2019 Fire Season in the Western United States

Fire season in the Western United States stretches from late spring until the winter rains arrive near the end of the calendar year. Climate change has made the past few years warmer and drier, intensifying some natural fire cycles.
Kincade Fire Grows Overnight
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Kincade Fire Grows Overnight

The eastern part of the fire was active overnight, expanding the burned area to 76,000 acres.

Published Oct 30, 2019

Land Fires Remote Sensing

Strong Gusts Spread the Kincade Fire
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Strong Gusts Spread the Kincade Fire

Fierce Diablo winds helped fan flames, which have consumed more than 75,000 acres.

Published Oct 29, 2019

Image of the Day Land Fires Remote Sensing

Winds Drive Smoky Wildfires in California, Mexico
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Winds Drive Smoky Wildfires in California, Mexico

Hot, dry weather and fierce easterlies fanned the flames of several blazes, endangering homes and lives.

Published Oct 25, 2019

Image of the Day Land Fires Human Presence

Smoke Filled Canyons, Arizona
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Smoke Filled Canyons, Arizona

During morning and evening hours, dense smoke often settles in low-lying areas and becomes trapped due to temperature inversions.

Published Oct 4, 2019

Image of the Day Land Fires

Walker Fire
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Walker Fire

The wildfire has burned more than 50,000 acres, making it the state’s largest blaze in 2019.

Published Sep 13, 2019

Atmosphere Land Fires Remote Sensing

Sampling the Castle Fire
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Sampling the Castle Fire

Researchers are flying through wildfire smoke to learn about the molecules lingering inside its plume.

Published Aug 21, 2019

Image of the Day Land Fires

Flying through a Fire Cloud
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Flying through a Fire Cloud

A rare flight through a thunderstorm triggered by a wildfire has atmospheric scientists buzzing.

Published Aug 9, 2019

Image of the Day Atmosphere Heat Land Fires Human Presence Remote Sensing