Oregon's Bootleg Fire Nearly Quadrupled in Size as it Continues to Ravage the West

As severe heat waves and wildfires scorched the West, the Bootleg Fire in southern Oregon nearly quadrupled in size from Saturday to Sunday, to more than 150,000 acres.

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According to an incident report, the intense fires that erupted Tuesday in the Fremont-Winema National Forest continued to burn for the sixth day on Sunday. According to fire officials, the out-of-control inferno was so fierce that firefighters retreated to safety zones and sent extra workers overnight.

Incident Reports

Incident reports said that residents in some sections of Klamath County were evacuated as the wildfire, which was zero percent controlled on Sunday, continued to grow. The origin of the fire has yet to be established, although authorities have stated that "dry weather and exceptionally dry fuels lead to severe fire behavior."

According to energy experts, the fire disrupted electrical cables that transport power from Oregon to California. As temperatures climbed into the triple digits in areas of the state, California lost thousands of megawatts of imported electricity and battled to maintain functioning reserves.

Western Wildfires

States throughout the West are being ravaged by record wildfires and heat.

As it leaped state lines into Nevada, the Beckwourth Complex Fire - California's biggest burning wildfire - burned more than 80,000 acres and damaged nearly 20 houses.

On Sunday, the blaze, which was one of the numerous brush fires raging across California, was 8 percent controlled. On the south and southwest sides, federal firefighters have made some headway in putting out the fire.

Affected by Climate Change

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The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection declared this year that "climate change is considered a significant cause" of the state's recent wildfire troubles.

Firefighting Efforts

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Two firefighters have died in an aircraft accident in Arizona while performing airborne reconnaissance over the Cedar Basin Fire near Prescott National Forest, according to a statement from the Bureau of Land Management.

Massive Spread

Wildfires raged through western Idaho and southeast Washington over the weekend, leading Governors Brad Little of Idaho and Jay Inslee of Washington to proclaim states of emergency.

What to Do

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To be safe, you may need to leave your home immediately. Know where you're going, how you're going to get there, and where you'll be staying. Have several escape routes from your house and neighborhood. Practice these routes with your family so that everyone is comfortable with them. Make sure you know how your community will react in the event of a wildfire.

Go-Kit

Because stores and pharmacies may be closed, stock up on food, drink, and medicine ahead of time. Make a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home Kit out of your goods.

Listen to Authorities

The most crucial information during a wildfire will come from your local authorities. First, authorities will notify you when it is safe for you to depart.

Emergency Plan

Utilities may be unavailable. Prepare to survive in a world without electricity. Make a list of your electrical requirements, including mobile phones and medical devices.