How the Bootleg Fire is generating its own weather AccuWeather 2 hrs ago Adriana Navarro Having already devoured a span of acres that could swallow Los Angeles, the Bootleg Fire is now generating its own weather. Since the flames took hold on July 6 in southern Oregon, the blaze has scorched over 388,000 acres and is only 30% contained, according to InciWeb. It's currently unknown how the flames started, and after two weeks of feeding off of the parched landscape wrought by an intense heat wave and months of drought, it has become the largest wildfire to burn in the West this year. The Bootleg Fire has driven thousands of residents from their homes and threatens many more. At least 2,000 homes have been evacuated thus far, and another 5,000 are currently threatened by the blaze, according to The Associated Press. In addition, the fire has destroyed at least 70 homes and more than 100 outbuildings. On Monday, July 19, the blaze merged with the smaller Log Fire.