Wildfires and a Western megadrought led to a historic die-off of evergreen trees in the state — nearly twice as bad as the previous worst year. Some researchers have dubbed it "firmageddon."

Controlled burns help reduce wildfire risk by clearing out overgrown vegetation. The U.S. Forest Service is suspending them, concerning fire scientists.

Experts warn that Western states and the federal government need to radically increase the number and size of controlled burns to help reduce the ongoing risks of more catastrophic wildfire seasons.

Improving weather conditions have aided firefighters' efforts to contain major wildfires on the West Coast, but dozens rage on. The Bobcat Fire has become one of Los Angeles County's largest ever.

The U.S. Forest Service said 14 firefighters, overrun by the blaze in Los Padres National Forest, used portable fire shelters. Three were airlifted to a hospital, where one is in critical condition.