Wildfires Race Across US as Drought Spans Half the Nation

What Happened

Nearly 19,000 wildfires have ignited across the US since January 1, about 6,900 more than the decade average. An unusually hot, snowless winter combined with La Niña drought conditions spanning half the nation has accelerated the spring fire season. By April 1, over 1.6 million acres burned nationwide. Fires have disrupted businesses, killed at least five people, and strained firefighting resources across the Great Plains and Southeast.

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