Nouakchott: A series of wildfires swept across the western United States, driven by soaring temperatures, dry conditions and strong winds. Utah's Forest and Public Lands Authority said the state was hit by the most severe blaze, which remains out of control and forced the evacuation of the small town of Eureka and a nearby farm. According to Oman News Agency, the fire had already consumed an estimated 87 square kilometres. US media quoted Kelly Wickens, the authority's fire prevention officer, as saying the blaze was expanding because of the dry weather. She said it was human-caused and that an investigation was underway to determine responsibility. In neighbouring Arizona, another fire burned through about 120 hectares of rugged terrain, with crews continuing their efforts to contain it. Most of the western US, from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific coast, recorded above-average temperatures at the start of the week, with officials warning that persistent dry weather and the heatwave could trigger further fires.