California’s Dixie Fire grows as heat wave hits western US

Extreme heat and drought continue as more than 100 fires burn throughout the US, mostly in the west.

California’s second-largest wildfire in recorded history continues to grow after destroying nearly 550 homes while authorities in Montana order evacuations as a wind-driven blaze roars towards several remote communities. The dangerous fires were among some 100 large blazes burning Wednesday across 15 states, mostly in the West, where historic drought conditions have left lands parched and ripe for ignition. The east end of Northern California’s enormous Dixie Fire flared up Tuesday as afternoon winds increased, fire officials said.