grown to 40 sq. km with 0 per cent containment, displaying extreme fire behaviour like crowning, running, and long-range embers.
Evacuations and a U.S. Forest Service area closure remained in effect until Oct. 22.
In central Oregon, fires had consumed 89 sq. km by Monday morning, with 5 per cent containment.
Authorities confirmed the destruction of four homes, though evacuation levels were slightly eased as conditions improved.
In California’s Napa County, over 26 sq. km had burned, with 11 per cent containment and more than 1,200 personnel deployed.
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Toxic and flammable debris remained a concern, and evacuation orders were still in place.
Idaho’s wildfire, burning in a remote area along the Selway River corridor, had consumed 43.5 sq. km with just 5 per cent containment. Area closures remained in effect.
Other fires showed better progress: Nevada’s fire held steady after weekend rain, Utah’s fire achieved high containment, Colorado’s fire began transitioning back to local control
Still, officials warned that hot, windy weather in the coming days could reverse gains.
Authorities urged residents to: Follow official alerts and evacuation notices, avoid flying drones, which can ground firefighting aircraft and respect roadblocks and closures near active fire zones
Fire managers said the next 2–3 days would be critical in determining whether crews can secure lasting containment.
