With fire crews across the West stretched past their limits battling over 50 major blazes across 10 states, federal officials have started preparations to bring in military reinforcements.
Wildfires continue to threaten important archaeology sites.
The situation is critical. Nearly 18,000 firefighters and support personnel are working the 57 large fires currently burning, but that isn't enough for what is shaping up to be the worst wildfire season in at least 10 years. Fire officials reported today that 19 additional large blazes which had developed in the past 24 hours. About half of the smaller fires have no crews on hand at all. In some cases, calls for help with wildfires has been delayed or unfilled for days because resources have been devoted to major fires.