Wyoming Is Facing A Dramatic And Dangerous Fire Season This Year

Forest fires are nothing new out West, but higher temperatures and widespread drought are set to create a problem in Wyoming this year. Read below to see why the Cowboy State's forestry experts are predicting a terrible wildfire season, and create your preparedness plan as soon as you can.

Have you noticed Smokey the Bear and his fire danger warnings rising higher around the state? According to experts, we're in for a dangerous and widespread wildfire season.

97.5% of Wyoming is in at least one stage of drought - and that is why the state's environmental experts are predicting a dangerous, potentially record-setting fire season.

83.9% of the state is in an early stage of drought that increases fire danger and reduces the wildflower bloom, while more than half of the state is in a "Severe Drought" that affects water levels and wells, too. Just over 17% of the state is in a state of Extreme of Exceptional Drought, which creates dangerous situations for livestock and humans alike. No matter how you look at it - the lack of snowpack, the higher annual temperatures, and the reduction in rainfall is creating a major crisis in the Cowboy State.

With drastic drought conditions present in nearly all of Wyoming, forests and prairies are a literal tinderbox, and it wouldn't take much to spark devastating wildfires.

Fires in the west affect more than just their burn path. Heavy smoke that travels in the Wyoming wind creates potentially dangerous air quality levels, deters tourists that contribute significantly to Wyoming's economy, and creates travel hazards for residents, truckers, and anyone else making their way through the Cowboy State.

While our wilderness forest firefighters are among the best in the nation - and states frequently assist each other as fires break out, tending to the most dangerous - it's a thankless and dangerous job that often tests resources and manpower.

Be extremely vigilent with your habits this year. Campfires should only be lit in approved places and must be attended to until they are cold-to-the-touch. Fireworks, firearms, and other explosives can cause forest fires, too - so follow local restrictions. Sometimes the simplest things spark a fire - a rancher who was trying to destroy a nest of wasps accidentally set off one of the largest wildfires in American history - so there's is no such thing as being too careful.

Of course, forest fires are a natural part of the forest cycle, and even the devastating Yellowstone fires of 1988 resulted in new trees being reseeded. But in particularly dry conditions, the danger to residents, tourists, and wildlife is dramatically increased.

Be safe out there, Wyoming! You can learn more about Wyoming's current wildfires and create a plan to protect your home by visiting the state's wildfire monitor website here.