With summer here, the Forest Services is warning that the west is approaching the most intense part of the wildfire season.  Forest Service Chief Randy Moore mentioned in recent testimony before the senate Energy Committee.  Notable in the context of an already fast start to the 2022 western wildfire season, featuring extreme fire activity in the Southwest.

"They hit preparedness level 4 earlier than at any time in recorded history.  The number of acres burned so far has surpassed our 10 year average.  We fully expect active and extreme fire conditions to continue across the west, into the fall."

In addition to joint response between federal, state and tribal partners, "we're working to dramatically increase the fuels and force health treatments up to four times the current treatment levels in the west," Moore continued.  "We will focus on those areas where the wildfire risk to homes and communities are highest."

The Chief added that progress must continue in efforts to hire and retain important fire personnel to beat the challenge of increasing wildfire activity.

 

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com

More From PNW Ag Network