Nearly 200 wildfires burn across the United States as crews confront new blazes

More than 20,000 residents in southwest Canada and the western United States have been forced to leave their homes as wildfires, driven by hot, dry conditions, have scorched over 3 million acres. The National Interagency Fire Center said 183 fires were burning across the United States as of Aug. 9, with crews working to contain 94 of them.

In southern Oregon, the Wrights Spring Fire has consumed more than 30,000 acres since Aug. 5 and resulted in the death of Jason Ensign, 47, a first-responder operating a bulldozer to improve fire access. The blaze remained uncontained on Aug. 9, prompting evacuations in the area.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek expressed condolences for Ensign’s family, calling his death a stark reminder of the dangers faced by first responders.

In northern Utah, the Rocky Canyon fire has grown to over 4,000 acres since igniting on Aug. 7, with evacuation orders issued on Aug. 9 for residents about 30 miles northeast of Salt Lake City. The fire was still 0% contained that evening.

Two helicopter pilots were killed on Aug. 7 while battling the Widemouth 2 Fire in southern Utah, which had burned 118,000 acres and was 26% contained as of Aug. 9.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox offered prayers for the pilots’ families and highlighted their service and sacrifice.

Fires are also active in Washington, Montana, Idaho, Colorado, California, Minnesota, New Mexico and Nevada. Of the 94 U.S. fires being fought, only four have been fully contained.

In Canada, more than 20,000 people have been evacuated near Okanagan Lake as the Bald Range wildfire, deemed out of control, has burned nearly 34,000 acres. British Columbia Premier David Eby noted a woman died during the evacuation.

Premier Eby expressed sympathy for the victim’s family and community.

British Columbia is contending with 103 active wildfires, and lightning storms are expected to raise the risk of additional ignitions.