Dozens of people are missing in Oregon as wildfires continue to rage across the western US, state Governor Kate Brown has said.
Tens of thousands of people in Oregon alone have been displaced by the deadly infernos.
Wildfires have killed at least four in Oregon and 11 elsewhere.
One hundred blazes, fanned by hot, dry winds, are currently scorching 12 states.
Federal emergency aid has been approved for Oregon to help battle the fires.
“Many Oregonians are suffering right now, whether displaced themselves or worried about their families and communities while watching our beautiful state burn,” Gov Brown told reporters on Friday.
“As of now, there are early reports from our state police that there are dozens of missing persons related to the fires specifically in Jackson, Lane and Marion counties.”
The governor also clarified that fewer than 100,000 Oregonians had been told to leave their homes.
State officials said a day earlier than half a million people were under evacuation orders.
But Ms. Brown said on Friday the higher figure included those who remained at home but had been advised to be ready to evacuate.
Ms. Brown also implored residents who have evacuated to keep out of fire zones despite rumors of thieves and damage.
She added that people who tried to return to their homes were putting their own lives, as well as those of firefighters and first responders, at risk.
The governor noted that federal aid had been approved, which will help provide additional support in fighting the fires and caring for those displaced.
Oregon’s forestry department fire protection chief Doug Grafe said on Friday firefighters are still battling 16 large blazes, but cooling temperatures and additional moisture in the air are helping efforts.
Along with Oregon, California, and Washington state are the worst affected states.
Entire towns have been destroyed in this region and around 4.5m acres – an area slightly smaller than Wales – have been burned, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
