NEW YORK — Fire management officials issued stark warnings about the upcoming wildfire season, which has already begun earlier than usual due to persistent drought conditions and below-average snowpack across much of the western United States.
Critical Conditions
Satellite imagery shows vegetation moisture levels at their lowest recorded point for this time of year. Combined with forecast high temperatures and wind events, conditions are ripe for rapid fire growth.
Federal and state agencies have begun pre-positioning firefighting resources, including additional aircraft, engine crews, and hand crews. International firefighting partnerships have been activated to ensure mutual aid is available.
Communities in high-risk areas are being urged to implement defensible space measures and have evacuation plans ready. Several areas have already implemented fire restrictions earlier than in previous years.
