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More wildfires possible in the West as fire conditions worsen

1:23
AP
What you should know about wildfires
Ty O'Neil/SOPA Images via ZUMA Wire via Newscom
ByJulia Jacobo
August 02, 2021, 6:35 PM

Fire conditions in the West are worsening this week, increasing the possibility of more blazes.

Currently, 90 large wildfires are burning in 12 states in the West -- at least 35 of which ignited over the weekend due to lightning strikes.

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MORE: Evacuations lifted as progress made against western fires

Another heat wave is blanketing the region as moisture from the monsoons in the Southwest move away, leaving behind a dry atmosphere and tinderbox conditions. Heat advisories and excessive heat watches have been issued from Oregon to Arizona, with temperatures expected to surpass 100 degrees again.

The McFarland Fire in Wildwood, California, has prompted evacuations in the area after it grew to more than 2,100 acres and remains just 5% contained.

The Dixie fire in California, shown here on July 31, 2021, has grown to over 240,000 acres and is currently 30% contained.
Ty O'Neil/SOPA Images via ZUMA Wire via Newscom

The Dixie Fire near the Feather River Canyon in Northern California, the largest in the state so far this year, is now at 248,000 acres. Firefighters were able to halt the blaze's progression, which is now 33% contained, but some evacuation orders remain in place.

Firefighters in Oregon have made progress against the Bootleg Fire, the largest in the country, with 84% containment after it grew to nearly 414,000 acres, the third-largest wildfire in state history.

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MORE: Pacific Northwest braces for another heat wave as dozens of wildfires continue to burn

However, red flag warnings have been issued in Southern Oregon over the possibility that more fires will spark due to dry lightning. Hot, breezy conditions are expected to persist this week.

Above-normal significant fire potential is expected to continue in the Northwest, northern Rockies and northern portions of the Great Basin, according to the National Interagency Coordination Center's National Fire Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook for August through November.

Firefighters from New Mexico work amidst heavy ash and dust to help contain the Bootleg Fire near Silver Lake, Oregon, July 29, 2021.
Maranie Staab/Reuters

Despite monsoon conditions in the Southwest last week, "exceptional drought" conditions are persisting across Northern California and the Northwest, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

ABC News' Melissa Griffin and Max Golembo contributed to this report.

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