3 Firefighters Die In Twisp Fire

A “hellstorm” of flames apparently enveloped a vehicle that crashed while carrying firefighters battling a blaze in Washington state, killing three of them. Four other firefighters were hurt, including one critically, on Wednesday as crews fought raging wildfires advancing on towns in the north-central part of the state, some of the many blazes burning uncontrolled throughout the arid West. Drought and heat have combined to make this fire season one of the most explosive in recent years. Nearly 29,000 firefighters are battling some 100 large blazes across the West, including in Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Washington and California. The three deaths happened in the scenic Methow River valley about 175 miles northwest of Spokane, but few details were released as officials notified family members/Associated Press. More here.