Human-caused fires on the decline

SALT LAKE CITY — In 2022,  data shows that human-caused fires in the state of Utah have significantly decreased. State fire officials said Utahns and a clever ad campaign are both getting credit for the good news. 

Ted Black, Utah’s Fire Marshal gives Utahn’s the credit for declining numbers of careless, human-caused fires.

“We’ve saved millions of dollars because the citizens of Utah chose to be more responsible and they are to be commended,” Black told KSL NewsRadio. 

State fire officials credit the Fire Sense campaign, which utilizes funny clips and even rap videos to warn Utahns to be careful around fire while recreating.

In 2020, according to Forestry, Fire, and State Lands Utah spent $27 million fighting wildfires. This year, the state spent $5 million. Human-caused wildfires went from almost 900 in 2020 to about 450 this year

Fire Sense was a result of the partnering of organizations including the department of agriculture, fish and wildlife services, forestry, national park services and Indian affairs. 

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