California is on pace to break last year’s historic wildfire season with the amount of land burned ahead on the year.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection says that between January and July 4th, the state battled more than 4,500 fires that have scorched 115 square miles.
By this point last year, the wildfires had burned about 50 square miles.
The entire state of California is in the grip of drought, much of it classified as extreme or exceptional
Also seeing much of the exceptional drought in Nevada and Utah. With the growing risk of wildfires, Washington’s governor declared a state of emergency that includes a ban on most outdoor and ag burnings through September.
There are some exceptions but only if producers have a permit.
Related:
USDA meteorologist on CA’s record wildfire season
The northeast is “ripe” for an above-average wildfire season
CA is currently battling three sizable wildfires