Thousands Evacuated as New Wildfires Rage in U.S.

Wildfires in Arizona, Alaska, California and Colorado Prompt Evacuations

An Arizona wildfire, dubbed Doce Fire, has burned at least 7,000 acres of chaparral and pine forest in just over 24 hours, prompting mandatory evacuation of more than 200 homes in five areas near the Granite Mountain Wilderness area, about 100 miles north of Phoenix.

Colorado

Lime Gulch Fire: A new wildfire in Jefferson County, southwest of Denver, has forced the emergency evacuation of about 100 homes on Wednesday.

Sparked by lightning, the Lime Gulch Fire has been burning fiercely since Tuesday. The blaze is fueled by gusty winds of up to 40 mph and humidity levels as low as 5 percent.

Most of Colorado will be under Red Flag Warnings Wednesday and Thursday due to ongoing drought, hot and windy conditions, forecasters said.

Black Forest Fire: The fire, listed as the most destructive in Colorado’s history, which started on Tuesday, June 11, was about 85 percent contained on June 19, 2013 (1:00 p.m. DST).

According to El Paso Sheriff’s website, the property loss caused by the deadly fire are currently as follows:

• Total Loss: 509 homes
• Partial Damage: 28

• Current Fire Map as of 2 p.m. Tuesday
  
• Other Info

California

Carstens Fire: The 1,600-acre wildfire, which has been burning since Sunday near a highway in N California, is currently 40 percent contained.

• More than 500 homes remain under evacuation orders.

Carstens Fire in Mariposa County, Calif., Day 2 – June 17, 2013 

Alaska

Red Flag Warnings remain in effect across Alaska amid baking temperatures, which top 90 degrees (32ºC ), low humidity and strong to gusty winds.

Alaska wildfires have consumed more than 172,158 acres (269 sq miles) of land, according to Alaska Interagency Coordination Center Situation Report dated Wednesday June, 19, 2013.

Related Links

• Fire Threat Intensifies in Western U.S.  June 19, 2013
• Colo. Fire Turns Deadly, Most Destructive in State’s History June 14, 2013