Authorities have stated that the Oregon wildfire that is spewing smoke into neighboring states is now the largest active blaze in the United States.
Additionally, additional evacuations were being prompted by a storm on Wednesday that included lightning and strong winds increasing the spread of the blaze.
Durkee Fire
Tuesday, a portion of Interstate 84 was closed as a result of the Durkee Fire, which was burning about 130 miles (209 kilometers) west of Boise near the Oregon-Idaho border.
The fire was getting closer to the crucial link between the two states.
Frequent Disruptions
Officials warned of frequent disruptions as a result of the nearly 400-square-mile (1036-kilometer) fire on Wednesday, which briefly reopened the freeway before closing again.
About 500 people live in the Oregon town of Huntington, which was evacuated for a third full day.
Mandatory Evacuations
Those who remained behind were warned about the approaching storm by authorities.
Wednesday afternoon, the fire crossed the interstate near Huntington, necessitating additional mandatory evacuations.
Sheriff’s Office Statement
According to a Facebook post, the Baker County Sheriff’s Office anticipated wind gusts of up to 75 mph (121 kph).
Additionally lightning and heavy rain could result in flash flooding and debris flows in recently burned areas.
“Incredibly Dynamic Situation”
The sheriff’s office posted later on Wednesday that, “This continues to be an incredibly dynamic situation.”
The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office likewise advised inhabitants about the risk presented by the storm and the anticipated “abundant” lightning.
Nearby Communities
Nearby communities could be threatened by wildfires, so the agency sent nearly 500 firefighters to help.
The significant power utility in the area, Idaho Power, cautioned customersto plan for potential blackouts and by late Wednesday evening, almost 7,000 people were without power, the utility said.
Potential Delays
Freeway closures and power outages are expected. The sheriff’s office stated, “Power outages and freeway closures are expected. In the event that the fire reaches the City of Huntington, there may be delays in assisting residents that have not previously evacuated”
Oregon has been plagued by hundreds of lightning strikes from thunderstorms that have started new blazes in bone-dry vegetation. In Washington alone, there are more than 60 significant fires burning.
Boise Impact
Boise and the surrounding areas were already being choked by the smoke from the Durkee Fire in Oregon.
On Wednesday, an air quality warning was in effect for the entire region.
Local Disruption
Weiser Classic Candy owner Patrick Nauman described arriving in Weiser, Idaho, on Wednesday morning as “like driving into a fog bank, because it’s so thick and low to the road.” Weiser is a small town near the Oregon border.
Nauman’s shop is on the town’s main intersection and is usually a popular place to stop for lunch or a sugar fix.
Triple Digit Temperatures
However, over the past few days, the area has been plagued by thick smoke and temperatures in the triple digits.
“Yesterday you could smell it, taste it, it just kind of hung in the back of your throat,” Nauman reported regarding the smoke.
Meteorologist Advice
According to Mike Cantin, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Boise, the Oregon fire could be stoked by cooler air moving into the area Wednesday evening.
The region was under a red flag warning and has been experiencing a heat wave, with many days exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).
According to Cantin: “With these winds showing up today, every little spark could get out of hand very easily. It could be a really hazardous situation very fast. Don’t light anything on fire and be very careful around grass.”
