Residents and tourists across the western United States are experiencing little relief as wildfires in six different states continue to spread.
While firefighters work to successfully contain fires in Arizona, Montana and New Mexico; Colorado, Utah, and California have ordered new evacuations due to the continuing danger.
Northern Colorado is experiencing its worst fire season on record as the High Park Fire has now forced the evacuation of 11,000 residents and destroyed 248 homes; the most of any fire in the state's history. The area, which is popular with tourists during the summer, has also closed several travel destinations and sent visitors packing.
This is the second year in a row that dry conditions have fueled record-breaking wildfires. Last summer the most destructive wildfire in Texas history raged through Bastrop County Complex, destroying 1,691 homes and killing two people. Our Student Reporting Labs site in Austin has this report on how Texans are still trying to cope.
Quotes
"The fire literally took everything we owned...our home...everything," Peggy McClintock, fire refugee.
Warm Up Questions
1. Which states are experiencing dangerous wildfire conditions?
2. How many people have been asked to evacuate their homes in Colorado?
3. Where did a record-breaking fire destroy over 1000 homes last year?
Discussion Questions
1. How might weather play a part in the spread of wildfires? What weather conditions would make it easier for a fire to spread?
2. How can people change their behavior to better prevent wildfires?
3. What role can the community play in order to help victims of wildfires?
Additional Resources
Hot Weather Sparks Deadly Wildfires
Wildfires Continue to Plague Colorado, New Mexico
Destructive Fires in Southern California Highlight Risks of Dry Season
