The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/republican-party">Republican Party </a>clashed with California authorities after it placed ballot boxes at conservative churches, gun shops and other areas of the state.&nbsp;

A spokesperson of the party claimed that the boxes are kept simply for "ballot harvesting," which let third parties collect and deliver ballots in a few US states.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-how-are-votes-counted-in-the-presidential-election-335422">US election 2020: How are votes counted in the presidential election?</a>

"We're going to continue our ballot harvesting programs," said California Republican Party spokesperson Hector Barajas to local CBS station on Monday, as quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-fumes-as-facebook-twitter-limit-reach-of-smoking-gun-article-on-biden-and-his-son-335344">Trump fumes as Facebook, Twitter limit reach of 'smoking gun' article on Biden and his son</a>

Californian authorities argue that the boxes are "misleading" voters and have given an ultimatum to the party to remove them by Thursday.&nbsp;

"Misleading voters is wrong, regardless of who is doing it," said California Secretary of State Alex Padilla.&nbsp;

"Political parties and campaigns can engage in get out the vote efforts, but they cannot violate state law," Padilla added in a statement.&nbsp;

"The unofficial, unauthorized drop boxes in question violate state law and jeopardize the security of voters' ballots."

State Attorney General Xavier Becerra warned Republicans of civil or criminal punishment if they fail to remove the ballots.&nbsp;

The Republicans, however, are looking in no mood to remove the boxes as its spokesperson said they would erase the word "official", but they would themselves not remove the boxes.&nbsp;

"Show us within the law, where we should stop," Barajas said.&nbsp;

"Tell us within the law, where we’re breaking the law." 
&nbsp;

The Republican Party clashed with California authorities after it placed ballot boxes at conservative churches, gun shops and other areas of the state. A spokesperson of the party claimed that the boxes are kept simply for "ballot harvesting," which let third parties collect and deliver ballots in a few US states.

The Republican Party clashed with California authorities after it placed ballot boxes at conservative churches, gun shops and other areas of the state. A spokesperson of the party claimed that the boxes are kept simply for "ballot harvesting," which let third parties collect and deliver ballots in a few US states. Also read | US election 2020: How are votes counted in the presidential election? "We're going to continue our ballot harvesting programs," said California Republican Party spokesperson Hector Barajas to local CBS station on Monday, as quoted by news agency AFP. Also read | Trump fumes as Facebook, Twitter limit reach of 'smoking gun' article on Biden and his son Californian authorities argue that the boxes are "misleading" voters and have given an ultimatum to the party to remove them by Thursday. "Misleading voters is wrong, regardless of who is doing it," said California Secretary of State Alex Padilla. "Political parties and campaigns can engage in get out the vote efforts, but they cannot violate state law," Padilla added in a statement. "The unofficial, unauthorized drop boxes in question violate state law and jeopardize the security of voters' ballots." State Attorney General Xavier Becerra warned Republicans of civil or criminal punishment if they fail to remove the ballots. The Republicans, however, are looking in no mood to remove the boxes as its spokesperson said they would erase the word "official", but they would themselves not remove the boxes. "Show us within the law, where we should stop," Barajas said. "Tell us within the law, where we’re breaking the law."

US election 2020: Republicans clash with California officials over ballot boxes

A northern California wildfire raging in the foothills of the Cascade range has claimed 31 lives, officials said on Monday

WION Dispatch: 4 million acres of land burnt till now in California

Millions of acres of land have been burnt off in California and the Paraguay government has declared the forest fires as national emergency.

Paraguay declares national emergency: 31 lives lost in California forest fires

California is poised to hit a fearsome milestone: 4 million acres burned this year by wildfires that have killed 31 people and incinerated hundreds of homes in what is already the worst fire season on record.

Flames have scorched an area larger than Connecticut. Fire crews at a blaze in the wine country north of San Francisco were on high alert Friday as forecasters warned of extreme fire danger into Saturday.

Powerful winds didn't materialize early Friday, allowing fire crews a chance to make gains. But winds up to 30 mph (48 kph) were forecast to push through the hills of Napa and Sonoma counties as the Glass Fire, which exploded in size earlier in the week, threatens more than 28,000 homes and other buildings.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/getting-warmer-trump-acknowledges-human-role-in-climate-change-331687">Also read:&nbsp;'Getting warmer': Trump acknowledges human role in climate change</a>

"So far we have not seen the velocity of the winds that we were expecting," Cal Fire Battalion Chief Mark Brunton said. "But there will be gusts and ... We do have hot embers and it won't take much to take that and blow it into a very dry receptive fuel bed. That gives us cause for concern."

Winds were blowing at higher elevations on the western side of the fire. Crews expected a long battle to keep flames from jumping containment lines and to prevent spot fires from leaping ahead to spark new blazes.

More crews and equipment were deployed in and around Calistoga, a town of 5,000 people known for hot springs, mud baths and wineries in the hills of Napa County about 70 miles (110 km) north of San Francisco.

The area was also experiencing high temperatures and thick smoke that fouled the air throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

Numerous studies have linked bigger wildfires in America to climate change from the burning of coal, oil and gas. Scientists say climate change has made California much drier, meaning trees and other plants are more flammable.

The Glass Fire is the fourth major blaze in the region in three years and comes ahead of the third anniversary of an October 8, 2017, wildfire that killed 22 people.

Around the state, 17,000 firefighters were battling nearly two dozen major blazes. Virtually all the damage has occurred since mid-August, when five of the six largest fires in state history erupted. Lightning strikes caused some of the most devastating blazes.

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Cal Fire Deputy Chief Jonathan Cox said wildfires have scorched 3.9 million acres in California since August 15. That figure, which works out to more than 6,000 square miles (15,500 square km), is astonishing even in a state that has had its fair share of fires.

"We're at a historic moment where we are going to cross the 4 million acres burned mark in California this year," Cox said. "And unfortunately, we're just getting into some of the most critical fire months in California."

The death toll increased to 31 people after a person burned in the LNU Lightning Complex died from their injuries, Cal Fire said in a statement. That cluster of fires sparked by lightning in mid-August in the San Francisco Bay Area was fully contained on Thursday.

Fire officials said the Glass Fire was their top priority. Since erupting Sunday, the fire has destroyed nearly 600 buildings, including 220 homes and nearly the same number of commercial structures.

About 80,000 people were under evacuation orders and officials warned that more were possible. Fire and public safety officials asked people to remain vigilant, stay out of evacuation zones and quit demanding that officers let them back into off-limits neighbourhoods.

About 150 miles (240 km) to the north of wine country, the Zogg Fire, which also erupted during Sunday's high winds and grew quickly, has killed four people and destroyed 153 buildings.

The weekend was expected to usher in some cooling — or less intense heat — and long-range forecast models hinted at the possibility of rain.

Hurricane Marie, spinning in the Pacific southwest of Baja California, was expected to weaken by the middle of next week but leftover tropical moisture may be pulled northward and bring "impressive rainfall" to Northern California, forecasters said.&nbsp;

California is poised to hit a fearsome milestone: 4 million acres burned this year by wildfires that have killed 31 people and incinerated hundreds of homes in what is already the worst fire season on record.

California is poised to hit a fearsome milestone: 4 million acres burned this year by wildfires that have killed 31 people and incinerated hundreds of homes in what is already the worst fire season on record. Flames have scorched an area larger than Connecticut. Fire crews at a blaze in the wine country north of San Francisco were on high alert Friday as forecasters warned of extreme fire danger into Saturday. Powerful winds didn't materialize early Friday, allowing fire crews a chance to make gains. But winds up to 30 mph (48 kph) were forecast to push through the hills of Napa and Sonoma counties as the Glass Fire, which exploded in size earlier in the week, threatens more than 28,000 homes and other buildings. Also read: 'Getting warmer': Trump acknowledges human role in climate change "So far we have not seen the velocity of the winds that we were expecting," Cal Fire Battalion Chief Mark Brunton said. "But there will be gusts and ... We do have hot embers and it won't take much to take that and blow it into a very dry receptive fuel bed. That gives us cause for concern." Winds were blowing at higher elevations on the western side of the fire. Crews expected a long battle to keep flames from jumping containment lines and to prevent spot fires from leaping ahead to spark new blazes. More crews and equipment were deployed in and around Calistoga, a town of 5,000 people known for hot springs, mud baths and wineries in the hills of Napa County about 70 miles (110 km) north of San Francisco. The area was also experiencing high temperatures and thick smoke that fouled the air throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Numerous studies have linked bigger wildfires in America to climate change from the burning of coal, oil and gas. Scientists say climate change has made California much drier, meaning trees and other plants are more flammable. The Glass Fire is the fourth major blaze in the region in three years and comes ahead of the third anniversary of an October 8, 2017, wildfire that killed 22 people. Around the state, 17,000 firefighters were battling nearly two dozen major blazes. Virtually all the damage has occurred since mid-August, when five of the six largest fires in state history erupted. Lightning strikes caused some of the most devastating blazes. × Cal Fire Deputy Chief Jonathan Cox said wildfires have scorched 3.9 million acres in California since August 15. That figure, which works out to more than 6,000 square miles (15,500 square km), is astonishing even in a state that has had its fair share of fires. "We're at a historic moment where we are going to cross the 4 million acres burned mark in California this year," Cox said. "And unfortunately, we're just getting into some of the most critical fire months in California." The death toll increased to 31 people after a person burned in the LNU Lightning Complex died from their injuries, Cal Fire said in a statement. That cluster of fires sparked by lightning in mid-August in the San Francisco Bay Area was fully contained on Thursday. Fire officials said the Glass Fire was their top priority. Since erupting Sunday, the fire has destroyed nearly 600 buildings, including 220 homes and nearly the same number of commercial structures. About 80,000 people were under evacuation orders and officials warned that more were possible. Fire and public safety officials asked people to remain vigilant, stay out of evacuation zones and quit demanding that officers let them back into off-limits neighbourhoods. About 150 miles (240 km) to the north of wine country, the Zogg Fire, which also erupted during Sunday's high winds and grew quickly, has killed four people and destroyed 153 buildings. The weekend was expected to usher in some cooling — or less intense heat — and long-range forecast models hinted at the possibility of rain. Hurricane Marie, spinning in the Pacific southwest of Baja California, was expected to weaken by the middle of next week but leftover tropical moisture may be pulled northward and bring "impressive rainfall" to Northern California, forecasters said.

California nears milestone: 4 million acres burned in fires

The wildfires have destroyed Napa's wine country, reducing at least one-storied winery to charred rubble, damaging another, and threatening what remains of the tourist destination.

Wildfire destroys Napa's wine country: Pandemic and wildfire cripples business

It's a "total loss," admitted Californian winemaker Dario Sattui, as he inspected the wildfire damage to his Castello di Amorosa winery in the Napa Valley wine region. On Sunday night, flames from the Glass fire destroyed wine-storage chamber, a fermentation room, a bottling facility and offices at Sattui's Castello di Amorosa winery, but its distinctive castle complex and tasting room remained unscathed.

California winery owner loses his "dream castle" to wildfires in Napa Valley

The Black lives matter (BLM) protests sparked removal of federal statues. We bring you one such incident from California's City of Venture, watch the report.

BLM protests sparked removal of federal statues in US

A northern California wildfire raging in the foothills of the Cascade range has claimed three lives, officials said on Monday, as a separate blaze prompted mass evacuations and spread turmoil to the famed wine-producing regions of Napa and Sonoma counties.

US: Northern California wildfires kill 3, force evacuation of thousands

A wind-driven wildfire erupted on Sunday (September 27) in the heart of northern California's Napa Valley wine country and spread across more than 1,000 acres (404 hectares), forcing the evacuation of several hundreds homes and a hospital, authorities said.

California wine country wildfire forces rapid evacuation

A white supremacist was killed in a shootout with police in Templeton, California on Friday. Christopher Straub, the deceased was a wanted felon and had previously served jail time in prison. A Deputy Sheriff was injured due to bullets fired by Straub.

Before the shootout, the police tried at first to conduct a traffic stop on Starub near a cemetery. This was when Straub grabbed a gun he had in his car and ran through the vineyards in the cemetery. The police gave a chase.

Inside the cemetery, Starub ambushed and opened fire at the police. One policeman was injured. The policeman was airlifted to a hospital and his health is said to be stable.

As policemen retaliated and fired bullets at Christopher Straub, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police found a large cache of weaponry inside his car. As per CNN, this included four assault-style rifles, one hunting rifle, one shotgun, two handguns along with the one he used to fire at police and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

The police later discovered that Stroub was illegally manufacturing weapons parts.

He had links with white supremacist groups and had been booked more than a dozen times in various parts of California.

A white supremacist was killed in a shootout with police in Templeton, California on Friday. Christopher Straub, the deceased was a wanted felon and had previously served jail time in prison.

A white supremacist was killed in a shootout with police in Templeton, California on Friday. Christopher Straub, the deceased was a wanted felon and had previously served jail time in prison. A Deputy Sheriff was injured due to bullets fired by Straub. Before the shootout, the police tried at first to conduct a traffic stop on Starub near a cemetery. This was when Straub grabbed a gun he had in his car and ran through the vineyards in the cemetery. The police gave a chase. Inside the cemetery, Starub ambushed and opened fire at the police. One policeman was injured. The policeman was airlifted to a hospital and his health is said to be stable. As policemen retaliated and fired bullets at Christopher Straub, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police found a large cache of weaponry inside his car. As per CNN, this included four assault-style rifles, one hunting rifle, one shotgun, two handguns along with the one he used to fire at police and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. The police later discovered that Stroub was illegally manufacturing weapons parts. He had links with white supremacist groups and had been booked more than a dozen times in various parts of California.

White supremacist killed in shootout in California

Fire burning in California becoming the biggest on record. Experts are saying that climate change is making the fire worse in the West America. Watch the report.

Wildfires continue to rage in the Western coast of the United States, at least 35 killed so far

Wildfires have been polluting the environment for the past few weeks across the state of California — of which some were man-made and some started due to the high temperatures and lightning storms.

Video: Wildfires burn the Western U.S.

A firefighter has lost his life while trying to contain the spread of the wildfire in California that started nearly two weeks ago when a couple hosted a gender-reveal party in the forest.

The serviceman was trying to put off fire in the&nbsp;San Bernardino National Forest east of Los Angeles. His death toll has increased the death toll to 35, out of which two victims were firefighters. In total, 12 firefighters have suffered minor injuries and at least 10 structures have been destroyed by that fire.

The details about his identity have not been revealed yet, in order to first tell his kin. The only thing known as of now is tat he lost his life in the El Dorado Fire.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/headaches-and-hospital-visits-rise-as-wildfire-smoke-blankets-western-us-327971">Also read:&nbsp;Headaches and hospital visits rise as wildfire smoke blankets western US</a>

The fire started after the gender-reveal party which was hosted by a couple two weeks back, and has since then spread across nearly 21,000 acres and has only been contained up to 66 per cent till Friday.

Wildfires have been polluting the environment for the past few weeks across the state of California — of which some were man-made and some started due to the high temperatures and lightning storms.

While citizens were rescued from the area, the heavy rainfall since yesterday is a welcome change for the firefighters trying to contain the spread of the wildfire.However, authorities have warned locals to stay alert about any further announcement of floods that can be caused due to heavy rainfall.

A firefighter has lost his life while trying to contain the spread of the wildfire in California that started nearly two weeks ago when a couple hosted a gender-reveal party in the forest.

A firefighter has lost his life while trying to contain the spread of the wildfire in California that started nearly two weeks ago when a couple hosted a gender-reveal party in the forest. The serviceman was trying to put off fire in the San Bernardino National Forest east of Los Angeles. His death toll has increased the death toll to 35, out of which two victims were firefighters. In total, 12 firefighters have suffered minor injuries and at least 10 structures have been destroyed by that fire. The details about his identity have not been revealed yet, in order to first tell his kin. The only thing known as of now is tat he lost his life in the El Dorado Fire. Also read: Headaches and hospital visits rise as wildfire smoke blankets western US The fire started after the gender-reveal party which was hosted by a couple two weeks back, and has since then spread across nearly 21,000 acres and has only been contained up to 66 per cent till Friday. Wildfires have been polluting the environment for the past few weeks across the state of California — of which some were man-made and some started due to the high temperatures and lightning storms. While citizens were rescued from the area, the heavy rainfall since yesterday is a welcome change for the firefighters trying to contain the spread of the wildfire.However, authorities have warned locals to stay alert about any further announcement of floods that can be caused due to heavy rainfall.

Rains help douse California wildfire; firefighter loses his life

The splitting headaches began when smoke from wildfires rolled in around Tim Hunt's suburban Seattle home. Next came a debilitating fatigue.

As deadly wildfires rage across the U.S. West, Hunt and others are struggling with some of the world's worst air pollution.

"I get out of bed to eat and drink water, and go back to bed," said the 64-year-old retired software engineer, who suffered lung damage in 2017 from a bad case of the flu. "It’s like there’s not enough oxygen in the air."

Enormous plumes of ash and smoke have spread from the region, where nearly 5 million acres were ablaze on Tuesday, compounding the public health crisis of the coronavirus pandemic.

In California, levels of lung-polluting particulate matter have jumped far beyond the summertime norm, bathing skies in eerie tones of orange and sepia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/trump-dismisses-climate-concerns-blames-poor-forest-management-for-western-wildfires-327587" hreflang="en">Trump dismisses climate concerns, blames 'poor' forest management for Western wildfires</a>

Hospitals in hard-hit Oregon report a 10% increase in emergency room visits for breathing problems. Doctors are being inundated with calls from worried patients.

"It's really putting a burden on our asthmatic patients," said Dr. Paul Williams, an allergy and immunology specialist in Everett, Washington. "They're calling us more often and they're requiring additional medications."

Air pollution, in the case of wildfire measured by the amount of fine particulate matter swirling in the air, is considered a serious health hazard linked to diseases including asthma, lung cancer, heart disease and early death.

Pollution has hit historic levels in five Oregon cities - Portland, Eugene, Bend, Medford and Klamath Falls, the state said Tuesday.

"I can't see out my window past two cars," said Dr. Gopal Allada, a pulmonologist who teaches at Oregon Health &amp; Science University School of Medicine. Allada's office is swamped with calls from patients experiencing breathing problems and asking for advice on what to do about symptoms that include coughing, wheezing, throat irritation, headache and racing heartbeat.

"We're just trying to field the calls," Allada said. "I would have loved to have had more people answering phones."

In Washington where Hunt lives, the air quality on Tuesday ranged from unhealthy to hazardous at every site monitored by the state.

Residents were stuffing towels in door cracks or sleeping in face masks to cope.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/dozens-remain-missing-as-wildfires-torch-millions-of-acres-in-us-west-327272" hreflang="en">Dozens remain missing as wildfires torch millions of acres in US West</a>

Particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers, known as PM2.5, is the key measure for harmful air pollution. The particles are smaller than the width of a human hair, small enough to burrow deep into a person's lungs and even find its way into the bloodstream.

Wildfire smoke mostly carries particulates from burning trees and plants, which are already harmful.

But smoke from devastated communities can also contain toxic chemicals from burned plastic and other manmade materials in cars and buildings such as asbestos, synthetic rubber compounds and heavy metals. These can then pollute not only air but nearby waterways or soils.

A Reuters analysis of California air quality data showed moderate to hazardous air quality on Sunday and Monday at all but about 20 of more than 120 sites monitored by environmental officials, even as some smoke started to abate. About 40 sites, including San Luis Obispo along the Pacific Coast and large swaths of the agricultural Central Valley and Sierra Nevada foothills, had higher levels of pollutants than usual for six days running, state data showed.

In San Francisco, an area usually spared poor air because of its proximity to the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean, levels of PM2.5 pollution have been three times California's standard limit of 35 micrograms per cubic meter for at least six days.

"I can't recall a time when we've had this amount of smoke for this long a time," said Sylvia Vanderspek, chief of the Air Quality Planning Branch of the California Air Resources Board.

COMPOUNDING COVID-19

The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic is also complicating efforts to help people at risk for lung and breathing problems, said Dr. Afif El-Hasan, a pediatrician in Southern California who volunteers with the American Lung Association.

Wildfire pollution can make people more susceptible to COVID-19, he said, and the best masks for filtering smoke are the same N-95 face coverings desperately needed by doctors and nurses treating COVID patients, making medical professionals hesitant to recommend that patients buy them.

It has also been difficult to help people find respite from the bad air, other than to recommend staying home and indoors.

"Normally when we give air quality alerts we say where people can go," said Dylan Darling, a spokesman for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. "Often the Oregon coast can provide refuge or the mountains. But right now there is not a place that’s good to go for fresh air."

The splitting headaches began when smoke from wildfires rolled in around Tim Hunt's suburban Seattle home. Next came a debilitating fatigue. As deadly wildfires rage across the U.

The splitting headaches began when smoke from wildfires rolled in around Tim Hunt's suburban Seattle home. Next came a debilitating fatigue. As deadly wildfires rage across the U.S. West, Hunt and others are struggling with some of the world's worst air pollution. "I get out of bed to eat and drink water, and go back to bed," said the 64-year-old retired software engineer, who suffered lung damage in 2017 from a bad case of the flu. "It’s like there’s not enough oxygen in the air." Enormous plumes of ash and smoke have spread from the region, where nearly 5 million acres were ablaze on Tuesday, compounding the public health crisis of the coronavirus pandemic. In California, levels of lung-polluting particulate matter have jumped far beyond the summertime norm, bathing skies in eerie tones of orange and sepia. Also read: Trump dismisses climate concerns, blames 'poor' forest management for Western wildfires Hospitals in hard-hit Oregon report a 10% increase in emergency room visits for breathing problems. Doctors are being inundated with calls from worried patients. "It's really putting a burden on our asthmatic patients," said Dr. Paul Williams, an allergy and immunology specialist in Everett, Washington. "They're calling us more often and they're requiring additional medications." Air pollution, in the case of wildfire measured by the amount of fine particulate matter swirling in the air, is considered a serious health hazard linked to diseases including asthma, lung cancer, heart disease and early death. Pollution has hit historic levels in five Oregon cities - Portland, Eugene, Bend, Medford and Klamath Falls, the state said Tuesday. "I can't see out my window past two cars," said Dr. Gopal Allada, a pulmonologist who teaches at Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine. Allada's office is swamped with calls from patients experiencing breathing problems and asking for advice on what to do about symptoms that include coughing, wheezing, throat irritation, headache and racing heartbeat. "We're just trying to field the calls," Allada said. "I would have loved to have had more people answering phones." In Washington where Hunt lives, the air quality on Tuesday ranged from unhealthy to hazardous at every site monitored by the state. Residents were stuffing towels in door cracks or sleeping in face masks to cope. Also read: Dozens remain missing as wildfires torch millions of acres in US West Particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers, known as PM2.5, is the key measure for harmful air pollution. The particles are smaller than the width of a human hair, small enough to burrow deep into a person's lungs and even find its way into the bloodstream. Wildfire smoke mostly carries particulates from burning trees and plants, which are already harmful. But smoke from devastated communities can also contain toxic chemicals from burned plastic and other manmade materials in cars and buildings such as asbestos, synthetic rubber compounds and heavy metals. These can then pollute not only air but nearby waterways or soils. A Reuters analysis of California air quality data showed moderate to hazardous air quality on Sunday and Monday at all but about 20 of more than 120 sites monitored by environmental officials, even as some smoke started to abate. About 40 sites, including San Luis Obispo along the Pacific Coast and large swaths of the agricultural Central Valley and Sierra Nevada foothills, had higher levels of pollutants than usual for six days running, state data showed. In San Francisco, an area usually spared poor air because of its proximity to the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean, levels of PM2.5 pollution have been three times California's standard limit of 35 micrograms per cubic meter for at least six days. "I can't recall a time when we've had this amount of smoke for this long a time," said Sylvia Vanderspek, chief of the Air Quality Planning Branch of the California Air Resources Board. COMPOUNDING COVID-19 The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic is also complicating efforts to help people at risk for lung and breathing problems, said Dr. Afif El-Hasan, a pediatrician in Southern California who volunteers with the American Lung Association. Wildfire pollution can make people more susceptible to COVID-19, he said, and the best masks for filtering smoke are the same N-95 face coverings desperately needed by doctors and nurses treating COVID patients, making medical professionals hesitant to recommend that patients buy them. It has also been difficult to help people find respite from the bad air, other than to recommend staying home and indoors. "Normally when we give air quality alerts we say where people can go," said Dylan Darling, a spokesman for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. "Often the Oregon coast can provide refuge or the mountains. But right now there is not a place that’s good to go for fresh air."

Headaches and hospital visits rise as wildfire smoke blankets western US

In California, Trump refused to acknowledged the effects the climate crisis is having on the state's forest fires and instead continued to highlight the need for better forest management

California Wildfires: US Prez Trump blames poor forest management for the deadly fire

Trump has been referring to climate Change as a 'Hoax'

More than 30 lost has their lives as wild fires sweeps through the US West Coast states. Most of these fatalities are from California & Oregon.

Wild fires sweeps through the US West Coast states, more than 30 lost their lives

Wildfires are sweeping through the US west coast states. More than 30 people have lost their lives. Watch report.

US Wildfires weep through west coast: Burnt area roughly the size of New Jersey

Wildfires have killed at least 28 people in the three contiguous West Coast states since mid-August, including 19 in California. Dozens of people are missing and thousands have been displaced.

28 people dead and dozens more are missing as fires ravage the US West Coast

Have you heard about Gender reveal parties? They are in trend. And as the name suggests, it is a party that involves revealing the gender of an unborn baby. The concept took off sometime around 2008. And today, gender reveal parties have become commonplace

But there is something really worrying about how these gender reveal parties are shaping out.

A Syrian couple recently spent as much as USD 100,000 on gender reveal party of their baby. What did they do with that kind of money?

Project the child's gender onto the Burj Khalifa in Dubai!

The couple are social media influencers with over 7 million followers on Youtube and over 2 million followers on Instagram

And they saw nothing wrong in splurging this much on a grand celebration.

Here's an alternative viewpoint.&nbsp;

Imagine the kind of use this money could have been put to back in the couple's home country Syria. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Remember, Syria is a war-torn country.&nbsp;

According to one estimate, 9.3 million Syrians go to sleep hungry. 
&nbsp; 
2 million others are at risk of meeting a similar fate.

There is nothing wrong to share joy over your yet-to-born child.

But what we are talking about here are limits.

Several netizens have pointed at the sheer waste of money. One Twitter user called it disgusting and shameful. Someone else called the celebrations to be exaggerated. 
&nbsp; 
Another Twitter user from Syria dropped a political bomb. She said that the couple belongs to a political family.

The man's father is the head of US-backed Syrian Opposition. We have not been able to independently verify this claim. But if it is true, then some serious questions need to be posed to political elites in Syria and the US

Speaking of US, you must have heard about the California wildfires. The same one that has gutted 2.2. million acres of land.&nbsp;

Did you know that a gender reveal party is responsible for it? That's where the fire started.

There is nothing wrong in celebrating the gender of an unborn child. Especially if you can afford it economically and socially.

In India, for example, it is not even an option as the gender of the child is not revealed over fears of infanticide.

But if you are in a country where there aren't social taboos and fears, you are well within your rights to celebrate.

The only question is, how far should you take things&nbsp;

 
This woman is said to have come up with the idea of gender reveal parties.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

In her post on Facebook, she claims she has mixed feelings about her contribution to this culture.

Check out couple of lines from her post.

'Who cares what gender the baby is? I did at the time because we didn't live in 2019 and didn't know what we know now...PLOT TWIST, the world's first gender-reveal party baby is a girl who wears suits!'

Hope this gets you thinking&nbsp;

Have you heard about Gender reveal parties? They are in trend. And as the name suggests, it is a party that involves revealing the gender of an unborn baby. The concept took off sometime around 2008.

Have you heard about Gender reveal parties? They are in trend. And as the name suggests, it is a party that involves revealing the gender of an unborn baby. The concept took off sometime around 2008. And today, gender reveal parties have become commonplace But there is something really worrying about how these gender reveal parties are shaping out. A Syrian couple recently spent as much as USD 100,000 on gender reveal party of their baby. What did they do with that kind of money? Project the child's gender onto the Burj Khalifa in Dubai! The couple are social media influencers with over 7 million followers on Youtube and over 2 million followers on Instagram And they saw nothing wrong in splurging this much on a grand celebration. Here's an alternative viewpoint. Imagine the kind of use this money could have been put to back in the couple's home country Syria. Remember, Syria is a war-torn country. According to one estimate, 9.3 million Syrians go to sleep hungry. 2 million others are at risk of meeting a similar fate. There is nothing wrong to share joy over your yet-to-born child. But what we are talking about here are limits. Several netizens have pointed at the sheer waste of money. One Twitter user called it disgusting and shameful. Someone else called the celebrations to be exaggerated. Another Twitter user from Syria dropped a political bomb. She said that the couple belongs to a political family. The man's father is the head of US-backed Syrian Opposition. We have not been able to independently verify this claim. But if it is true, then some serious questions need to be posed to political elites in Syria and the US Speaking of US, you must have heard about the California wildfires. The same one that has gutted 2.2. million acres of land. Did you know that a gender reveal party is responsible for it? That's where the fire started. There is nothing wrong in celebrating the gender of an unborn child. Especially if you can afford it economically and socially. In India, for example, it is not even an option as the gender of the child is not revealed over fears of infanticide. But if you are in a country where there aren't social taboos and fears, you are well within your rights to celebrate. The only question is, how far should you take things This woman is said to have come up with the idea of gender reveal parties. × In her post on Facebook, she claims she has mixed feelings about her contribution to this culture. Check out couple of lines from her post. 'Who cares what gender the baby is? I did at the time because we didn't live in 2019 and didn't know what we know now...PLOT TWIST, the world's first gender-reveal party baby is a girl who wears suits!' Hope this gets you thinking

This gender reveal party cost USD 100,000

The 2020 wildfire season in California has been record-breaking with massive clouds of smoke, reeky orange skies and thousands of destroyed homes. The most populous state in America has not witnessed such a spectacle of horror in recent history.

More than 2 million acres of land has got burnt so far which is more than 10 times the size of New York City. 1,000 acres of land has been burning every minute that is one football field burning every 30 minutes.

Five of the current fires are among the 20 largest wildfires in California's history. As they burn at a distance a dangerous Instagram filter has cast its shadow on San Francisco which is the commercial capital of California.

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The city now resembles a scene straight out of Mars with a person unable to distinguish between night and day. Back in the wild, the scenery is even more apocalyptic. The wildfires are threatening local communities in forest areas and due to the flames August has turned out to be California's warmest month on record.

It has further set the stage for extraordinary streaks of fires in the coming days with some 3 million homes at risk of being ravaged and at least 64,000 people having been forced to evacuate.

"Our refrigerator broke down in our trailer. Our lights went out, we got a flat tire, it's been really difficult," Tammy Johnson, resident of Auberry, said.

First the virus, then social unrest and now the wildfire, this may just be the worst summer in American history.

The 2020 wildfire season in California has been record-breaking with massive clouds of smoke, reeky orange skies and thousands of destroyed homes. The most populous state in America has not witnessed such a spectacle of horror in recent history.

The 2020 wildfire season in California has been record-breaking with massive clouds of smoke, reeky orange skies and thousands of destroyed homes. The most populous state in America has not witnessed such a spectacle of horror in recent history. More than 2 million acres of land has got burnt so far which is more than 10 times the size of New York City. 1,000 acres of land has been burning every minute that is one football field burning every 30 minutes. Five of the current fires are among the 20 largest wildfires in California's history. As they burn at a distance a dangerous Instagram filter has cast its shadow on San Francisco which is the commercial capital of California. × The city now resembles a scene straight out of Mars with a person unable to distinguish between night and day. Back in the wild, the scenery is even more apocalyptic. The wildfires are threatening local communities in forest areas and due to the flames August has turned out to be California's warmest month on record. It has further set the stage for extraordinary streaks of fires in the coming days with some 3 million homes at risk of being ravaged and at least 64,000 people having been forced to evacuate. "Our refrigerator broke down in our trailer. Our lights went out, we got a flat tire, it's been really difficult," Tammy Johnson, resident of Auberry, said. First the virus, then social unrest and now the wildfire, this may just be the worst summer in American history.

After virus and social unrest, now wildfires hit California

At least nine people were killed and hundreds of thousands evacuated as wildfires continue to impact US West Coast states on Thursday. In the state of Oregon, nearly 500,000 people, which is about an eighth of the state's population, were given evacuation orders.&nbsp;

Police said that in the last 48 hours, nine people have lost their lives in the fires, which include four casualties from California and Oregon and a one-year-old in Washington.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-six-die-in-wildfires-as-orange-skies-blacken-us-california-326449">At least six die in wildfires as orange skies blacken US</a>

Other than Oregon, thousands were evacuated from Washington and California too.&nbsp;

Currently, the crisis is most severe in Oregon, where around 3,000 firefighters are working to douse about three dozen flames, which the state governor claims have burnt 900,000 acres of land.&nbsp;

In the western US, about 100 major wildfires continue to cause destruction.&nbsp;

Wildfires destroyed over 3.1 million acres land in California this year, which is an overall record as six of state's largest-ever fires occured in 2020.&nbsp;

At least nine people were killed and hundreds of thousands evacuated as wildfires continue to impact US West Coast states on Thursday. In the state of Oregon, nearly 500,000 people, which is about an eighth of the state's population, were given evacuation orders.

At least nine people were killed and hundreds of thousands evacuated as wildfires continue to impact US West Coast states on Thursday. In the state of Oregon, nearly 500,000 people, which is about an eighth of the state's population, were given evacuation orders. Police said that in the last 48 hours, nine people have lost their lives in the fires, which include four casualties from California and Oregon and a one-year-old in Washington. Also read | At least six die in wildfires as orange skies blacken US Other than Oregon, thousands were evacuated from Washington and California too. Currently, the crisis is most severe in Oregon, where around 3,000 firefighters are working to douse about three dozen flames, which the state governor claims have burnt 900,000 acres of land. In the western US, about 100 major wildfires continue to cause destruction. Wildfires destroyed over 3.1 million acres land in California this year, which is an overall record as six of state's largest-ever fires occured in 2020.

US: Death toll of West Coast wildfires rises to 9; 500,000 ordered to evacuate in Oregon

A massive wildfire that is ravaging parts of the US state of Oregon has turned the skies into a dark reddish-orange colour.

California: US Marines join firefighting operations in Oregon

At least six people died in the western United States as states such as Washington and Oregon apart from California are scrambling to control the rapidly spreading flames.&nbsp;

Three people died of a massive wildfire triggered by lightning in northern California, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes, authorities said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said the victims were found in two separate locations, as told by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

In pics | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/orange-skies-in-fire-ravaged-california-bay-reminds-people-of-dystopian-science-fiction-film-326427">Orange skies in fire-ravaged California bay reminds people of Dystopian science fiction film</a>

California Highway Patrol Officer Ben Draper said that one person who was apparently trying to escape the blazes was found dead in a car, reported Bay Area News Group.&nbsp;

Earlier, in a news conference, fire officials said hundreds, if not thousands of homes and other structures have been destroyed or damaged by fires northeast of San Francisco.&nbsp;

As firefighters are struggling to reach many areas burning, officials have warned of potential mass deaths under orange skies that have engulfed the region.&nbsp;

"This could be the greatest loss of human lives and property due to wildfire in our state's history," Oregon Governor Kate Brown said, adding that as many as five towns were "substantially destroyed".&nbsp;

The fatalities confirmed on Wednesday include a one-year-old kid who died as his parents tried to escape blazes 130 miles east of Seattle, in Washington state.&nbsp;

As many as two more deaths were reported in the Santiam Canyon region, 60 miles south of Portland, Oregon.

At least six people died in the western United States as states such as Washington and Oregon apart from California are scrambling to control the rapidly spreading flames.

At least six people died in the western United States as states such as Washington and Oregon apart from California are scrambling to control the rapidly spreading flames. Three people died of a massive wildfire triggered by lightning in northern California, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes, authorities said on Wednesday. Watch | × Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said the victims were found in two separate locations, as told by news agency Reuters. In pics | Orange skies in fire-ravaged California bay reminds people of Dystopian science fiction film California Highway Patrol Officer Ben Draper said that one person who was apparently trying to escape the blazes was found dead in a car, reported Bay Area News Group. Earlier, in a news conference, fire officials said hundreds, if not thousands of homes and other structures have been destroyed or damaged by fires northeast of San Francisco. As firefighters are struggling to reach many areas burning, officials have warned of potential mass deaths under orange skies that have engulfed the region. "This could be the greatest loss of human lives and property due to wildfire in our state's history," Oregon Governor Kate Brown said, adding that as many as five towns were "substantially destroyed". The fatalities confirmed on Wednesday include a one-year-old kid who died as his parents tried to escape blazes 130 miles east of Seattle, in Washington state. As many as two more deaths were reported in the Santiam Canyon region, 60 miles south of Portland, Oregon.

At least six die in wildfires as orange skies blacken US

Orange skies in fire-ravaged California bay reminds people of Dystopian science fiction film

A massive wildfire that is ravaging parts of the US state of Oregon has turned the skies into a dark reddish-orange colour

Sky turns hellish red as Oregon burn from wildfires

Wildfires in Washington have torched a record more than two million acres, the state fire department said Wednesday, as an uncontrolled blaze forced many residents to flee their homes.

330,000 acres of forest area burnt in Washington in last 24 hours

Over 200 people, who were trapped in wildfires in northern California, were airlifted to safety by members of the California National Guard, officials said on Sunday.

California wildfires: More than 200 people airlifted to safety

Wildfires in California have torched a record more than two million acres, the state fire department said Monday, as an uncontrolled blaze forced many residents to flee their homes.

The record was hit as the wildfire season still has roughly two months to go in the most populous US state and as thousands of firefighters were battling flames during a scorching heat wave.

"In the past 33 years we have not seen a single year go over two million acres until this year," said California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) spokeswoman Lynne Tolmachoff.

"This is definitely record-breaking and we have not even come close to the end of fire season yet."

At least seven people have died as a result of this year's fires and some 3,800 structures have been damaged or destroyed, according to Cal Fire figures.

The last time the number of acres burned got close to two million was in 2018, the same year as the devastating Camp Fire, when a little more than 1.9 million acres (769,000 hectares) went up in flames.

More than 14,100 firefighters were battling 24 different wildfires as of Monday afternoon, the fire department said in a tweet.

Among those blazes was the Creek Fire, which started on Friday in steep and rugged terrain, has so far spread to 78,790 acres and is zero percent contained, according to Cal Fire.

The department said on Twitter that 976 personnel were battling the fire, which had continued to grow "under extreme conditions."

Another rapidly growing fire, the Oak Fire, began Sunday in Mendocino county and has already grown to 1,000 acres.

Cal Fire said that 83 personnel were on hand to battle the blaze, which was zero percent contained.

Evacuation orders were in effect throughout southern California on Monday afternoon.

In northern California, more than 200 people were airlifted to safety over the weekend after a fast-moving wildfire trapped them near the Mammoth Pool Reservoir northeast of Fresno.

They were rescued by military helicopters, with dozens packed into a Chinook, video shared by the California National Guard showed.

Record temperatures over the three-day Labor Day weekend have aggravated already dangerous fire conditions and further stressed exhausted California firefighters.

California has been baking under scorching conditions with temperatures reaching a record 121 degrees Fahrenheit (49 Celsius) on Sunday in Woodland Hills, an all-time high for Los Angeles county, the National Weather Service said.

Wildfires in California have torched a record more than two million acres, the state fire department said Monday, as an uncontrolled blaze forced many residents to flee their homes.

Wildfires in California have torched a record more than two million acres, the state fire department said Monday, as an uncontrolled blaze forced many residents to flee their homes. The record was hit as the wildfire season still has roughly two months to go in the most populous US state and as thousands of firefighters were battling flames during a scorching heat wave. "In the past 33 years we have not seen a single year go over two million acres until this year," said California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) spokeswoman Lynne Tolmachoff. "This is definitely record-breaking and we have not even come close to the end of fire season yet." At least seven people have died as a result of this year's fires and some 3,800 structures have been damaged or destroyed, according to Cal Fire figures. The last time the number of acres burned got close to two million was in 2018, the same year as the devastating Camp Fire, when a little more than 1.9 million acres (769,000 hectares) went up in flames. More than 14,100 firefighters were battling 24 different wildfires as of Monday afternoon, the fire department said in a tweet. Among those blazes was the Creek Fire, which started on Friday in steep and rugged terrain, has so far spread to 78,790 acres and is zero percent contained, according to Cal Fire. The department said on Twitter that 976 personnel were battling the fire, which had continued to grow "under extreme conditions." Another rapidly growing fire, the Oak Fire, began Sunday in Mendocino county and has already grown to 1,000 acres. Cal Fire said that 83 personnel were on hand to battle the blaze, which was zero percent contained. Evacuation orders were in effect throughout southern California on Monday afternoon. In northern California, more than 200 people were airlifted to safety over the weekend after a fast-moving wildfire trapped them near the Mammoth Pool Reservoir northeast of Fresno. They were rescued by military helicopters, with dozens packed into a Chinook, video shared by the California National Guard showed. Record temperatures over the three-day Labor Day weekend have aggravated already dangerous fire conditions and further stressed exhausted California firefighters. California has been baking under scorching conditions with temperatures reaching a record 121 degrees Fahrenheit (49 Celsius) on Sunday in Woodland Hills, an all-time high for Los Angeles county, the National Weather Service said.

California fires burn record 2 million acres

Wildfires in California have torched a record more than two million acres, the state fire department said Monday, as an uncontrolled blaze forced many residents to flee their homes. California's governow has declared state of emergency.

California: Wildfires burn record 2 million acres, state of emergency declared

Over 200 people, who were trapped in wildfires in northern California, were airlifted to safety by members of the California National Guard, officials said on Sunday.

The blazes blocked the escape routes in Mammoth Pool Reservoir in the Sierra National Forest, nearly 45 miles (70 kilometres) northeast of Fresno and the campers were asked to "shelter in place" as fire crew members worked for hours to gain access to the region.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wildfires-have-burned-1-million-acres-in-california-in-just-a-week-322467">Wildfires have burned 1 million acres in California in just a week</a>

Military helicopters were then used to rescue people stuck in the wildfires.&nbsp;

In pics |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/california-braces-for-record-breaking-heat-wave-on-labour-day-weekend-325378#dangerous-fire-weather-conditions-325367">California braces for record-breaking heat wave on Labour Day weekend</a>

As many as 63 people required medical attention, including at least 17 who were severely wounded and admitted to hospitals after landing in Fresno.&nbsp;

"Simply extraordinary, lifesaving work by the @CalGuard airlifting more than 200 people to safety overnight from the imminent danger of the #CreekFire," said Army General Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, on Twitter.

The US Forest Services said the Creek Fire, which started on Friday, has extended to 45,500 acres (18,400 hectares), making it one of the largest fires in the state that is witnessing several of them.&nbsp;

With record high temperatures of 125 Fahrenheit (49 Celsius) and forecasts of high mercury levels in three-day Labor Day weekend, massive fires are expected in California.&nbsp;

(With AFP, Reuters inputs)

Over 200 people, who were trapped in wildfires in northern California, were airlifted to safety by members of the California National Guard, officials said on Sunday. The blazes blocked the escape routes in Mammoth Pool Reservoir in the Sierra National Forest, nearly 45 miles (70 kilometres) northeast of Fresno and the campers were asked to "shelter in place" as fire crew members worked for hours to gain access to the region. Also read | Wildfires have burned 1 million acres in California in just a week Military helicopters were then used to rescue people stuck in the wildfires. In pics | California braces for record-breaking heat wave on Labour Day weekend As many as 63 people required medical attention, including at least 17 who were severely wounded and admitted to hospitals after landing in Fresno. "Simply extraordinary, lifesaving work by the @CalGuard airlifting more than 200 people to safety overnight from the imminent danger of the #CreekFire," said Army General Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, on Twitter. The US Forest Services said the Creek Fire, which started on Friday, has extended to 45,500 acres (18,400 hectares), making it one of the largest fires in the state that is witnessing several of them. With record high temperatures of 125 Fahrenheit (49 Celsius) and forecasts of high mercury levels in three-day Labor Day weekend, massive fires are expected in California. (With AFP, Reuters inputs)

California wildfires: Military helicopters used to rescue over 200 people

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