The wildfires in Oregon have burned more acres of land in 2024 than in any year since reliable records began, authorities said. More than 1.4 million acres have been scorched, surpassing the previous record set in 2020. These fires have been fueled by high temperatures, dry weather, and low humidity, prompting evacuation notices across the state. So far, 32 homes have been lost to the fires, which have mainly affected rural and mountain areas but have also encroached closer to the Portland metro area.
Evacuation notices have been issued for various areas, including the small town of Cherry Grove, which is 35 miles west of Portland. Airplanes and helicopters have been utilized to scoop water from Henry Hagg Lake to drop on the fire in the area. The fire has consumed about 0.5 square miles and has zero containment as of Friday afternoon, but progress has been made in lining the fire. Another fire near Oregon City led to the temporary closure of a state highway, with authorities issuing evacuation orders that were later downgraded and the highway reopened.
The largest blaze in Oregon is the Durkee Fire in eastern Oregon, which has burned over 459 square miles and is at least 95% contained as of Friday. In California, the Park Fire has become the largest, burning more than 660 square miles and destroying over 600 structures. A man was arrested for allegedly starting the fire by pushing a burning car into a gully. The Crozier Fire in El Dorado County has burned about 3 square miles and threatens over 4,000 structures. The weather is expected to remain hot and dry through the weekend, posing challenges for firefighters.
Some of the fires in Oregon’s worst year, 2020, were among the worst natural disasters in the state’s history. These fires killed nine people, burned more than 1,875 square miles, and destroyed thousands of homes and structures. The current wildfires in Oregon have already surpassed the acreage burned in 2020, highlighting the severity of the situation. Authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant, follow evacuation orders, and cooperate with firefighting efforts to prevent further loss of life and property.
Efforts are ongoing to contain and extinguish the wildfires, with firefighters working tirelessly to protect communities and prevent further destruction. The use of air resources, such as helicopters and airplanes, has been instrumental in combating the fires by delivering water to strategic locations. Evacuation protocols and road closures are being enforced to ensure the safety of residents and first responders. The resilience and determination of firefighting teams, coupled with community support, will be crucial in mitigating the impact of the wildfires and restoring safety and stability to the affected areas.
