Wildfires rage as heat wave stifles western US, Canada

LOS ANGELES: The western United States and Canada was suffering under scorching temperatures to start the week, with heat warnings still in place on Monday and authorities struggling to reign in wildfires in both countries.

Sweltering conditions hit much of the Pacific seaboard and as far inland as the western edge of the Rocky Mountains on Saturday and Sunday, in a dramatic, prolonged heat wave experts attribute directly to climate change.

The US National Weather Service (NWS) had warned the dangerous temperatures will continue in the region for the early part of the week, forecasting highs of up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 Celsius) in southern California, and issued a heat advisory for the Los Angeles area until Monday evening.

The NWS said temperatures would dip slightly from Monday, but added: “This small relative cool down is of little relief to areas that have seen long-term oppressive and above normal temperatures.”

“Excessive heat warnings remain in effect for a majority of locations in the region through Tuesday.”

Canadian meteorologists predicted highs approaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius) -- well above seasonal norms -- would continue in parts of western Canada on Monday.

A fire in northern California meanwhile continued to expand overnight Sunday, spurred by the heat and increased winds.

Authorities said they had received reports of homes destroyed in multiple towns and urged residents to stay away, with footage from the area showing burnt-out abandoned cars and houses.

Large areas of forest in the Beckwourth area appeared to be on fire, with huge clouds of smoke rising above the hills, and forecasters warned of fire conditions in southern California Monday with dropping humidity and gusting winds.

In the state of Oregon, the Bootleg Fire more than tripled in size between Friday and Sunday, gaining more than 100,000 acres, according to the US Forest Service.

In Canada, more than 50 new wildfires have erupted in the past two days.

Canadian transport minister Omar Alghabra on Sunday announced new emergency measures aimed at preventing further wildfires in the tinder-dry region, including steps to slow or limit train traffic.

Trains are a common cause of wildfires, often when their spark-arresting devices are poorly maintained.

Several roads and highways in the area have been closed as the government rated the wildfire risk in much of the province as “extreme.” A dozen municipalities remained under evacuation orders.