(Newser)
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Fourteen states west of the Mississippi are burning, with 70 large fires destroying homes and forcing many to evacuate. Hot, dry, windy weather in the western US is fueling the flames and is expected to continue into next week. Details from CNN:
- The Taylor Bridge Fire in Washington state has burned through 28,000 acres and destroyed 60 homes, and is only 10% contained. "The fireman said I had to not stay there," said one tearful resident who couldn't save her pets. "They're all dead, and my house is gone."
- The Trinity Ridge Fire in Idaho has grown significantly since yesterday, and more than 800 firefighters are trying to get it under control. Evacuations may soon be necessary.
- The Barry Point Fire, near the Oregon-California border, has burned 48,000 acres in the two states and forced evacuations in California.
- Another two fires in California have burned through 7,000 acres, destroying two buildings and damaging a third. Nearly 500 homes are threatened, and one firefighter has been hurt.
- The largest fire at the moment is the Holloway Fire in Oregon and Nevada, currently at 432,378 acres. It was started by a lightning strike 10 days ago, and flames are just now beginning to die down.
