8,300 Lightning Strikes Ignite New Wildfires Across the Northwest

Wildfires are multiplying fast across Washington, Oregon and Idaho, fueled by tinder-dry vegetation, extreme heat and a burst of lightning from recent monsoon thunderstorms. And thanks to the jet stream, the smoke isn't staying put.

Lightning Strikes Are Sparking a Wave of New Fires

More than 8,300 lightning strikes hit Oregon alone on July 22 and 23, sparking a wave of new fire starts. Many of the thunderstorms that rolled through brought little rain, and gusty winds helped the newly ignited fires spread rapidly. Dozens of large fires are now burning from Oregon and Washington into Idaho and western Montana, badly degrading air quality across the region.

Fires are also active across southern Canada, where blazes in interior British Columbia are sending smoke through the Canadian Rockies and into Alberta.