New Delhi, Aug. 11 -- As the western United States braces for a week marked by fires, storms, and near-record high temperatures, authorities and experts warn of escalating challenges from multiple natural hazards.

The largest ongoing wildfire, the Gifford Fire, located about 125 miles northwest of Los Angeles, has burned 114,621 acres and is 21% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), as reported by Bloomberg. The blaze has prompted the evacuation of 809 residents and led to the closure of the Los Padres National Forest. Nearly 4,000 fire crews and support personnel are engaged in battling the fire, with at least seven injured, according to a joint statement by Cal Fire, the US Forest...