Pacific Northwest Faces Record-Breaking Wildfire Season
The Pacific Northwest is experiencing a devastating wildfire season, with record-breaking fires ravaging the region. According to the Los Angeles Times, Oregon has seen 2.3 million acres burned, primarily in the eastern and central parts of the state, due to a combination of drought, lightning, and high winds. The smoke has severely impacted air quality, with Portland experiencing some of the worst air conditions globally. Washington state has also been heavily affected, with over 900 homes and businesses destroyed near Spokane. In British Columbia, Canada, fires in the Okanagan Valley have forced 20,000 residents to evacuate. The phenomenon of 'climate whiplash,' where extreme wet periods are followed by drought, has been identified as a key factor fueling these wildfires. (Source: Los Angeles Times, 2026-08-13, 13:32:45 GMT) 
