Wildfires in California and New Mexico – Heat in New York

Some parts of the United States are experiencing intense heat. A high of 37 degrees is expected in Washington, D.C., and firefighters are battling wildfires in California and New Mexico. People have to leave their homes – sometimes for a very short time.

The western United States has been hit by extremely high temperatures. In some cases over 40°C was measured. Firefighters are battling the largest wildfire in the state of California so far this year. About 1,600 assistants are employed.

As of Monday evening, more than 63 square kilometers in Los Angeles County and the western border of Ventura County were affected, according to the emergency management agency in charge. The fire department made progress. About 20 percent of the fire was brought under control by evening. So far the fire has been prevented from spreading to the cities.

Strong winds and dry vegetation

Access to Pyramid Lake, in the direction the flames are moving, was already closed by authorities on Sunday. Emergency services said 1,200 people had to evacuate the affected area, about 150 kilometers north of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, as a precaution. The cause of the fire is still unclear. Strong winds allowed the fire to spread rapidly through dry vegetation.

A fire department is also on the job north of Los Angeles in Calaveras County in central California. The fire is burning in an area of ​​about 5,000 hectares.

Thousands evacuated as wildfires ravage New Mexico

People in the southern part of the state of New Mexico, USA, are also stuck in the fire. Thousands of people had to evacuate from the approaching fire. Ruidoso residents didn't even have time to pack a few things Monday evening. The city's website and social media said around 7 p.m.: “Evacuate now! Do not attempt to collect your belongings or secure your home. Leave immediately.”

A local television station reported that the utility company cut off power to part of the village due to the fire. Monday's fire broke out on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. A second fire started south of Ruidoso. The city is 75 miles (121 kilometers) west of Roswell, where several evacuation centers have been set up.

A heat wave is expected in New York

Warmer temperatures are also expected in the eastern half of the United States. Temperatures are forecast to reach 34 degrees in New York this week. Capital Washington will record 37 degrees next weekend. Due to high humidity, the heat feels more intense and for some it can be life-threatening.

Authorities have armed themselves and have already opened so-called cooling centers. New Yorkers can relax with air conditioning and water in the halls and entrances of libraries and public buildings. The city distributes cold packs to workers outside.

Canada is also facing very hot days. In the eastern province of Ontario, temperatures will reach 45 degrees this week.