Large Fires Burn as Heat Sticks Around in the Western U.S.

news image
Top Stories
17 Aug 2023 1:35 AM

Numerous large fires are burning in Oregon, including the Lookout Fire (above) 50 miles east of Eugene and the large Bedrock Fire 30 miles east of Eugene. Both fires are burning in Lane County, OR, and producing large amounts of smoke, visible from satellite.

The Bedrock fire has grown to over 25k acres since starting on July 22nd near a campground. The good news is that containment is also growing - up to 25%. The Lookout Fire in Oregon has grown to 3700+ acres after starting by lightning on August 5th. There is no containment on this fire as it continues to grow in size. While smoke is thickest from the Bedrock fire, expect hazy skies near all our major fires in the Pacific Northwest.

Red Flag Warnings remain in place across the region and have started to move farther inland into portions of Montana as the heat builds inland. The Pacific Northwest has also been very dry, which has led to increased drought conditions. These areas have more fuel available for fires to spread quickly so please avoid outdoor burning or anything that could cause a spark.

Heat alerts are in place for much of the West Coast. The highest level, Excessive Heat Warnings, are in place for western Oregon including the Willamette Valley. Temperatures will continue to run 10-20° above average, so make sure to drink water, and take breaks from the outdoors as heat illness is more likely in these conditions. Unfortunately, the heat will persist into Thursday, and further into the week to the east.

For the latest updates on this developing situation, make sure you stick with Weather Nation! Your Western Regional Forecast is every :50 past the hour!

All Weather News
More
Wet Pattern for the NW Continues

Wet Pattern for the NW Continues

A wet pattern is shaping up for the Northwest

18 Oct 2025 3:05 AM
Strong Fall Front Fires Up Severe Chances This Weekend

Strong Fall Front Fires Up Severe Chances This Weekend

October has been relatively quiet in terms of

18 Oct 2025 3:00 AM
Next Wave in the Atlantic to Watch

Next Wave in the Atlantic to Watch

As the Atlantic hurricane season enters its f

18 Oct 2025 2:55 AM
NOAA Releases Outlook for Winter 25-26'

NOAA Releases Outlook for Winter 25-26'

Ready for another La Niña winter? NOAA quietl

18 Oct 2025 2:00 AM
Ridge Riding Thunderstorms in the Western Plains

Ridge Riding Thunderstorms in the Western Plains

A ridge of high pressure has been responsible

17 Oct 2025 3:00 AM
Sierra to the Rockies: Flooding Rain & Heavy Snow

Sierra to the Rockies: Flooding Rain & Heavy Snow

As of Wednesday, all evacuation orders have b

15 Oct 2025 1:45 PM
October Nor'easter Wrapping Up For the Atlantic

October Nor'easter Wrapping Up For the Atlantic

A low-pressure system that has tracked up the

14 Oct 2025 1:25 PM