We have an update now on wildfire conditions across the U.S.
The National Interagency Fire Center says more than 32,000 fires have burned three million acres so far this year, with the majority of that land being agriculture-related. Right now, there are 17 active wildfires with six burning in Arizona. The Center says nine out of ten wildfires across the country are human-caused and can be prevented.
Oregon’s Fire Marshal’s Office says now is the time to prepare for those fires in rural America. Heather Miller says it only takes a few days of hot weather to dry out vegetation and it’s important to prepare your home for the remainder of the season.
“It’s not the wall of flames that blow through a neighborhood that’s a risk, so much as it’s the ember shower that comes before the wall of flames. So, if we can get our house ready for those embers then we stand a much better chance of surviving a wildfire.”
Miller says you should remember to clear debris from your rain gutters as you clear other debris from around your house.
Related:
Firewise: How to protect your house if it is in the path of a wildfire
Record New Mexico wildfires: how farmers and firefighters are faring
Looking to Summer: wildfire potential will be above-normal
