In Oregon, half a million people flees homes over ravaging fires

Authorities say more than half a million people in the US state of Oregon are fleeing deadly wildfires that are raging across the Pacific Northwest.

Fanned by unusually hot dry winds, dozens of fires are sweeping the state and at least one is being treated as suspected arson.

Governor Kate Brown said the exact number of fatalities was not yet known, though at least four were confirmed.

The national interagency fire center said some 4.4 million acres have been razed.

More than 100 wildfires are currently scorching 12 western US states.