Wildfires force evacuations across western U.S. as helicopter crash kills two

Wildfires continue to burn across parts of the western United States, forcing thousands from their homes and turning deadly for firefighters battling the flames.

(CNN)- Wildfires continue to burn across parts of the western United States, forcing thousands from their homes and turning deadly for firefighters battling the flames.

In western Nevada, residents were under evacuation orders Sunday as the Bug Fire burned north of Reno near the California state line.

As of Sunday night, the fire had burned more than 11,000 acres. Washoe County officials said changing winds and extreme heat are making conditions unpredictable and keeping some residents from returning to their communities.

California is also battling wildfires, including the Ridge Fire in Southern California. The blaze temporarily closed a freeway and caused a major traffic backup. Strong winds were also captured whipping flames into what appeared to be a “fire devil” before crews eventually brought the fire under control.

In neighboring Utah, two people were killed when a helicopter crashed while they were battling the Wide-Mouth Two Fire. Authorities said both the pilot and passenger died.

Farther north, some evacuation levels have been downgraded around the massive wildfires that have burned through Spokane County, Washington, over the past week. However, crews continue battling the fires as residents confront widespread destruction and the loss of homes.

The wildfire threat also extends into Canada. The Bald Range wildfire in British Columbia forced roughly 12,000 residents to evacuate as officials warned conditions remained extremely dangerous and could change quickly.