So far this year, the U.S. has seen 11,912 wildfires. (Credit: Oregon Department of Transportation)
Fifty large, uncontained wildfires are burning in 16 states currently, according to the National Fire Information Center.
Of those fires, 23 are in Oklahoma, which has seen dry conditions and high winds for several days.
So far this year, 11,912 wildfires have burned 396,631 acres across the United States. The number of wildfires is well above the 10-year average of 7,157.
A fuels and fire behavior advisory has been issued for the Southern Great Plains, which has seen dozens of wildfires recently. The area is going to remain at high risk into April. “Extreme fire behavior with high rates of spread and high resistance to control has been observed and expected to continue for the foreseeable future,” the advisory said.
The center also expects Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and several southeastern states to see significant wildfire potential over the coming weeks as strong winds and dry conditions persist.
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