A massive wildfire in the U.S. state of Oregon, known as the Durkee Fire, has rapidly expanded to cover approximately 1,554 square kilometers, an area more than half the size of Rhode Island's land mass. As of Friday, the fire was only 20 percent contained, making it the largest blaze in the United States so far this year.
In addition to the Durkee Fire, the Falls Fire near Seneca on the edge of the Malheur National Forest has grown to 567 square kilometers with 55 percent containment. A tragic incident occurred when a single-pilot tanker plane contracted by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management went missing while fighting the Falls Fire. The plane was found Friday morning, with authorities confirming that the pilot was killed in the crash.
Overall, Oregon has seen wildfires burn almost 4,047 square kilometers, while Washington state has experienced 509 square kilometers in wildfires this year. Across the country, more than 110 active fires are currently burning, covering a total of 7,250 square kilometers.
Meanwhile, California faces serious challenges as the Park Fire in Butte County has led to the evacuation of over 4,000 residents. The fire grew uncontrollably overnight from 505 square kilometers on Thursday to 664 square kilometers Friday morning, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
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Wildfire in U.S.' Oregon scorches over half the size of Rhode Island
cgtn.com
