California Governor Gavin Newsome says that the state is now battling five of the 20 most destructive fires in the last 100 years.
On August 22, President Donald Trump declared California a disaster area.
Oregon wildfires: 24 fatalities, over 500,000 ready to evacuate
In Oregon, at least 24 people lost their lives and more than 500,000 people received advisory to be ready to flee their homes. Around 40,000 people were ordered to evacuate, according to Gov. Kate Brown. The state has become the new epicenter of wildfires.
About 3,000 firefighters from Oregon were being supplemented from nearby states. They are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the flames. The fires started so abruptly and spread so quickly that the firefighters have been unable to contain them.
Mariana Ruiz-Temple, chief deputy state fire marshal, said officials are very concerned that the Beachie and Riverside fires could merge, causing “explosive fire activity.”
Evacuation orders are inching closer to the Portland area, as the blazes move North threatening Washington state. Portland is the largest most populated city in Oregon. And many residents are fleeing for their lives.
