15 Jul 2021

Wildfires rage in US state of Oregon

From Morning Report, 6:47 am on 15 July 2021

Wildfires are burning across the American west including the largest in Oregon, called the Bootleg fire.

The fires come after major heat events across the extremely dry region. Firefighters have been told to adjust to a new reality of fire fightings.

Usually, firefighters from Oregon would be in California by now helping to fight wildfires there, but currently the roles are reversed.

Oregon Public Broadcasting science reporter Erin Ross spoke to Philippa Tolley.