Wildfires rage across western US states

Thirty-seven wildfires are burning across California, Arizona, Colorado, and six other states, scorching hundreds of thousands of acres and stretching US firefighting resources.

More than 1,000 firefighters are battling the lightning-sparked Lee fire in Colorado, which ignited over a week ago, the Colorado State Fire Prevention and Control agency announced today. The fire has consumed over 120,000 acres across Garfield and Rio Blanco counties, making it the sixth-largest single wildfire in the state’s history.

The Lee fire is currently only 6% contained. Colorado officials have declared a state of emergency, issued evacuation orders for high-country communities, and called in the National Guard for support. As a precaution, 179 inmates from the Rifle Correctional Center were evacuated to the Buena Vista Correctional Complex, 150 miles away.

Local health officials have also issued air quality alerts due to smoke from both the Lee fire and the Elk fire, burning to the east, which has already destroyed 15,000 acres.

Firefighters battle the Canyon fire in California. Photo: AP

Firefighters battle the Canyon fire in California. Photo: AP

In the southwest, California firefighters have achieved 62% containment of the 5,000-acre Canyon fire, which has destroyed seven structures since igniting on 7/8 near the Los Angeles and Ventura county border.

Meanwhile, the Gifford fire, which began on 1/8, has become California's largest wildfire of the year so far, burning almost 116,000 acres in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. As of 10/8, it was 32% contained.

In Arizona, the Dragon Bravo fire has burned approximately 133,000 acres. A total of 37 large wildfires are currently active across nine western states. Officials warn that the intense heat from these fires could spark new blazes.