Utah’s current fire season is weeks longer than decades ago

SALT LAKE CITY — In some areas of Utah, the fire season has extended a full month from where it was in the 1970s.

A climate research group examined historical fire records across the U.S. and found that the number of fire-weather days in western Utah has increased by 34 days per year. These days are characterized by hot, dry and windy conditions.

This  is called “fire weather” and Utah isn’t alone. The average increase of fire-weather days in southwestern states is 37 days.

Fire safety is essential during fire season

North Tooele Fire District Public Information Officer Jon Smith said climate change is a major factor in the rising number of fires, particularly in the West. He said recreation activities also contribute to the increase.

“A lot of people camping, target shooting,” said Smith.  “People (are) exploring the BLM lands or public lands on their side-by-side and motorcycles.”

Smith said 92% of wildland fires in the state are human-caused.

“(Vehicles with) hot brakes … dragging chains,” said Smith. “People throw cigarettes out the window. When they have car trouble, they’ll park on the side of the road and they’ll pull the car into high dry vegetation and that will catch on fire.”

Smith said that as we start moving into warmer weather and more people venture outside, they should remember that most fires can be easily controlled if they are caught early by fire officials.

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