West Coast

Heavy rain forms lake in Death Valley, California

Strong winter storm and snow to hit the West while the Midwest gets unusual taste of summer

By Michael Casey, Associated Press

Southern California begins cleaning up after 1st tropical storm in 8 decades

Southern California has been battered by historic rainfall, floods and mudslides in the latest in a string of disasters wreaking havoc across the country. So far, there are no reports of major damage or injuries linked to Tropical Storm Hilary.

By Geoff Bennett, Eliot Barnhart

A view shows Lake Tahoe obscured by smoke from the Caldor Fire

Crews battle to protect Lake Tahoe region from wildfire

Firefighters faced a critical day in efforts to prevent a massive California wildfire from reaching the Lake Tahoe resort region Saturday, hoping to take advantage of calmer winds before hot, heavy gusts return.

By Associated Press

California's Dixie Fire Explodes As Western Wildfires Continue To Rage

Most fire victims are still waiting to be paid by PG&E’s Fire Victim Fund, investigation finds

As the Dixie fire ravages northern California, Pacific Gas and Electric has admitted that its equipment could have sparked it. The utility company has sparked fires before, including the deadly Camp fire in 2018. As it emerged from bankruptcy last…

By PBS NewsHour

Firefighters deal with extreme conditions as Bootleg Fire expands, in Oregon

Huge Oregon blaze grows as wildfires burn across western US

The largest wildfire in the U.S. torched more dry forest landscape in Oregon on Sunday, one of dozens of major blazes burning across the West as critically dangerous fire weather loomed in the coming days.

By Associated Press

News Wrap: Fire crews pull away from Oregon Bootleg Fire over safety concerns

In our news wrap Friday, Oregon's Bootleg Fire — the largest of dozens of wildfires now burning in the U.S.— became so intense that fire crews had to pull back overnight for their own safety. Russia warned that the U.S.

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West Coast governors urge COVID quarantine after travel

By Brian Melley, Associated Press

The advisories issued Friday stopped short of stricter rules imposed by other governors and instead said people should avoid non-essential out-of-state travel and quarantine for 14 days after arriving from another state or country.

Western fire crews grapple with resource shortages, misinformation in addition to flames

Across the fire zone of the American West, hundreds of thousands of residents are being evacuated, and entire towns have burned to ashes. In Oregon, merging blazes are now approaching the Portland suburbs. Dozens of people are missing, and firefighters…

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Can Alaska’s waters be a respite for sick sea stars?

By Katie Campbell, KCTS9/EarthFix

A deadly disease has been wiping out West Coast starfish for more than a year. One place that has held off the disease the longest is Alaska. Researchers recently traveled there to search for new clues.