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All three states along the west coast of the United States have been hit by violent wildfires, by historical standards. In California, more than three million acres have been devastated by fire, in Oregon there are almost a million acres, and in Washington entire communities have been destroyed.
At least 15 people have died in the fires and there are fears that they are increasing.
Two of the fires are now approaching the suburbs of Oregon’s largest city, Portland, writes the New York Times. Mayor Ted Wheeler declared a state of emergency and closed all city-owned outdoor areas, such as parks and recreation areas, until at least September 24.
Half a million are forced to flee their homes
Across Oregon, 500,000 people have been displaced.
“We have never seen so many wildfires in our state”Governor Kate Brown wrote on Twitter.
It also puts the fires in a broader perspective and links them to climate change.
“I wish the 2020 wildfires were a diversion, but this will not be a one-time event. Unfortunately, it points to the future. We are seeing the devastating effects of climate change in Oregon, along the entire West Coast and in the world.” .writes Kate Brown.
Hear him tell about the drama: “His face was hit by embers.”
