SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH- May is designated as National Wildfire Awareness Month, so different state agencies came together to promote prevention and preparedness efforts among wildfire-prone communities and areas.
The Utah Bureau of Land Management, Unified Fire Authority and the state National Guard at Camp Williams gave a demonstration and explained that as temperatures rise, vegetation increases and therefore the risk of wildfires.
Wildfire Awareness Month aims to promote prevention and preparedness efforts among prone communities and areas.
Nick Howell, fire management specialist, said this event designed to give them the tools and knowledge for the upcoming wildfire season, only experienced firefighters are attending this multi-day training at Camp Williams, where conditions are similar to what that they could face in real life. He adds that more fires are expected this year.
As summer approaches, areas with high grass growth, such as northeastern Utah, could experience significant wildfire activity.
According to the Utah Fire Info page, this year 116 forest fires have already been reported in our state, of which 100 have been caused by humans, 9 due to natural causes and 7 for unknown reasons. In total 384 acres have burned.
The Unified Fire fire management officer offered some recommendations to prevent wildfires such as:
- Do not play with matches or fireworks.
- Make bonfires in permitted places and extinguish them properly.
- Keep vehicles off dry grass.
- Check tires and vehicle condition.
