More than 33 large wildfires char more than 1 million acres.
A record-setting heatwave and sustained dry, windy conditions contributed to more than 33 large fires across five states. Mandatory evacuations have been called for in Arizona and Southern California. Twenty blazes are burning in Alaska, six in New Mexico, three each in California and Arizona, and one in Texas.
In California, the fast-moving Sheep Fire in the Angeles National Forest has burned across 990 acres and prompted the evacuation of about 300 people in Wrightwood in San Bernardino County, about 77 miles northeast of Los Angeles.
In Arizona, about 2,500 homes were evacuated due to two wildfires burning on the outskirts of Flagstaff. There were also fire evacuations in New Mexico, where President Biden approved a disaster declaration last month due to record early-season blazes.
The National Weather Service expects “critical fire weather conditions” to continue for a large portion of the Southwest and the Southern and Central Rockies.
Other regions of the U.S. are facing rough weather conditions. Snow has fallen over parts of the Northern Rockies and flooding and severe thunderstorms were threatening the Northern Plains and Midwest. A ground stop was issued for Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport because of winds gusting to 84 mph and a tornado warning in the area. Flooding in Yellowstone National Park has stranded visitors, caused evacuations, and forced officials to close all entrances. And long-term drought conditions continue across much of the American West and Southwest.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For discernment for officials at the National Weather Service as they monitor and alert severe and adverse weather conditions and threats.
- For the firefighters and their commanders as they attempt to contain and extinguish the wildfires.
- For protection for residents in the affected areas and that they heed warnings to evacuate when necessary.
Sources: Fox News, Axios, CBS News
