Oregon wildfires: All you need to know

Team Udayavani, Sep 12, 2020, 10:08 AM IST

One of Oregon’s largest wildfires has grown to over 130,000 acres and is now burning a half-mile outside of Estacada

According to CNN, The blazes have killed at least six people in Oregon and 500,000 people have been either ordered to evacuate or warned to be prepared to evacuate. State officials say they are focusing their efforts on saving lives, but they anticipate a devastating aftermath

In southern Oregon near the California state line, much of the small town of Phoenix was wiped out. A mobile home park, houses and businesses were burned, leaving twisted remains on charred ground.

The high number of fires occurring simultaneously in the span of just a few days in Oregon was fueled by dry conditions, high temperatures and especially strong, swirling winds.

Also, Four of the top five cities worldwide with the worst air pollution are in the region, Portland, Seattle, San Francisco and Vancouver

The Oregon Convention Center in Portland was among the buildings being transformed into shelters for evacuees.