Weather Conditions Fueling the Fire Risk
The combination of weather conditions is creating an environment where fires can spread extremely quickly.
Forecasts include:
- Sustained winds between 25 and 35 mph
- Wind gusts reaching 55 mph
- Relative humidity dropping into the single digits
- Extremely dry grasses, shrubs, and forests acting as fuel
Under these conditions, even a small spark can quickly develop into a fast-moving wildfire.
Historic Drought Adds to the Threat
Much of the western United States experienced one of its lowest snowpack seasons on record during the past winter.
With less snow available to provide moisture during spring and summer, vegetation has dried out much earlier than normal. Combined with ongoing drought conditions, this has significantly increased wildfire danger across the region.
