Large Wildfires in Western US Burn Area 2.6 Times Larger Than Seoul

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] A large wildfire that broke out in the western U.S. state of Oregon continues to grow in size, burning an area equivalent to 2.6 times that of Seoul.

On the 20th (local time), CNN cited the disaster information site "InciWeb," operated by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), reporting that the "Bootleg Fire" that started in southern Oregon has burned 388,359 acres (approximately 1,571 km²) as of that day. This is about 2.6 times the area of Seoul (605.21 km²).

The Bootleg Fire began on the 6th about 24 km northwest of Beatty in southern Oregon. Although 2,250 firefighters have been deployed, the containment rate remains at only 30%.

Based on the area burned, this wildfire is the third largest in Oregon's history. More than 2,000 residents have evacuated, and 67 homes have been completely destroyed. Additionally, 117 auxiliary buildings such as warehouses and parking lots were also burned.

CNN explained, "Over the past 13 days, the fire has burned nearly 1,100 acres per hour on average, which is equivalent to engulfing the size of New York's Central Park every 45 minutes."

Marcus Kauffman of the Oregon Department of Forestry told The New York Times (NYT), "This fire is so large and generates so much energy and heat that it is changing the weather," adding, "Usually, weather affects fires, but this time the fire is affecting the weather."

The Bootleg Fire has caused sudden shifts in wind direction and generated winds that carry embers far away, causing the fire to spread faster and farther.

The scale of this disaster is attributed to the effects of climate change. A combination of record drought, unusual early summer heatwaves, and snow drought has created an environment where the fire can spread uncontrollably.

CNN pointed out that "climate change has made more deadly and destructive wildfires the 'new normal.'"

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.