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September 2020 Western United States wildfires facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Bobcat Fire, Los Angeles, San Gabriel Mountains
A view of the wildfires in Los Angeles

In 2020, the Western United States experienced a series of major wildfires.

Intense August thunderstorms lit many wildfires across California, Oregon, and Washington, followed in early September by additional ignitions across the West Coast.

Fanned by strong, gusty winds and fueled by hot, dry terrains, many of the fires exploded and coalesced into record-breaking, fire cloud producing, megafires, burning more than 4.6 million acres (1.9 million hectares) of land. It has killed at least 35 people, with many more still missing.

Climate change and poor forest management practices led to the severity of the wildfires.

Images for kids

  • Wildland Fire in Ecosystems 15-1-2

    Fire regimes of United States vegetation

  • United States Map of Year-to-Date through 8 September 2020 U.S. Drought Monitor Animation

    Year-to-date (through September 8, 2020) animation of extent and intensity of drought in the United States maintained by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

  • 2020 sep 15 USA National Predictive Services Group National GACC Website Committee GACC Map national

    National Interagency Fire Center Geographic Area Coordination Centers

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September 2020 Western United States wildfires Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.