Wildfires Spread as Strengthening Heat Wave and Drought Bring Extreme Fire Conditions

Multiple wildfires quickly spread in California and Arizona over the weekend, fueled by severe drought conditions and high temperatures that are expected to worsen this week. Cal Fire reported California is already experiencing a 26 percent increase in wildfire activity and a 58 percent increase in acres burned compared to 2020. Last year ended up being the worst wildfire season for the state with a record-setting 4.4 million acres burned. And the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said the state has already seen 208,190 acres burned in 848 wildfires this year compared to 138,443 acres burned in 902 wildfires over the same time period last year. Meanwhile, a strengthening heat wave is expected to worsen in the coming days with nearly 55 million people across the West – including in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, and Phoenix – under heat alerts. With temperatures forecast to reach record highs, experts are warning that extreme fire danger will increase through the week. Read more at CNN and NBC News.