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Western Wildfires Photographed from Space

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Smoke and heat from western wildfires on June 19, 2012
NASA's Aqua satellite captured smoke and heat from several large fires burning in the western U.S. on June 19, 2012. (Image credit: NASA)

The many wildfires raging across the parched southwest United States can be seen in one view in this image taken by NASA's Aqua satellite on June 19.

The wildfires currently burning in the West include the High Park fire in Colorado, one of the costliest in the state's history. Centered to the west of Fort Collins, Colo., it has burned 130 square miles (337 square kilometers), according to InciWeb, the interagency system that tracks U.S. fire-related incidents. It has already cost nearly $30 million to put the fires out, and 2.2 million gallons (8.3 million liters) of water have been dropped on the fire, according to InciWeb. The fire was 45 percent contained as of this morning (June 25).

Meanwhile, New Mexico's Whitewater-Baldy fire continues to smolder. The largest wildfire in state history, it has chewed through 465 square miles (1,205 square km) of forest near Glenwood, N.M., since it was ignited by lightning on May 16.

Other, smaller fires are also visible in the image: The Little Bear Fire was started by lightning on June 4 near the town of Ruidoso, N.M., and has charred 69 square miles (179 square km). It is 90 percent contained. The Poco fire was started by a person on June 14 and has torched 19 square miles (48 square km) near Young, Ariz.

In southern Colorado, the Little Sand Fire is generating a thick plume of smoke in the Aqua satellite image. The fire is located 13 miles northwest of Pagosa Springs and has so far consumed 34 square miles (87 square km).

In Nevada, the North Schell Fire has consumed 19 square miles (49 square km). The fire began as a U.S. Forest Service prescribed burn on June 9. 

Red flag warnings are in effect across portions of 10 states, meaning "a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create explosive fire growth potential," according to CNN.

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Live Science Staff
Live Science Staff
For the science geek in everyone, Live Science offers a fascinating window into the natural and technological world, delivering comprehensive and compelling news and analysis on everything from dinosaur discoveries, archaeological finds and amazing animals to health, innovation and wearable technology. We aim to empower and inspire our readers with the tools needed to understand the world and appreciate its everyday awe.