Northwest Wildfires Burn Over 1 Million Acres, Threaten Air Quality Across U.S.
The Pacific Northwest is experiencing a record-breaking wildfire season, with over 1.6 million acres burned across the region. The fires, primarily sparked by lightning, have been exacerbated by prolonged heat, dry conditions, and gusty winds. Oregon is the most affected state, with 31 of the 45 active large fires. Thousands of firefighters are deployed to combat the blazes, which have strained national resources. The fires have also led to hazardous air quality across several states, with smoke reaching as far as North Dakota. The National Interagency Fire Center has raised the preparedness level to 5, the highest on the scale, indicating severe strain on resources.