Summary
More than 80 large fires are burning in 13 states across the U.S. currently, impacting nearly 1.3 million acres. One of the worst remains in Southern Oregon — the Bootleg Fire. It has been burning for two weeks and has already scorched an area a third of the size of Rhode Island. Carrie Bilbao with the National Interagency Fire Center joins William Brangham with the latest on the fires.Five Facts
- Who is Carrie Bilbao?
- What is the immediate cause of these wildfires?
- When do extreme fires at higher elevations normally happen? When are they happening now?
- Why are these particular fires more of concern?
- What is extreme fire behavior?
Focus Questions
Bilbao mentions that rain would help control these fires, but in a drought that doesn’t happen. What are other ways authorities can prevent and prepare for these wildfires? Can you think of any long-term ideas to help with wildfire prevention? Media Literacy: By broadcasting this story, what did the producers hope to achieve? What might the response to this piece be?For More
- To track the spread of wildfires in the US as Carrie Bilbao does, see this website.
- For more from PBS on wildfires and droughts, see these stories
