The National Interagency Fire Center reported 3.7 million acres have burned as a result of this year’s on-going fire season on September 22, 2020.

Most of the 75 large fires have been just 30% contained in California, Washington, Colorado, and Oregon. 

To put this into perspective, the 3.7 million acres that have been scorched is equivalent to more than 10% of Pennsylvania. 

Climate change may be a leading suspect for these fires. According to Mercury, the heat waves have been becoming more frequent and intense since 1998. 

In Colorado, winter weather advisories have been issued amongst the wildfires. Record high temperatures in the state on September 7 and 8 plummet drastically to snow on September 9 and 10, reported 9News.

Governors of these West Coast states have been issuing evacuation orders. The Washington Post reported that Oregon governor, Kate Brown, has issued evacuation warning to over 10% of the population. 

Around 250 United States Marines have been deployed to the Sierra National Forest in California to assist in fighting the Creek Fire reported Stars and Stripes. Along with the Marines, 1,200 National Guardsmen have been working alongside firefighters.