Large Wildfires in the West Burn Homes, Force More Evacuations

Wesern U-S: Red Flag Warnings as dangerous fires burn more homes, force more evacuations

Fire crews are tackling several large wildfires in the West as weather conditions continue to remain dangerous through the week, reported NWS. “Strong thunderstorms in this region will create gusty winds that could spread fires, and lightning from these storms could start new fires. The greatest fire danger exists from northern California across the Great Basin to the Northern Rockies.”

Red Flag Warnings in the West, other Warnings, Watches and Advisories for August 21, 2013. Source: NWS. Map enhanced by FIRE-EARTH.

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California Fire forces evacuation of campgrounds, threatens 2,500 homes

Hundreds of people at three Sierra camp–Camp Towanga, Spinning Wheel and Sawmill campgrounds–along Highway 120 were evacuated Tuesday as a fast-moving wildfire raged out of control west of Yosemite National Park, said a report.

The 10,170-acre Rim Fire, which began Saturday August 17, is burning in the Stanislaus National Forest east of Groveland, Tuolumne County. The blaze has destroyed at least two homes and threatens another 2,500, said  the USFS.

Rim Fire Burning Near Groveland Ranger Station. Credit: Stanislaus National Forest/ USFS

The communities along Ferretti Road are being evacuated. The Ferretti Road is also closed at Highway 120. Evacuation centers have been opened at Sonora Fairgrounds and Greely Hill Community Center. The evacuation center at Tiago High School has been closed. [Inciweb]

Rim Fire is one of at least 20 major fires burning in California, as of posting. Fire officials say this year’s wildfire season is particularly dangerous due to the lack of snow, dry weather and drought.

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Beaver Creek Fire:  About 1,200 people still evacuated

The 106,323-acre Beaver Creek Fire is now 30 percent contained and is burning near Hailey and Ketchum. At least 1,750 personnel are trying to bring the flames under control.

About 1,200 people are currently evacuated due to the Beaver Creek Fire, said Blaine County officials. Most of the evacuation orders remain in effect.

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Leavenworth fire grows to 500 acres; dozens of homes evacuated

An uncontained  wildfire burning near Leavenworth in Chelan County, WA,  grew to 500 acres late Tuesday, prompting authorities order 27 homes evacuated, with another 40 put under evacuation notice, said a report.

“Another fire burning outside The Dalles, Ore.,  in the Columbia River Gorge is believed to have burned a third home there (five other structures have also burned), but fire crews also reported progress Tuesday in fighting the blaze that threatens several dozen other homes, a spokesman said.”

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