Wildfires rage in western states of US

Special Desk

Temperatures have soared to record level in several areas as wildfires rage in the west of the United States. The region is hit by a heatwave too and people have been told to leave places identified as risky.

Firefighters continue to battle the blazes in the extreme conditions even as two of them died in Arizona when their aircraft crashed while on duty. Meanwhile, Las Vegas matched its all-time temperature high of 47.2C (117F).

According to the firefighters their job is extremely difficult as the air is so dry that much of the water they drop via aircraft to douse the fire evaporates even before it touches the ground. This heatwave comes just weeks after another dangerous heatwave hit North America, in which hundreds of sudden deaths were recorded, many of them suspected of related to heat.

The region experienced its hottest June on record, according to the EU’s Earth observation programme. Experts say that climate change is expected to increase the frequency of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves. But linking any single event to global warming is complicated.

However, a study by climate researchers said the heat that scorched western Canada and the US at the end of June was “virtually impossible” without climate change.

Arizona’s Bureau of Land Management paid tribute to the two brave wildland firefighters who died in a plane crash while performing aerial reconnaissance, command and control over the lightning-caused Cedar Basin Fire.

Also Read : WEEKEND RENDEVOUS: Survival possible with ethics intact assures

Also Read : Tokyo Olympic: Spectators barred for covid

Fire that doubled in size between Friday and Saturday, sent up a giant cloud of smoke and ash which, combined with the dry heat, generated its own lightning. In Oregon, a wildfire fanned by strong winds in the Fremont-Winema National Forest doubled in size to 120 sq miles (311 sq km) on Saturday.

Heat warnings have also been issued in parts of Canada, with those affected urged to consider rescheduling outdoor activities for cooler periods of the day.