LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES (AP) — Burn burn In California, Oregon, Arizona, Washington and other western states, as well as Canada, smoke and haze have filled the air in parts of the western U.S., prompting air quality warnings or advisories in some affected areas.
On Wednesday morning there were 79 large active forest fires across the country that are being managed and have burned 1,431,460 acres (579,292 hectares), according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Evacuation orders are in effect for 15 fires in the Northwest, where fires continue to exhibit active to extreme behavior. Communities near several fires in California, the Northern Rockies and the Great Basin are also under evacuation orders.
There are 31 large active fires burning in Oregon, with 791,653 acres (320,371 hectares) burned. The Durkee FireThe largest active fire in the U.S., burning near the Oregon-Idaho border, was 0% contained as of Wednesday morning and had burned nearly 400 square miles (1,036 square kilometers). The Cow Valley, Falls and Lone Rock fires, the next largest, have collectively burned some 404,404 acres (163,657 hectares).
There are 12 active large wildfires in both California and Arizona. In the Golden State, the Lake Fire in Santa Barbara has burned 38,664 acres (15,647 hectares) and is 90% contained; the 2024 SQF Lightning Complex in Tulare has burned 31,309 acres (12,670 hectares) and is 7% contained; and the Shelly Fire in Siskiyou County, which burned 15,656 acres (6,336 hectares), is 62% contained. Hot, dry and windy conditions have increased fire activity in some areas, including the Hill fire in Northern California.
The Black Fire east of Phoenix is the largest fire in Arizona, followed by the Romero Fire west of Dudleyville.
The Pioneer Fire in Washington is the largest in the state at 30,667 acres (12,410.5 hectares). In Montana, the Deadman Fire in Rosebud County grew to 19,982 acres (8,086 hectares) and was 95% contained.
In Canada, there are about 430 active wildfires in British Columbia and 177 in neighboring Alberta. Two of these have forced the evacuation of about 25,000 visitors and residents of the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies.
Fuels and fire behaviour advice were in effect for California, Nevada, southeastern and central Oregon, southern Idaho, and the Utah and Arizona Strip.
Unhealthy air pollution from wildfires has prompted air quality warnings and advisories in regions of the western US
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has air quality warnings for eastern Harney, Malheur, Grant, Baker and Morrow counties until further notice. Unhealthy air was reported in the cities of Bend and La Pine today and forecasters are forecasting tomorrow, with smoke expected to continue to worsen the air quality in La Pine after Thursday. Smoke from the Durkee Fire choked the air in Boise, Idaho and beyond. An air quality advisory was in effect for the entire region on Wednesday.
In Idaho, air quality warnings were sent to the central counties of Ada, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette and Washington.
In north central washingtonThe Colville Reservation, all of Chelan County, and the Methow Valley down to Brewster in Okanogan County were under air quality advisories until further notice.
And in Canada, authorities issued an air quality advisory for Calgary, Alberta, because of smoke from the wildfires. The government agency called it a high risk and said children and the elderly should avoid physical exertion outdoors.
Smoke from wildfires can cause unhealthy air quality in areas many miles away from the fires. To stay safe, the South Coast Air Quality Management District has recommends People are starting to learn about air quality and weather forecasts in their area.
People with air conditioning systems need to change filters often, with high-efficiency filters labeled “MERV13” or higher being the most effective at removing smoke particles. Portable HEPA air purifiers also help.
To limit exposure to unhealthy air quality, people should stay indoors with windows and doors closed. Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise, the use of fans or swamp coolers that draw air from outside, all wood-burning appliances, and the lighting of candles and incense.
If you must go outside in smoky conditions, a respirator such as an N-95 or P-100 may provide some protection.
Finally, know your risks. Some people, such as children and those with heart or lung problems, may be more sensitive to moderate to unhealthy air quality.
When cleaning up ash after a wildfire, wear safety glasses and a tight-fitting respirator, such as an N-95 or P-100. Avoid skin contact with ash by wearing gloves, closed shoes, socks, and long pants and a shirt.
Wash ashes from pets and outdoor items such as cars and toys. Spray floors with water and sweep or mop gently, then collect ashes in plastic bags and dispose of them. Do not use leaf blowers. Keep water containing ashes away from storm drains. And clean the interior with a vacuum cleaner fitted with disposable filter bags.
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AP journalist Rob Gillies contributed from Toronto.