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Northwestern U.S.'s Ring of Fires

A "ring of fires" continues to beleaguer the northwestern U.S. with fires in Oregon, northern California, and Nevada. This image from the MODIS instrument on the Aqua satellites shows significant fire activity still continuing in these states.

The Reading fire which was caused by a lightning strike three weeks ago continues to burn unabated in California. The fire is only 15% contained and over 21,000 acres have already burned. It still has the potential to grow because of the continuing conditions of dry, sometimes windy weather.

The Barry Point fire continues to burn since its start on August 6th. It is currently 25% contained but the extreme terrain and dry conditions around this fire make for a very high possibility of it spreading. For additional information on the Barry Point fire visit: http://barrypointorfire.wordpress.com/

The Holloway fire which straddles the state line between Oregon and Nevada has been burning since August 5. On Monday, Aug. 13, flames reached 2 to 8 feet commonly, with 15-foot flames seen. The fire in the northeast and southwest is actively backing down slopes and making quick upslope runs, completely burning plants in its path. Even though 48% contained, the fire has already burned 199,030 acres in Nevada and 219,205 acres in Oregon. There are 755 firefighters and support people, 49 engines, 23 bulldozers, 12 water tenders, and 5 helicopters at this fire. Weather, terrain, and dry vegetation continue make containment of this fire a difficult job.

Rush Fire wildfire which started as a lightning strike on August 12, 2012, has affected 50,000 acres and is currently 5% contained. The growth potential for this new fire is extreme. Weather conditions, terrain, and fuels such as sagebrush and dry grasses make this particular fire very difficult to fight. The fire is burning near a major natural gas line and transfer station, and power transmission lines that supply the Reno area. Aggressive fire suppression around the line is ongoing.

This image was taken on August 13, 2012 at 20:30 UTC (4:30 pm EDT). Information about these fires was taken from Inciweb.org

NASA image courtesy Jeff Schmaltz LANCE/EOSDIS MODIS Rapid Response Team, GSFC. Caption by Lynn Jenner NASA/GSFC