 In California, Joe Tyler, director of the state's Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, says the recent heat wave has exacerbated the problem, consuming thousands of acres. On Wednesday, California crews were battling at least 19 major wildfires and scorching temperatures and single-digit humidity. Several wildfires are also burning in Oregon, east of Portland. In southern New Mexico, some 1,000 residents in Ruidoso fled their homes Wednesday.