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What to Know About Fires Caused by Lightning in the Pacific Northwest
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- Dozens of wildfires are currently burning in Oregon and Washington, sparked by thousands of lightning strikes from recent thunderstorms.
- Firefighters are actively battling at least 30 large fires that began around Wednesday and Thursday, with many confirmed to be lightning-caused.
- Smoke from these wildfires, along with Canadian fires, is affecting air quality across parts of the Midwest and northeastern United States.
- Forecasts predict hot, dry, and windy conditions with possible thunderstorms but little rain, increasing the risk of new fires and complicating firefighting efforts.
- Oregon is experiencing severe to extreme drought conditions, contributing to an anticipated active wildfire season, according to the state climatologist.
