Northern California is, so far, having a remarkably mild fire season. That’s not the case with much of the Western United States. On Wednesday, 117 new fires were reported nationwide, including four new large fires. Crews are currently battling 72 large fires with more than 25,000 personnel. So far this year, more than 49,600 wildfires have blackened more 7.5 Million acres. That’s approaching twice as many acres burned than the 10 year average. Authorities urge everyone to be extra vigilant with extinguishing campfires, properly dispose of smoking materials and keep matches and lighters away from children.
-Steve Gibson