Results: Worst fire season we have ever seen for 2017

Almost 2 million acres of land are currently aflame, according to the September 14 daily report by the National Interagency Fire Center. There are more than 100 active wildfires and at least 41 UN-contained large blazes, battled by more than 25,000 respondents, the National Guard, and half a battalion of active-duty soldiers. A staggering amount of land has burned so far this season (more than 8 million acres), along with more than 500 homes and other structures, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). The Forest Service has spent more than $1.75 billion fighting fires so far this fiscal year, and the Interior Department has spent more than $391 million. Are you currently living in any of these wildfire areas?

Part of the reason this year's fires are so bad is the severe drought that hit Montana, Oregon, and other parts of the west over the summer. That significantly raised fire risk, according to FWS, and record heat waves dried out regions that had been soaked by snow and rain during the winter and spring. Wildfires in parts of Canada have been particularly bad as well (British Columbia has had its worst wildfire season ever). Image: (Oregon wildfire has caused evacuations and sparked blazes across the Columbia River in Washington state). What three wildfire facts are you familiar with?

The fires raging in the western US have created plumes of smoke so big that they reach across the entire country, with potential negative health consequences for everyone exposed to the particles falling from the sky. Healthy adults far from the flames don't necessarily have too much to worry about. But Dr. Gopal Allada, a pulmonologist at Oregon Health and Science University, told NPR that vulnerable groups like children, people over 65, pregnant women, and people with heart or lung conditions are at risk of serious harm from smoky air. Image: (La Tuna fire was the largest ever in LA and required evacuations from hundreds of homes). If you do live in an area where there are wildfires, has the smoke had a negative health consequence on someone that you know?

Until snow starts to fall on these western regions, they will likely continue to battle the flames. Image: (Eagle Creek wildfire burns as golfers play at the Beacon Rock Golf Course in North Bonneville, Washington). Whether you are a victim or not, do you hope these wildfire areas will have rainfall or snow in the weather forecast soon?

Have you ever made a donation to help with the 2017 wildfire relief funds?

Do you know of anyone (volunteers, firefighters, national guard, respondents, ect.) that has been involved with battling the 2017 wildfires?

Lastly: Almost 2 million acres of land has already burned. People have been evacuated from their homes. Farms, ranches, homes, and treasured monumental buildings have been destroyed. And sadly, a few firefighters have lost their lives; along with wildlife & cattle due to these extreme fires. Image: (Large wildfires have sprung up throughout the state of Montana). Do you think the 2017 wildfire donation aid funding has been currently overlooked due to the hurricanes, monsoons, and earthquakes that has occurred in other towns, states and countries this year (In reference: donations going to other current natural disasters)?