Weather worsens US fires 美国西部大火肆虐

Dry, hot weather will not help the fire-fighting effort

干燥炎热的天气对救火不利

As President Bill Clinton prepares to travel to fire-ravaged western states of America this week, fears are growing that the situation could get even worse.

With fires raging in 11 states, across more than 360,000 hectares (900,000 acres), more hot weather with dry lightning is being forecast.

The fires are already being described as the worst for 50 years, but officials say this could be only the start.

Forecasters predict continued high temperatures, low humidity, and rainless thunderstorms - conditions conducive to even more fires.

在克林顿总统准备本周赴大火肆虐的西部各州考察之际，人们越来越担心灾情会愈演愈烈。

大火正在11个州蔓延，覆盖面积360，000公顷（900，000英亩），而预报说天气将变得更炎热，并伴有闪电。

目前的大火据说已是50年来最严重的火灾，但官员们说这仅是刚刚开始。

天气预报员说高温、低湿度以及无雨雷电天气会持续下去--这将导致更多的火灾。