Wildfires continue to rage up and down the West Coast. Thousands of firefighters are on the frontlines working around the clock trying to get things under control in Washington, Oregon, and California.
High winds and high heat are fueling the more than 60 fires across California, Washington, and Oregon. A dramatic video just south of Portland shows flames on the move than an explosion. More than 360,000 acres have burned across the state. That number doubling overnight with urgent evacuations underway.
And in Washington, the Cold Springs Fire burned thru an old lumber mill with thick smoke towering into the air. Choppers dropped retardant to contain flames as others airlifted 160 people just south of Big Sur, California.
"I kept thinking about, my wife and family at home and you know I knew that they would be very nervous," said rescued hiker Joe Ebright.
More than a dozen firefighters were overrun by the Dolan fire when it doubled in size and forced to take shelter in fire blankets Three were airlifted to a nearby hospital. One in critical condition.
"These dedicated firefighters received injuries including burns and smoke inhalation," explained District Ranger Tony Martinez.
Nearly 14,000 firefighters in total are on the frontlines in California, many of them up against wind gusts topping 50 miles per hour
To the south crews fighting the El Dorado fire in San Bernadino County are trying to protect one community by clearing brush to create a dead spot.
Right now there is no end in sight with officials saying the fires are uncontrollable until the weather improves.
