Dozens of active wildfires are currently raging across several parts of the United States, with close to 300,000 acres scorched in eastern Oregon alone. Authorities say the wildfire is zero-percent contained as of early on July 25.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has deployed resources from the National Guard for disaster assistance, as some communities have been left without power.
“The wildfires in Eastern Oregon have scaled up quickly. We are facing strong erratic winds over the region that could impact all fires. Rain is not getting through. Some communities do not have power,” Ms. Kotek said in a news release.
Earlier this month, the governor declared an “extended state of emergency” until October because of the increased risk of wildfires.
“I urge all Oregonians to follow the instructions and evacuation levels issued by emergency officials,” she said at the time, while also urging people to subscribe to emergency alerts, to have an evacuation plan, prepare a go-kit, and stay aware of changing conditions.
The Durkee Fire in Oregon started on July 17 near the state line into neighboring Idaho. Extremely dry and hot weather conditions, as well as strong winds have contributed to the fire spreading at an excessively high speed, which has already scorched an area larger than the city of Indianapolis.
“Over the last week, firefighters have been challenged by hot temperatures and gusty winds that continue to push several wildfires across the state,” the Oregon State Fire Marshal said.
Multiple communities are under serious threat from the blaze, which has increased by several thousands of acres since it started. At least three people were injured, with multiple buildings sustaining serious damage. Evacuation orders have been issued for some residents in Malheur and Baker Counties.
More than 120 other large wildfires are currently spreading across Orgeon, with the Durkee fire being the largest, having scorched more than a quarter of a million acres to date. Interstate 84 has experienced periodic closures due to the dense smoke emitted from the blaze.
Almost 500 firefighters have been deployed to help fight the blaze, according to InciWeb. In addition, Oregon has utilized resources from nearly two dozen other states to aid with the situation.
The Durkee blaze, in addition to the vast destruction, has also created its own unique and dangerous weather conditions.
The fire has sparked the creation of “pyrocumulus clouds,” which are formed as a result of heat moving upward in an intense, upward vertical motion, which is met with cooling air and condensation as it moves higher into the sky.
This can lead to the further development of “pyrocumulonimbus” clouds, which can reach heights of around 50,000 feet, and which can create clouds that produce lightning and rain as part of an independent weather system.
“It’s like a thunderstorm on top of the fire, generated by the heat of the fire,” said Stephen Parker, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Boise, Idaho.
The wildfire smoke from the Durkee Fire has affected the air quality across multiple regions, with alerts having been issued for parts of Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
The Associated Press contributed to this article