Utah seeing fewer human caused wildfires despite extreme fire danger
and last updated 2021-07-28 20:17:43-04
SALT LAKE CITY â Utah firefighters have responded to more than 100 fewer wildfire starts this year compared to 2020.
As of July 25, there had been 732 Utah wildfire starts in 2021 compared to 867 in 2020, according to the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands (FFSL).
It is surprising considering the extreme fire danger and historic drought Utah has been experiencing this year. It proves something, however, Kait Webb, FFSL spokesperson, said, people are listening.
âWe were expecting a very, very busy season. The potential was there,â she said.
SALT LAKE CITY Considering Utah s bone-dry conditions and the record pace of human-caused fires the state experienced heading into the traditional fire season this summer, Utah wildfire experts were pleasantly surprised with where the state is at in the final week of July.
While it s been an active fire season across the West, it seems as if at least for now Utah s has quieted down, with dozens of Utah firefighters assigned to fires in Idaho, Montana and Oregon instead. As of Wednesday afternoon, the Black Pine Fire near the Utah-Idaho border is the largest active fire at 563 acres, but crews were able to get 100% containment on the fire this week.
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SALT LAKE CITY There were still some troublemakers, but for the most part Utahns answered the calls of local leaders and fire officials to exercise extreme caution over the Fourth of July weekend.
No major fires broke out across Utah, which is among the states choking on the West s megadrought. Local agencies reported some fireworks-caused blazes here and there, but they were snuffed out early before they could grow. No houses burned. No lives were lost.
But leaders are hoping Utahns generally good behavior will continue on through Pioneer Day on July 24 when fireworks will be legal again starting July 22 and until July 25.
Fire agencies warn even an accidental fire could cost you thousands
Fire agencies warn even an accidental fire could cost you thousands
and last updated 2021-07-01 23:17:41-04
COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, Utah â Starting Friday, fireworks can be legally used in approved areas. However, if your celebration turns into a fire, you may be the one holding the bag.
Governor Spencer Cox warned this fire season could cost hundreds of millions of federal, state and local dollars if it as severe as predicted.
âIâm nervous going into the weekend with just how critical conditions are state-wide. Itâs drier than weâve ever seen. Fire potential is very high,â said Utah Division of Forestry Fire & State Lands spokesperson Kait Webb.