Montana has reported the most large wildfires with 18, and Idaho is close behind with 17, the NIFC said. In addition to wildfires, parts of Idaho and Montana are also seeing a heatwave that has brought above-average temperatures, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
High temperatures are expected to reach 103 degrees in Montana and 102 degrees in parts of Idaho. The NWS has issued an excessive heat warning for eastern Montana and a heat advisory for the state’s central region.
The Bootleg Fire, which began July 6, is now 22% contained and has destroyed at least 75 structures, including 21 homes, and threatens an additional 5,072 homes, according to Marcus Kaufman, Bootleg Fire spokesperson.
The fire was sparked by lightning near the Alpine County, California, community of Markleeville on July 4, and has triggered mandatory evacuations for a number of campgrounds and neighborhoods in the area.
The fire has also burned at least three structures and jumped Highway 89 at one point on Saturday, according to InciWeb.
The fire danger will persist across the western US Monday, Norman said, as a combination of dry thunderstorms and excessive heat.
CNN’s Dakin Andone contributed to this report.
80 large fires have consumed more than 1 million acres across western parts of the US