August 10, 2000

Satellite Images of Western U.S. Wildfires

The U.S. analysts of the FSA - FAS Center for Remote Sensing Analysis continually monitor U.S. crop conditions using remotely sensed data and other resources. The 2000 growing season has been highlighted by an "expanding drought" in the western states. Fires early in the season occurred in New Mexico and then were widespread in Colorado. During July and early August, fires, mostly started by lightning, broke out across the Northwest and California.

Included here is a NOAA 14 satellite image of the northwestern states taken on August 8, 2000.

Smoke from fires is visible in Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.

There is a smaller image 713 pixels x 518 lines

and a larger image 1188 pixels x 864 lines.

You may decide to view the smaller image if you have a limited size computer monitor or a slower web connection.

Fire Links and Current Information

National Interagency Fire Center, in Boise, Idaho Site

USDA-Forest Service - Fire & Aviation Site

For more information, contact Carl Gernazio with the Production Estimates and Crop Assessment Division, Center for Remote Sensing Analysis at (202) 690-0136.