BOISE, Idaho — Wildfires continue to burn aggressively across the Northwest. In southern Idaho and eastern Oregon, we've been talking about damaging fires while being shrouded in smoke for weeks now.
Meanwhile, the National Interagency Fire Center reports the potential for wildfires in August is even higher than that in July.
"Normally, you don't see it (above normal potential) as widespread across the Northwestern U.S. It's only in the worst years do we see it like this," said Jim Wallman, a meteorologist with the National Interagency Coordination Center.
Wallman helps to compile the monthly wildfire outlooks. Their initial August outlook was updated, and it includes more of Idaho than originally anticipated, as it takes recent conditions into account.
"In the Northwest, we've elevated a lot of areas above normal. When we first issued the one (August outlook) in July, we weren't sure how long-lasting that heat wave would be," he said. "But it was so long-lasting and extreme, and it really changed everything. So, at this point, we're expecting a lot more to happen."
Wallman added it's not only the Northwest that is looking to have a busy August.
"All of Northern California is looking to have an above-normal season. The last time we saw anything like this was in the 2020 and 2021 seasons, which were extremely busy," he said.
As guidance on how to navigate the rest of this fire season, Wallman suggested that you make sure you're aware of your surroundings, where fires may be, and how they could impact you.
"We live in a wildfire-prone state; just be aware of what you're doing," he said.
Nationally, 80% of wildfires are caused by people. So, with the potential expected to be high for August, it's a good reminder to take as many precautions as you can, to hopefully prevent another wildfire.