Colorado: Wildfire danger eases slightly

Posted on May 13, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Summer outlook still calling for above-normal chances for wildfire in western Colorado, south-central Wyoming and parts of Great Basin

Seasonal outlook from the National Interagency Fire Center.

By Bob Berwyn

SUMMIT COUNTY — The fire danger in the high country has eased slightly in the past couple weeks, as timely spring rains and the greening up of potential fuels have combined to reduce the potential for rapidly spreading blazes. That doesn’t mean there couldn’t be a fire, but the likelihood of a fire starting and growing quickly is somewhat less than just a few weeks ago, fire experts said.

So far this year, wildfires nationally are well down from last year’s record-setting early season pace and well below the 10-year average for acres burned. For information on current fires go to Inciweb.org.

But those conditions could change again quickly depending on conditions in the next few weeks, said Ross Wilmore, the federal fire management officer for the east zone of the White River National Forest. This year’s early snowmelt is still a key factor in the fire equation, as ground fuels like last year’s grasses and downed trees dried out more quickly than usual. (more…)

Filed under: climate and weather, Colorado, Drought, Environment, forests, public lands, Summit County news, US Forest Service, White River National Forest, wildfires | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 5,720 other followers