Several wildfires have forced hundreds of people to evacuate their homes in central Colorado and across the West. The Quarry Fire in Jefferson County, southwest of Denver, grew to 100 acres in just a few hours, prompting the evacuation of nearly 600 homes. The Alexander Mountain Fire near Loveland and the Stone Canyon Fire in Boulder County have also forced mandatory evacuations as they continue to spread. Both fires are 0% contained as of Tuesday night.
In California, the Park Fire has become the fifth largest wildfire in the state’s history, spreading over four northern counties and forcing over 25,000 people to flee their homes. The fire has destroyed at least 165 structures. The fire was ignited by Ronnie Dean Stout II when he pushed his mother’s flaming car into a gully, according to prosecutors. Stout has been arrested and charged with reckless arson.
Across the West, over 89 large active wildfires have burned over 3,300 square miles. Climate change is believed to be a contributing factor to the persistent heat waves and dry conditions that have fueled the explosive wildfires. Authorities have issued wildfire-related advisories in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, and Nevada.
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