Additional Coverage:
Firefighters Gain Ground Against Oregon, California Wildfires Amid Scorching Heat
Firefighters are making headway against major wildfires blazing across central Oregon and California’s wine country, even as intense heat and strong winds continue to grip the region. Thousands of homes remain threatened.
Oregon’s Flat Fire, currently the state’s largest active wildfire, has charred over 34 square miles near the town of Sisters since igniting on August 21st. While the fire has destroyed at least four homes and threatens 4,000 more, firefighters have achieved 5% containment as of Monday, August 26th.
Crews are working tirelessly, establishing containment lines and targeting hot spots, even through the night. This progress has allowed some evacuation orders to be lifted, although several communities near Sisters remain at risk.
Thankfully, due to resident preparedness and aggressive firefighting, hundreds of homes in the fire’s path are still standing. All homes lost so far have been located in Deschutes County.
Meanwhile, in Northern California’s Napa County, the Pickett Fire has burned through 10 square miles, jeopardizing homes, buildings, and several vineyards in the renowned wine region. Like the Flat Fire, this blaze also began on August 21st.
As of August 26th, it is 17% contained. Cal Fire reports that over 500 structures are currently threatened.
The fire is burning within the footprint of the devastating 2020 Glass Fire, which scorched over 105 square miles and destroyed some 1,500 structures in Napa and Sonoma counties. Dry brush and challenging terrain are hindering firefighting efforts.
Heavy smoke has also triggered air quality advisories across parts of Napa, Sonoma, and Solano counties, urging vulnerable populations to limit outdoor activities and keep windows closed.
The National Interagency Fire Center reports at least 51 large active fires currently burning across the nation, consuming nearly 1 million acres. The majority of these fires are concentrated in the western United States.
A heat wave continues to plague the Northwest, with temperatures nearing triple digits and wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph. The National Weather Service warns that these conditions could lead to rapid fire spread, endangering lives and property.
Thunderstorm outflow winds are also a concern, potentially causing unpredictable and erratic fire behavior.