California wildfires: Southern CA, Arizona, and New Mexico feel effects of excessive temperatures of up to 120 F

The extreme temperatures, coupled with low humidity, are fueling fires and forcing evacuations

Reuters

At least four people are dead and hundreds have been evacuated as temperatures in the US Southwest have broken triple digits, causing major wildfires throughout Arizona, New Mexico, and California.

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning through various regions in the neighbouring states, with temperatures reaching highs of up to 120°F (49°C). The heat wave is fueling the intense wildfires - including the Bert fire, sparked by a lightning strike on 28 May in the Kaibab National Forest.

The Sherpa fire burns outside of Santa Barbara, California (Reuters)

Since its origin, the Bert fire has expanded to burn 3,852 acres, and was only reported to be one per cent contained by late Saturday morning according to the Arizona Daily Sun.

The US Forest Service says the Bert fire “substantial increase in activity” with rising temperatures and a drop in humidity.

Meanwhile, New Mexico firefighters have been rallying efforts to extinguish wildfires in their state. The Dog Head fire just South of Albuquerque has already consumed more than 20 homes. Authorities report only 9 per cent containment.

The fire had been burning since Tuesday and has reached 17,000 acres. Officials have ordered evacuations in nearby areas.

A fire twice the size, however, continues to burn in the Cibola National Forest nearby. Officials report 30 per cent containment.

Some 700 residents of Potrero, California, faced evacuation as a 1,500 acre fire burned through the area, growing in only a matter of a few hours Sunday afternoon.

The Los Angeles Times reported a closure of a small portion of the Interstate 2 freeway as a small brush fire threatened to spread through the Silver Lake neighbourhood. Although only five acres burned, two homes were damaged and 20 were threatened.

NBC reports the deaths of four hikers along different trails in the parks due to heat-related ailments unrelated to the fires.

According to local Pima County authorities, a 25-year-old man died from exposure to heat. Another man - believed to be in the States from Germany - died while hiking with his group.

A woman hiking along a trail in Pima County succumbed to dehydrations after she and her male companion forgot to bring along water, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s office.

Authorities also reported the death of a 28-year-old woman who suffered from the extreme heat and died despite bringing along significant amounts of water for the hike.

“Recognise the signs and symptoms of heat illness,” the NWS warns, describing early symptoms as headache, thirst, and muscle cramps. Among serious symptoms are “skin that is cool to the touch”, they add, “fast but weak pulse,” nausea, and fainting.

“Severe symptoms include hot and red dry skin, fast and strong pulse, sweating that has stopped, and unconsciousness.

Untreated heat illness can lead to fatal heat stroke.”