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U.S. nears costliest wildfire season on record
United States
The 2015 wildfire season is not only setting records for acres burned, it's also nearing the costliest on record. With $1.23 billion spent so far this year to fight the blazes, the U.S. Forest Service is approaching its all-time record for firefighting costs of $1.65 billion, set in fiscal year 2002 (adjusted for inflation). Due primarily to gigantic fires in Alaska, the U.S. is now approaching 9 million acres burned across the country, the National Interagency Fire Center said. That is an area larger than the state of Maryland. Only twice before has the nation topped the 9 million acre mark — in 2006 and 2007.
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