Wildfires rage across Western US, destroying homes and forcing evacuations

By Faruk Zorlu

A series of dangerous wildfires fueled by extreme heat and dry conditions are ravaging communities across the Western US, destroying homes and prompting widespread evacuations.

In Southern California, a fire sparked by fireworks destroyed at least six homes and damaged seven others in Riverside on Sunday.

The blaze, which erupted during a blistering heatwave, scorched nearly one square mile before being contained, according to ABC News, citing the authorities.

Meanwhile, in the Pacific Northwest, multiple fires are burning across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. In Oregon, the town of Huntington, with a population of about 500, was evacuated late Sunday after a massive smoke column collapsed, sending 50 mph winds in all directions.

The fire, covering more than 272 square miles with no containment, prompted the closure of a stretch of Interstate 84.

Further west, a fast-moving fire started Monday afternoon on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge, leading to mandatory evacuation notices for areas near the town of Mosier.

In Utah, authorities lifted evacuation orders for a wildfire near Salt Lake City that had threatened neighborhoods close to the state Capitol over the weekend. The fire, which began Saturday and grew to about 200 acres, is now partially under control.

The ongoing heatwave and extremely dry conditions continue to exacerbate fire risks across the region, with firefighters and residents remaining on high alert as they battle these dangerous blazes.