Smoke from the US West Coast wildfires has reached Europe

By Laura Smith-Spark, CNN

Updated 7:38 AM ET, Wed September 16, 2020

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London (CNN)The wildfires devastating California and other parts of the western United States are the worst in 18 years, with vast amounts of thick smoke affecting large areas of the North America and even reaching Northern Europe, scientists said Wednesday.

The fires, which began in mid-August in California and Colorado, are "significantly more intense than the 2003-2019 average for the whole country and the affected states," according to data from Europe's Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS).
Oregon and Washington have also seen serious wildfires break out since the beginning of September, following recent hot, dry and windy conditions.
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    Scientists from CAMS, which is part of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, use satellite observations to track wildfire activity around the world. Fire activity this year in the United States has been "tens to hundreds of times more intense" than the average from 2003 to 2019 across the country as a whole, as well as in several affected states, they say.
      "The scale and magnitude of these fires are at a level much higher than in any of the 18 years that our monitoring data covers, since 2003," said Mark Parrington, a senior scientist for CAMS.
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        "A good indicator of smoke thickness is aerosol optical depth (AOD). Over the western US, AOD levels have been observed to reach values of seven or above; to put this into perspective, an AOD measurement of one already implies very hazy conditions and potentially poor air quality."
        While the heaviest smoke remained off the West Coast over the Pacific Ocean for several days, according to CAMS data and satellite images, it began to blow back across the United States and Canada in recent days.
          Smoke traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to Northern Europe at the end of last week, and is forecast to do so again in the coming days, CAMS said.
          "The fact that these fires are emitting so much pollution into the atmosphere that we can still see thick smoke over 8,000 kilometres (5,000 miles) away reflects just how devastating they have been in their magnitude and duration," said Parrington.
          The US National Interagency Fire Center said Tuesday that at least 87 wildfires were burning in 11 states. Many are filling the sky with choking smoke and pushing firefighters beyond exhaustion.
          Firefighters look out over a burning hillside as they fight the Blue Ridge Fire in Yorba Linda, California, on Monday, October 26.
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          Firefighters look out over a burning hillside as they fight the Blue Ridge Fire in Yorba Linda, California, on Monday, October 26.
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          A man evacuates his home as flames from the Blue Ridge Fire approach in Chino Hills, California, on Tuesday, October 27.
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          A man evacuates his home as flames from the Blue Ridge Fire approach in Chino Hills, California, on Tuesday, October 27.
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          Firefighters conduct a backfire operation in Chino Hills on October 27.
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          Firefighters conduct a backfire operation in Chino Hills on October 27.
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          A firefighter uses a hose as the Silverado Fire approaches near Irvine, California.
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          A firefighter uses a hose as the Silverado Fire approaches near Irvine, California.
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          Firefighter Raymond Vasquez battles the Silverado Fire in Irvine on Monday, October 26.
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          Firefighter Raymond Vasquez battles the Silverado Fire in Irvine on Monday, October 26.
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          Flames rise from mountain ridges near a farmstead as a wildfire burns near Granby, Colorado, on Thursday, October 22.
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          Flames rise from mountain ridges near a farmstead as a wildfire burns near Granby, Colorado, on Thursday, October 22.
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          Evacuees drive through a traffic jam exiting Big Thompson Canyon as the East Troublesome Fire forced residents out of Estes Park, Colorado, on October 22.
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          Evacuees drive through a traffic jam exiting Big Thompson Canyon as the East Troublesome Fire forced residents out of Estes Park, Colorado, on October 22.
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          Structures burned by the Cal-Wood Fire are seen in Boulder County, Colorado, on October 18.
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          Structures burned by the Cal-Wood Fire are seen in Boulder County, Colorado, on October 18.
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          Flames from the Cameron Peak Fire, the largest wildfire in Colorado history, work their way along a ridge outside Estes Park on October 16.
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          Flames from the Cameron Peak Fire, the largest wildfire in Colorado history, work their way along a ridge outside Estes Park on October 16.
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          An airplane drops fire retardant on the Bruder Fire in Redlands, California, on October 15.
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          An airplane drops fire retardant on the Bruder Fire in Redlands, California, on October 15.
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          Dr. Alex Herman, right, and veterinary technician Linden West examine <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2020/10/01/us/mountain-lion-cub-rescued-california-zogg-fire/index.html" target="_blank">Captain Cal,</a> a 6-week-old mountain lion cub recovering from severe burn injuries at the Oakland Zoo Hospital in Oakland, California. The zoo later took in <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2020/10/11/us/oakland-zoo-mountain-lion-rescued-from-wildfire-trnd/index.html" target="_blank">two more cubs rescued</a> from the same fire.
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          Dr. Alex Herman, right, and veterinary technician Linden West examine Captain Cal, a 6-week-old mountain lion cub recovering from severe burn injuries at the Oakland Zoo Hospital in Oakland, California. The zoo later took in two more cubs rescued from the same fire.
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          Burned bottles of wine sit in a pile at the Castello di Amorosa winery, which was destroyed by the Glass Fire in Calistoga, California, on October 1. Wildfires have damaged and <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/11/us/california-wildfires-wineries/index.html" target="_blank">destroyed dozens of the region's famed wineries,</a> many of them family-owned businesses.
          Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
          Burned bottles of wine sit in a pile at the Castello di Amorosa winery, which was destroyed by the Glass Fire in Calistoga, California, on October 1. Wildfires have damaged and destroyed dozens of the region's famed wineries, many of them family-owned businesses.
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          A firefighter walks along a path as the Glass Fire burns in Calistoga, California, on October 1.
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          A firefighter walks along a path as the Glass Fire burns in Calistoga, California, on October 1.
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          Vehicles burned in the Glass Fire sit outside of a home that survived in Calistoga on September 30.
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          Vehicles burned in the Glass Fire sit outside of a home that survived in Calistoga on September 30.
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          The remains of guest houses smolder at Calistoga Ranch after the Glass Fire passed through on September 30.
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          The remains of guest houses smolder at Calistoga Ranch after the Glass Fire passed through on September 30.
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          Firefighter Abraham Garcia signals a water truck in Angwin, California, on September 29.
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          Firefighter Abraham Garcia signals a water truck in Angwin, California, on September 29.
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          Firefighters watch the Glass Fire slowly creep across a clearing near Calistoga on September 29.
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          Firefighters watch the Glass Fire slowly creep across a clearing near Calistoga on September 29.
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          Damaged wine barrels sit stacked at the Fairwinds Estate Winery in Calistoga on September 29.
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          Damaged wine barrels sit stacked at the Fairwinds Estate Winery in Calistoga on September 29.
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          The Glass Fire burns in the background as Josh Asbury, an employee of CableCom, installs fiber-optic cable in Calistoga on September 28.
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          The Glass Fire burns in the background as Josh Asbury, an employee of CableCom, installs fiber-optic cable in Calistoga on September 28.
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          Residents of the Oakmont Gardens senior home are transported to safety as the Shady Fire approaches in Santa Rosa on September 28.
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          Residents of the Oakmont Gardens senior home are transported to safety as the Shady Fire approaches in Santa Rosa on September 28.
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          Cellar worker Jose Juan Perez extinguishes hotspots at Castello di Amorosa, a Calistoga winery that was damaged in the Glass Fire.
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          Cellar worker Jose Juan Perez extinguishes hotspots at Castello di Amorosa, a Calistoga winery that was damaged in the Glass Fire.
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          An officer with Napa County Animal Control rescues a cat after the Glass Fire passed through Napa Valley, California, on September 28.
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          An officer with Napa County Animal Control rescues a cat after the Glass Fire passed through Napa Valley, California, on September 28.
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          The Glass Fire burns on a Napa County mountainside on September 28.
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          The Glass Fire burns on a Napa County mountainside on September 28.
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          Flames from the Glass Fire consume the Black Rock Inn in St. Helena, California, on September 27.
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          Flames from the Glass Fire consume the Black Rock Inn in St. Helena, California, on September 27.
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          Embers fly from a tree as the Glass Fire burns in St. Helena on September 27.
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          Embers fly from a tree as the Glass Fire burns in St. Helena on September 27.
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          An air tanker drops fire retardant on the Glass Fire, which was burning near the Davis Estates winery in Calistoga on September 27.
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          An air tanker drops fire retardant on the Glass Fire, which was burning near the Davis Estates winery in Calistoga on September 27.
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          Cal Fire Capt. Jesse Campbell works to save the Louis Stralla Water Treatment Plant as the Glass Fire burns in St. Helena.
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          Cal Fire Capt. Jesse Campbell works to save the Louis Stralla Water Treatment Plant as the Glass Fire burns in St. Helena.
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          A photograph of Charles Morton, a firefighter killed battling the El Dorado Fire, is displayed at a memorial service in San Bernardino, California, on September 25. Morton, 39, was a 14-year veteran of the US Forest Service and a squad boss with the Big Bear Hotshot Crew of the San Bernardino National Forest.
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          A photograph of Charles Morton, a firefighter killed battling the El Dorado Fire, is displayed at a memorial service in San Bernardino, California, on September 25. Morton, 39, was a 14-year veteran of the US Forest Service and a squad boss with the Big Bear Hotshot Crew of the San Bernardino National Forest.
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          An inmate firefighter takes a break while working to contain the Bear Fire in Oroville, California, on September 24.
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          An inmate firefighter takes a break while working to contain the Bear Fire in Oroville, California, on September 24.
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          Inmate firefighters extinguish hot spots while working to contain the Bear Fire on September 24.
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          Inmate firefighters extinguish hot spots while working to contain the Bear Fire on September 24.
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          The Bobcat Fire burns near Cedar Springs, California, on September 21.
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          The Bobcat Fire burns near Cedar Springs, California, on September 21.
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          Wildfire smoke rises in Medicine Bow National Forest in southeastern Wyoming on September 21.
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          Wildfire smoke rises in Medicine Bow National Forest in southeastern Wyoming on September 21.
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          A deer looks for food in an area burned by the Bobcat Fire in Pearblossom, California.
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          A deer looks for food in an area burned by the Bobcat Fire in Pearblossom, California.
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          A woman takes photos as the Bobcat Fire burns in Juniper Hills, California, on September 18.
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          A woman takes photos as the Bobcat Fire burns in Juniper Hills, California, on September 18.
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          Wind whips embers from Joshua trees burned by the Bobcat Fire in Juniper Hills on September 18.
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          Wind whips embers from Joshua trees burned by the Bobcat Fire in Juniper Hills on September 18.
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          Firefighter Kirk McDusky walks past smoke rising from the Brattain Fire in Paisley, Oregon, on September 18.
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          Firefighter Kirk McDusky walks past smoke rising from the Brattain Fire in Paisley, Oregon, on September 18.
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          A Juniper Hills home burns during the Bobcat Fire on September 18.
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          A Juniper Hills home burns during the Bobcat Fire on September 18.
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          A firefighter battles the Bobcat Fire while defending the Mount Wilson observatory in Los Angeles on September 17.
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          A firefighter battles the Bobcat Fire while defending the Mount Wilson observatory in Los Angeles on September 17.
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          Stacey Kahny fixes her hair inside her tent at the evacuation center at the Jackson County Fairgrounds in Central Point, Oregon, on September 16. Kahny lived with her parents at a trailer park in Phoenix, Oregon, that was destroyed by fire.
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          Stacey Kahny fixes her hair inside her tent at the evacuation center at the Jackson County Fairgrounds in Central Point, Oregon, on September 16. Kahny lived with her parents at a trailer park in Phoenix, Oregon, that was destroyed by fire.
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          A charred yearbook lies in the debris as Fred Skaff and his son Thomas clean up their home in Phoenix, Oregon, on September 16.
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          A charred yearbook lies in the debris as Fred Skaff and his son Thomas clean up their home in Phoenix, Oregon, on September 16.
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          In this aerial photo taken with a drone, red fire retardant sits on leveled homes in Talent, Oregon, on September 15.
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          In this aerial photo taken with a drone, red fire retardant sits on leveled homes in Talent, Oregon, on September 15.
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          A firefighter works at the scene of the Bobcat Fire burning on hillsides near Monrovia, California, on September 15.
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          A firefighter works at the scene of the Bobcat Fire burning on hillsides near Monrovia, California, on September 15.
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          President Donald Trump listens as California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks about the wildfires during a briefing on September 14.
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          President Donald Trump listens as California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks about the wildfires during a briefing on September 14.
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          George Coble walks through his destroyed property in Mill City, Oregon, on September 12.
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          George Coble walks through his destroyed property in Mill City, Oregon, on September 12.
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          The Bobcat Fire burns in Angeles National Forest, north of Monrovia, California, on September 11.
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          The Bobcat Fire burns in Angeles National Forest, north of Monrovia, California, on September 11.
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          Crystal Sparks kisses her 4-year-old twins, Chance and Ryder Sutton, as they escape the Obenchain Fire in Butte Falls, Oregon, on September 11.
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          Crystal Sparks kisses her 4-year-old twins, Chance and Ryder Sutton, as they escape the Obenchain Fire in Butte Falls, Oregon, on September 11.
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          North Valley Disaster Group member Kari Zeitler and Butte County Animal Control officer Linda Newman bridle up two donkeys wandering along a roadside in Berry Creek, California, on September 11. The donkeys were displaced by the Bear Fire.
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          North Valley Disaster Group member Kari Zeitler and Butte County Animal Control officer Linda Newman bridle up two donkeys wandering along a roadside in Berry Creek, California, on September 11. The donkeys were displaced by the Bear Fire.
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          A firefighter shoots an incendiary device during a back burn to help control the Dolan Fire in Big Sur, California, on September 11.
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          A firefighter shoots an incendiary device during a back burn to help control the Dolan Fire in Big Sur, California, on September 11.
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          Dora Negrete is consoled by her son Hector Rocha after seeing their destroyed mobile home in Talent, Oregon, on September 10.
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          Dora Negrete is consoled by her son Hector Rocha after seeing their destroyed mobile home in Talent, Oregon, on September 10.
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          This aerial photo shows a destroyed mobile-home park in Phoenix, Oregon, on September 10.
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          This aerial photo shows a destroyed mobile-home park in Phoenix, Oregon, on September 10.
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          A street is shrouded by smoke from wildfires in West Linn, Oregon, on September 10.
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          A street is shrouded by smoke from wildfires in West Linn, Oregon, on September 10.
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          A tanker jet drops fire retardant to slow the Bobcat Fire in the Angeles National Forest north of Monrovia, California, on September 10.
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          A tanker jet drops fire retardant to slow the Bobcat Fire in the Angeles National Forest north of Monrovia, California, on September 10.
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          Looking up San Francisco's Columbus Avenue, the Transamerica Pyramid and Salesforce Tower are covered with smoke from nearby wildfires on September 9. This photo was taken in the late morning.
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          Looking up San Francisco's Columbus Avenue, the Transamerica Pyramid and Salesforce Tower are covered with smoke from nearby wildfires on September 9. This photo was taken in the late morning.
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          Visitors of San Francisco's Dolores Park are seen under an orange sky <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/09/weather/california-orange-skies-wildfires-photos-trnd/index.html" target="_blank">darkened by smoke</a> on September 9.
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          Visitors of San Francisco's Dolores Park are seen under an orange sky darkened by smoke on September 9.
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          Wildfire smoke hangs over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge on September 9.
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          Wildfire smoke hangs over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge on September 9.
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          Bejhan Razi, a senior building inspector in Mill Valley, California, checks out repairs on a lamp-post clock as the sky is illuminated by nearby wildfires.
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          Bejhan Razi, a senior building inspector in Mill Valley, California, checks out repairs on a lamp-post clock as the sky is illuminated by nearby wildfires.
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          People stand in Alamo Square Park as smoke hangs over San Francisco on September 9.
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          People stand in Alamo Square Park as smoke hangs over San Francisco on September 9.
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          People stop to take pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge as it is affected from smoke by nearby wildfires on September 9.
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          People stop to take pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge as it is affected from smoke by nearby wildfires on September 9.
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          Firefighters cut defensive lines and light backfires to protect structures in Butte County, California, on September 9.
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          Firefighters cut defensive lines and light backfires to protect structures in Butte County, California, on September 9.
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          Flames shoot from a home in Butte County.
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          Flames shoot from a home in Butte County.
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          A Pacific Gas and Electric worker looks up at the advancing Creek Fire near Alder Springs, California, on September 8.
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          A Pacific Gas and Electric worker looks up at the advancing Creek Fire near Alder Springs, California, on September 8.
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          Lisa Theis unloads the last of her 44 alpacas after she evacuated her ranch in North Fork, California.
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          Lisa Theis unloads the last of her 44 alpacas after she evacuated her ranch in North Fork, California.
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          Flames burn at a home leveled by the Creek Fire in Fresno County, California.
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          Flames burn at a home leveled by the Creek Fire in Fresno County, California.
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          A slide is melted at a school playground in Fresno County.
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          A slide is melted at a school playground in Fresno County.
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          Rubble is seen on September 7 after a wildfire left the small town of Malden, Washington, in ruins. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/08/us/malden-washington-fire-town-destroyed/index.html" target="_blank">The fire destroyed about 80% of the homes and buildings in Malden,</a> which is about 35 miles south of Spokane.
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          Rubble is seen on September 7 after a wildfire left the small town of Malden, Washington, in ruins. The fire destroyed about 80% of the homes and buildings in Malden, which is about 35 miles south of Spokane.
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          Firefighter Nick Grinstead battles the Creek Fire in Shaver Lake, California, on September 7.
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          Firefighter Nick Grinstead battles the Creek Fire in Shaver Lake, California, on September 7.
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          A firefighter in Jamul, California, battles the Valley Fire on September 6.
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          A firefighter in Jamul, California, battles the Valley Fire on September 6.
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          A fire encroaches Japatul Road in Jamul on September 6.
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          A fire encroaches Japatul Road in Jamul on September 6.
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          Little League baseball players warm up for a game near Dehesa, California, as the Valley Fire burns on September 6.
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          Little League baseball players warm up for a game near Dehesa, California, as the Valley Fire burns on September 6.
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          A firefighter watches the advancing Creek Fire in Shaver Lake.
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          A firefighter watches the advancing Creek Fire in Shaver Lake.
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          A business owner in Shaver Lake walks next to kayaks he rents as smoke from the Creek Fire fills the sky on September 6.
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          A business owner in Shaver Lake walks next to kayaks he rents as smoke from the Creek Fire fills the sky on September 6.
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          Family members comfort each other as the El Dorado Fire moves closer to their home in Yucaipa, California, on September 6.
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          Family members comfort each other as the El Dorado Fire moves closer to their home in Yucaipa, California, on September 6.
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          A firefighter sets a controlled burn with a drip torch while fighting the Creek Fire in Shaver Lake.
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          A firefighter sets a controlled burn with a drip torch while fighting the Creek Fire in Shaver Lake.
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          Dozens of evacuees are airlifted to safety on a California National Guard helicopter on September 5. The Creek Fire had left them stranded in a popular camping area in the Sierra National Forest.
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          Dozens of evacuees are airlifted to safety on a California National Guard helicopter on September 5. The Creek Fire had left them stranded in a popular camping area in the Sierra National Forest.
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          Firefighters walk in a line in Yucaipa on September 5.
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          Firefighters walk in a line in Yucaipa on September 5.
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          Haze and smoke blanket the sky near Naches, Washington, as the Evans Canyon Fire burns on September 3.
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          Haze and smoke blanket the sky near Naches, Washington, as the Evans Canyon Fire burns on September 3.
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          California Gov. Gavin Newsom, right, listens as Santa Cruz State Park Superintendent Chris Spohrer talks about the fire damage to the Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
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          California Gov. Gavin Newsom, right, listens as Santa Cruz State Park Superintendent Chris Spohrer talks about the fire damage to the Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
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          Randy Hunt packs up his belongings, including his daughter Natasha's first Pooh bear, left, in case he and his wife Sheli had to evacuate the home they rent in Middletown, California, on August 26.
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          Randy Hunt packs up his belongings, including his daughter Natasha's first Pooh bear, left, in case he and his wife Sheli had to evacuate the home they rent in Middletown, California, on August 26.
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          Firefighter Juan Chavarin pulls down a burning tree trunk in Guerneville, California, on August 25.
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          Firefighter Juan Chavarin pulls down a burning tree trunk in Guerneville, California, on August 25.
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          A sign reading "Vaca Strong" adorns a charred hillside in Vacaville, California, on August 24.
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          A sign reading "Vaca Strong" adorns a charred hillside in Vacaville, California, on August 24.
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          Austin Giannuzzi cries while embracing relatives at the burned remains of their Vacaville home on August 23.
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          Austin Giannuzzi cries while embracing relatives at the burned remains of their Vacaville home on August 23.
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          A firefighter looks out from a helicopter while battling the LNU Lightning Complex fires in Lake County, California.
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          A firefighter looks out from a helicopter while battling the LNU Lightning Complex fires in Lake County, California.
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          Flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires leap above Butts Canyon Road in Lake County on August 23.
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          Flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires leap above Butts Canyon Road in Lake County on August 23.
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          83 of 124
          Karol Markowski of the South Pasadena Fire Department hoses down hot spots while battling the CZU Lightning Complex fires in Boulder Creek, California, on August 22.
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          Karol Markowski of the South Pasadena Fire Department hoses down hot spots while battling the CZU Lightning Complex fires in Boulder Creek, California, on August 22.
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          A burned-out vehicle is left in front of a destroyed residence as smoke fills the sky in Boulder Creek on August 22.
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          A burned-out vehicle is left in front of a destroyed residence as smoke fills the sky in Boulder Creek on August 22.
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          Smoke hangs low in the air at the Big Basin Redwoods State Park as some redwoods burn in Boulder Creek on August 22.
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          Smoke hangs low in the air at the Big Basin Redwoods State Park as some redwoods burn in Boulder Creek on August 22.
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          A firefighter watches the LNU Lightning Complex fires spread through the Berryessa Estates neighborhood in Napa County on August 21.
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          A firefighter watches the LNU Lightning Complex fires spread through the Berryessa Estates neighborhood in Napa County on August 21.
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          Veterinary technician Brianna Jeter comforts a llama injured by a fire in Vacaville on August 21. At right, animal control officer Dae Kim prepares to euthanize the llama.
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          Veterinary technician Brianna Jeter comforts a llama injured by a fire in Vacaville on August 21. At right, animal control officer Dae Kim prepares to euthanize the llama.
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          Smoke from nearby wildfires hangs over San Francisco on August 21.
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          Smoke from nearby wildfires hangs over San Francisco on August 21.
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          A firefighter monitors the advance of a fire in Boulder Creek on August 21.
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          A firefighter monitors the advance of a fire in Boulder Creek on August 21.
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          90 of 124
          Members of the US Forest Service discuss their next moves to battle the Grizzly Creek Fire near Dotsero, Colorado, on August 21.
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          Members of the US Forest Service discuss their next moves to battle the Grizzly Creek Fire near Dotsero, Colorado, on August 21.
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          91 of 124
          People pack brown-bag lunches at an evacuation center in Santa Cruz, California, on August 21.
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          People pack brown-bag lunches at an evacuation center in Santa Cruz, California, on August 21.
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          92 of 124
          A smoke plume from the LNU Lightning Complex fires billows over Healdsburg, California, on August 20.
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          A smoke plume from the LNU Lightning Complex fires billows over Healdsburg, California, on August 20.
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          93 of 124
          A firefighter battles flames in Santa Cruz County, California, on August 20.
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          A firefighter battles flames in Santa Cruz County, California, on August 20.
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          94 of 124
          Only scorched homes and vehicles remain in the Spanish Flat Mobile Villa in Napa County, California, on August 20.
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          Only scorched homes and vehicles remain in the Spanish Flat Mobile Villa in Napa County, California, on August 20.
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          95 of 124
          Peter Koleckar reacts after seeing multiple homes burned in his neighborhood in Bonny Doon, California, on August 20.
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          Peter Koleckar reacts after seeing multiple homes burned in his neighborhood in Bonny Doon, California, on August 20.
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          96 of 124
          A forest burns in Bonny Doon on August 20.
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          A forest burns in Bonny Doon on August 20.
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          97 of 124
          A man looks at a tree blocking his way after a fire ravaged Vacaville, California, on August 20.
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          A man looks at a tree blocking his way after a fire ravaged Vacaville, California, on August 20.
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          98 of 124
          A melted plastic fence lies on the charred ground after fire swept through Vacaville on August 20.
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          A melted plastic fence lies on the charred ground after fire swept through Vacaville on August 20.
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          99 of 124
          Sarah Hawkins searches through rubble after her Vacaville home was destroyed on August 20.
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          Sarah Hawkins searches through rubble after her Vacaville home was destroyed on August 20.
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          100 of 124
          Fire crews maintain a backburn to control the River Fire near the Las Palmas neighborhood in Salinas, California, on August 19.
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          Fire crews maintain a backburn to control the River Fire near the Las Palmas neighborhood in Salinas, California, on August 19.
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          101 of 124
          Gina Santos cries in her car after evacuating Vacaville on August 19.
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          Gina Santos cries in her car after evacuating Vacaville on August 19.
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          102 of 124
          People herd cows down Pleasants Valley Road in Vacaville on August 19.
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          People herd cows down Pleasants Valley Road in Vacaville on August 19.
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          103 of 124
          Flames consume a home in Napa County, California, on August 19.
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          Flames consume a home in Napa County, California, on August 19.
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          104 of 124
          Embers burn along a hillside above Lake Berryessa as the LNU Lightning Complex fires tear through Napa County on August 18. This image was taken with a long exposure.
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          Embers burn along a hillside above Lake Berryessa as the LNU Lightning Complex fires tear through Napa County on August 18. This image was taken with a long exposure.
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          105 of 124
          A resident runs into a home to save a dog while flames from the Hennessy Fire close in near Lake Berryessa on August 18.
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          A resident runs into a home to save a dog while flames from the Hennessy Fire close in near Lake Berryessa on August 18.
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          106 of 124
          A home burns as the LNU Lightning Complex fires tear through the Spanish Flat community in Napa County on August 18.
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          A home burns as the LNU Lightning Complex fires tear through the Spanish Flat community in Napa County on August 18.
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          107 of 124
          An air tanker drops retardant on fires in the Spanish Flat community of Napa County on August 18.
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          An air tanker drops retardant on fires in the Spanish Flat community of Napa County on August 18.
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          108 of 124
          Flames from the Hennessy Fire consume a cabin at the Nichelini Family Winery in Napa County on August 18.
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          Flames from the Hennessy Fire consume a cabin at the Nichelini Family Winery in Napa County on August 18.
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          109 of 124
          Tony Leonardini works on a spot fire as thunderstorm winds fan the Hennessy Fire in Napa County on August 17.
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          Tony Leonardini works on a spot fire as thunderstorm winds fan the Hennessy Fire in Napa County on August 17.
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          110 of 124
          Smoke from the Grizzly Creek Fire is thick in Glenwood Canyon, near Glenwood Springs, Colorado, on August 16.
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          Smoke from the Grizzly Creek Fire is thick in Glenwood Canyon, near Glenwood Springs, Colorado, on August 16.
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          111 of 124
          Kathy Mathison looks at the still-smoldering wildfire on August 16 that, just a day before, came within several feet of her home in Bend, Oregon.
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          Kathy Mathison looks at the still-smoldering wildfire on August 16 that, just a day before, came within several feet of her home in Bend, Oregon.
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          112 of 124
          Firefighters look at smoke and flames rising from the Ranch2 Fire in the San Gabriel Mountains, east of Los Angeles, on August 14.
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          Firefighters look at smoke and flames rising from the Ranch2 Fire in the San Gabriel Mountains, east of Los Angeles, on August 14.
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          113 of 124
          A helicopter makes a water drop over the Ranch2 Fire in Azusa, California, on August 13.
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          A helicopter makes a water drop over the Ranch2 Fire in Azusa, California, on August 13.
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          114 of 124
          A car is charred by the Lake Fire near Lake Hughes, 60 miles north of Los Angeles, on August 13.
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          A car is charred by the Lake Fire near Lake Hughes, 60 miles north of Los Angeles, on August 13.
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          115 of 124
          A couple watches the Ranch2 Fire from a distance on August 13.
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          A couple watches the Ranch2 Fire from a distance on August 13.
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          116 of 124
          A firefighter crew works in Lake Hughes on August 13.
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          A firefighter crew works in Lake Hughes on August 13.
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          117 of 124
          The Lake Fire burns a home in Angeles National Forest on August 13.
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          The Lake Fire burns a home in Angeles National Forest on August 13.
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          118 of 124
          Flames and smoke from the Lake Fire rise on Wednesday, August 12.
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          Flames and smoke from the Lake Fire rise on Wednesday, August 12.
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          119 of 124
          A firefighter works against the Lake Fire on August 12.
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          A firefighter works against the Lake Fire on August 12.
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          120 of 124
          Firefighters make an escape plan as the Lake Fire burns a hillside on August 12.
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          Firefighters make an escape plan as the Lake Fire burns a hillside on August 12.
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          121 of 124
          A tanker makes a drop on the Lake Fire on August 12.
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          A tanker makes a drop on the Lake Fire on August 12.
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          122 of 124
          A plume of smoke rises from the Lake Fire on August 12.
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          A plume of smoke rises from the Lake Fire on August 12.
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          123 of 124
          Fire crews battle the Grizzly Creek Fire near Glenwood Springs, Colorado, on August 11.
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          Fire crews battle the Grizzly Creek Fire near Glenwood Springs, Colorado, on August 11.
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          01a california wildfires yorba linda 102602 blue ridge fire 102701 blue ridge fire 1027 RESTRICTEDsilverado fire irvine california 102601 silverado fire 1026 california 01 Colorado wildfire 102202 Colorado wildfire 1022 RESTRICTED01 Colorado wildfire 101801 cameron peak fire RESTRICTED01a bruder fire 1015 RESTRICTED01 west coast wildfire 1008 RESTRICTED02 west coast wildfire 100101 west coast wildfire 100104 wildfires 093003 wildfires 093001 wildfires 0929 05 wildfires 0929 06 wildfires 092903 california wildfires 0928 Glass Fire03 week in photos 100104 glass fire 0928 04 california wildfires 0928 Glass Fire05 glass fire 0928 RESTRICTED04 california wildfires 0927 Glass Fire03 glass fire 092702 glass fire 092701 glass fire 092701 west coast wiildfire 092501 west coast wildfire 0924 RESTRICTEDwestern wildfires 0924 bear western wildfires 0921 bobcat01 wildfires 0921western wildfires 0920 bobcat02 wildfires 091803 wildfires 091804 wildfires 091801 wildfires 0918 bobcat01 wildfires 0917 bobcat03 US wildfires 091602 US wildfires 091604 US wildfires 091501 bobcat fire 091501 california wildfires 0914 trump01 wildfires 0912 Oregon03 wildfires 0911 california RESTRICTED01 wildfires 0911 oregon04 wildfires 0911 california RESTRICTED03 california fire 091102 wildfires 091003 wildfires 091001 wildfires 091004 wildfires 091001 bay area smoke05 bay area smoke03 bay area smoke04 wildfires 0909 mill valley RESTRICTED04 bay area smoke01 wildfires 0909 san francisco 02 wildfire 0909 bear fire01 wildfire 0909 bear fire 01 creek fire 0908 08 wildfires ca ca05 creek fire 090804 creek fire 090809 wildfires malden WA01 wildfires 090705 california fire 090605 wildfires 090601 california fire 090602 wildfires 090602 california fire 0906RESTRICTED 04 california fire 090601 wildfires 090603 wildfires 090604 wildfires 0906western wildfires 0903 evans canyon western wildfires newsom 0901western wildfires 0826 lightning complex RESTRICTEDwalbridge fire 0825 RESTRICTED01 wildfires 082402 wildfires 082304 wildfires 082301 wildfires 082303 wildfires 082204 wildfires 082211 cali fires 082201 cali fires 082207 cali fires 082203 cali fires 082204 cali fires 082205 cali fires 082206 cali fires 082208 cali fires 082201B wildfires 082102 wildfires 082103 wildfires 082104 wildfires 082105 wildfires 082106 wildfires 082107 wildfires 082108 wildfires 082109 wildfires 082110 wildfires 082111 wildfires 082104B west wildfires 081803 west wildfires 081808 west wildfires 081802 west wildfires 081809 west wildfires 081806 west wildfires 081805 west wildfires 081807 west wildfires 081801 western fires unfurl 0814 california 03 western fires unfurl 0813 california 02 western fires unfurl 0813 california 04 western fires unfurl 0813 california 05 western fires unfurl 0813 california RESTRICTED08 western fires unfurl 0813 california 06 western fires unfurl 07 western fires unfurl 0812 california 09 western fires unfurl 0812 california RESTRICTED10 western fires unfurl 0812 california 11 western fires unfurl 0812 california 02 wildfires california oregon colorado
          At least 25 people have died in the California wildfires since August. Ten people were dead and 22 missing in Oregon as of Tuesday.
            The fires have already emitted an estimated 21.7 megatonnes of carbon in California, 7.3 megatonnes of carbon in Oregon and 1.4 megatonnes of carbon in Washington, according to CAMS.
            Parts of the West Coast now have the worst air quality in the world, according to the air quality monitoring group IQAir.