Heatwave causes forest fires in 6 US states, including California

Washington: – The heatwave that hit the United States has acquired dangerous proportions, and forest fires have started in six US states, including California. Local agencies informed that the forest fire in the Sierra Nevada Forest area in California has spread to over 222 square kilometres, and the intensity is increasing further. Along with California, forest fires have started even in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Arizona and Nevada states, and it is becoming difficult to control them because of the rising temperatures. A warning has been issued that the heatwave and forest fires will hit more than 10 million US citizens.

The temperatures soared as a heat dome was created in the region known as the Pacific Northwest in the Pacific Ocean. The temperatures recorded in the western United States are 40 degrees Celsius and more, and the heatwave is said to have claimed more than 200 lives so far. A temperature of 54 degrees Celsius was recorded in the Death Valley National Park in California. This is claimed to be the highest temperature recorded since July 1913.

These record temperatures have triggered forest fires in many areas of California. More than 1,200 firefighter personnel, helicopters and aeroplanes have been deployed to control the fires. Many houses have been burned down in the Beckwourth complex and the nearby hilly areas, and three thousand people have been rescued to safe places. The forest fire in Oregon, to the north of the Sprague River, has spread to nearly 77 thousand acres. Ten helicopters along with 550 firefighters have been deployed to try and control the fire.

The forest fire in Mohave County in Arizona state has claimed the lives of 2 firefighters. The forest fire in Washington is spread across 155 square kilometres, and indications are that the intensity will increase further. Governor Brad Little has declared a state of wildfire emergency in Idaho and has indicated deployment of the National Guard.