Oregon And Washington Ravaged By Wildfires: Photos And Videos Of The Destruction
Several wildfires are blazing in Washington and Oregon destroying thousands of acres of land and prompting hundred of people to evacuate. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency this week because of the fires.
A forest fire that is happening on the border of Washington and Oregon called the Eagle Creek Fire has merged with the Indian Creek Fire and together they cover over 30,000 acres of land. Evacuations are happening along the Columbia River Gorge and I-84.
A 15-year-old boy from Vancouver, Washington, is suspected of igniting the blaze, said police, according to CNN.
“It is believed he and others may have been using fireworks, which started the forest fire along the Eagle Creek Trail,” said Oregon State Police in a statement. “The suspect was contacted by law enforcement in the parking lot of the trailhead and cooperated with the investigation.”
Police are also asking witnesses to come forward. No arrests have been made and the boy and his parents are cooperating with authorities.
Over 600 fire personnel have been dispatched to deal with the blaze. The fire has spread quickly, aided by strong winds.
In northern Washington, near the Canadian border, an even larger forest fire is taking place that covers 100,000 acres. The fire, called the Diamond Creek Fire, is being dealt with 50 fire personnel. The fire is taking place in Okanogan/Wenatchee National Forest and is far from buildings and towns.
Another fire in central Washington, the Norse Peak Fire, has grown to around 45,000 acres and is forcing evacuations in the Gold Hills Community and Pick Handle Basin. The Jolly Mountain fire, near Cle Elum and Roslyn, Washington, has also caused the evacuation of 1,000 people. Over 800 fire personnel are working to contain that blaze.
Two other fires in southeast Oregon, the Chetco Bar Fire and the High Cascades Complex Fire together cover over 225,000 acres. Over 2,000 fire personnel have been dispatched to fight those fires.
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