Wildfires burn in 7 Western states, prompt evacuations

Wildfires are burning in seven Western states, from California’s scenic Big Sur region to tribal towns and hamlets near Reno, Nevada. More than a dozen homes were destroyed in Montana, and thousands of firefighters were battling other blazes Tuesday in Oregon and Wyoming. In Idaho, federal officials mobilized two U.S. Department of Defence retardant-dropping aircraft to help fight wildfires.

Here’s a look at some of the fires:

CALIFORNIA

A wildfire north of scenic Big Sur spread again overnight and has now charred more than 67 square miles.

The blaze that broke out July 22 has destroyed 57 homes and is threatening 2,000 structures. It was less than 18 per cent contained.

Firefighters got help from a low marine layer Monday that brought a spike in humidity and dropped temperatures into the 60s and 70s.

More than 5,400 firefighters from across California are fighting the fire in steep terrain.

All California state parks in the area were closed until further notice.

In California’s Central Valley, crews got a bit more control over a stubborn wildfire that has destroyed three homes and is threatening another 400 northeast of Fresno. It has burned two other buildings.

Authorities said firefighters increased containment to 30 per cent.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection says about 300 people were under evacuation orders from homes just outside Sierra National Forest.

The 4.5-square-mile blaze started Saturday in steep, rugged terrain.

A 65-square-mile wildfire in wilderness just north of Los Angeles was almost fully contained as isolated pockets of vegetation burned.

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IDAHO

Federal officials mobilized two U.S. Department of Defence retardant-dropping aircraft to help fight wildfires in Idaho.

The National Interagency Fire Center in Boise said the C-130s will go into action on Wednesday.

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MONTANA

Firefighters were bracing for strong winds as they battled a blaze in western Montana that destroyed 14 homes and may have contributed to a man’s death.

The fire had burned 5.7 square miles in Bitterroot National Forest. Residents of about 500 homes southwest of Hamilton were evacuated or warned to be ready to leave.

Residents were allowed back into the burned area Monday, but it was closed again Tuesday due to expected high winds and low humidity.

Family members say a 64-year-old man died of a heart attack while trying to evacuate Sunday.

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NEVADA

Firefighters expected dry, hot winds and the possibility of erratic flames in a series of wildfires that have charred almost 75 square miles of rangeland in northwest Nevada.

Officials predicted humidity in the single-digits in the Virginia Mountains with wind gusts up to 45 mph.

Containment of the fires was estimated at about 40 per cent.

Residents in some rural areas have been told to prepare to evacuate quickly if necessary.

Pyramid Lake was closed.

A nearly 8-square-mile wildfire was burning in the scenic Poodle Mountain Wilderness Study Area, about 50 miles farther north.

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OREGON

Crater Lake National Park remained open as a wildfire grew to more than 400 acres.

The fire has led to the partial closure of the Pacific Crest Trail from Dutton Creek Camp to Red Cone Springs. Fire officials said West Rim Drive could be intermittently closed over the next couple of days.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation. Officials said it could have resulted from an escaped campfire.

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WASHINGTON

Fire crews were monitoring high winds and building fire lines as they tackled a large blaze in south-central Washington.

The wildfire was burning about 12 miles north of Sunnyside. It held steady overnight.

The blaze has scorched about 273 square miles of brush and grass since it started Saturday on the U.S. Army’s Yakima Training Center. It was about 10 per cent contained.

It’s the largest of several wildfires burning in Washington state.

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WYOMING

Evacuated residents were allowed to return to their homes northwest of Dubois as progress was made against a wildfire.

Firefighters have gained 50 per cent containment of the fire that has burned about 22 square miles on private land and in Shoshone National Forest. The fire began July 11.

In Bridger-Teton National Forest, a fire that has burned about 46 square miles was 84 per cent contained.

In southwest Wyoming, a fire that has burned about 2 square miles near the Utah border is now 36 per cent contained. Residents of about 75 homes that had been evacuated last week were allowed to return.