Extreme conditions in Washington and Oregon have fueled fast-moving fires, leaving the region draped in toxic plumes – and the danger isn’t over

Firefighting resources are already being pushed to their limits, but there are months left before the highest risks on desperately dry landscapes might begin to subside.

In the US and around the world, the climate crisis has pushed temperatures higher and extended the seasons when infernos are more able to erupt. With the threat of another warm winter looming large, experts say there will probably be even more time for calamitous conditions to align.

Good thing we have all this pointless war on Iran to keep us busy while other problems aren’t existentially threatening us!