This summer has seen record-breaking temperatures and relentless heatwaves across the west.

Wildfires have burned hundreds of thousands of acres. The drought has forced the shutoff of irrigation water in a number of western states. The combo has ranchers struggling to keep their animals safe.

Ashley Ahearn reports from north-central Washington State.

Editor’s note: This segment originally aired on Aug. 20, 2021. Find that audio here.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.

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