From salamanders and salmon to bears and mountain lions, David Herasimtschuk's images illustrate not only the beauty of the forests and their creatures but the symbiotic relationships that are vital to the forests’ health and the planet’s welfare.

Record high temperatures, strong winds and thunderstorms are prompting warnings for high wildfire danger across the Pacific Northwest.

Temperatures will linger in the triple digits for parts of California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana this week, with little relief coming at night.

An early heat wave took hold Saturday in parts of the Pacific Northwest, with temperatures nearing or breaking records in some areas and heat advisories in place through Monday.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee declared a severe weather state of emergency for 14 counties in the western part of the state. Oregon and British Columbia also saw extreme flooding and high winds.

Expected heavy rainfall could ease wildfire threats in some regions but could also cause mudslides in areas cleared by wildfire.

The Forest Service is also warning that air quality is likely to deteriorate as wildfires continue to burn.

The Pacific Northwest is being scorched. Trapped beneath a heat dome, the effects of extreme heat are being seen in dramatic detail.