A lightning-sparked wildfire in eastern Oregon has grown to nearly 270,000 acres, making it the largest active wildfire currently burning in the United States. The Durkee Fire, which started over a week ago near the Oregon-Idaho state line, remains uncontained as of Thursday morning.
Fueled by high temperatures, dry vegetation, and strong winds, the fire has rapidly expanded, consuming an area larger than the city of Indianapolis. The blaze is just one of 31 large wildfires burning across Oregon, with the state experiencing a significant uptick in fire activity.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has mobilized resources from the National Guard to assist in firefighting efforts, describing the situation as dynamic. The fires have caused injuries, destroyed homes, and prompted evacuations in Malheur and Baker counties.
More than 500 firefighters from 22 states are battling the Durkee Fire, facing challenging conditions exacerbated by extreme fire behavior. The blaze has even generated its own weather phenomena, including pyrocumulus clouds and pyrocumulonimbus clouds capable of producing lightning and rain.
The smoke from the wildfires has spread beyond Oregon, affecting air quality in neighboring states like Idaho and Colorado. Residents have reported thick smoke blanketing towns and impacting visibility on roadways.
While a cold front has brought some relief with lower temperatures, the fire danger remains high. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and issuing alerts to keep communities informed and safe.
