Severe drought conditions mean wildfire season has started early and is looking to be an especially treacherous year. BIA Forest Manager Chris Secakuku gave a report last week on this dangerous situation. Fuel moistures are currently at 9 to 15 percent with the prediction that they will go to 7 percent. Anything below 20 percent is bone dry and that is not good when it comes to fire, he shared. In recent weeks there have been multiple fires in the Uintah Basin and fire behavior has been classified as extreme which usually doesn’t occur until July and into September. So what should the public do? Everyone needs to be very, very careful with any open flames, says Secakuku. This includes when grilling, burning yard or agriculture piles, using tools or equipment, or being sure not to have chains or anything dragging from your vehicle. Another must is that you STAY with any fire you start. Never leave a fire unattended. Be there until the fire is dead cold out. Have water, tools, and other people there to help manage the fire. Finally, clear weeds and debris from around homes and structures to reduce the chance of a structure fire and always clear around whatever you may be burning. Call 9-1-1 in the event of a fire and give clear directions of where the fire is.
