Firefighters spray water on wildfire. (Photo was not taken in Utah. Photo credit: Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — The number of grassfires, brushfires, and wildfires is above average in 2021, but the number of human-caused fires across Utah is below average (so far) for the month of July, according to the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands.
It appears pleas for caution from state officials are working and Utahns are being responsible.
“I think people are taking it seriously,” said Jason Curry with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands.
“I think that they are being extra careful this year because of the drought …. and it’s really bad.”
The 10-year average for human-caused fires for the week of July 12-18 is 31, but Curry says there were only 22 this year. The average is 40 for the week prior, July 5-11, but there were 24. State and local leaders were quick to thank Utahns for the low number of firework-related fires over the July 4 holiday weekend.
“Ever since the end of June, we really went down as far as our human-caused starts,” said Curry. “The overall trendline and this number of starts was lower for the last three weeks than in 2019 or 2020.”
There are a number of fire restrictions across Utah as we head into the Pioneer Day holiday weekend. Curry hopes we keep the ball rolling.
“We’re asking people just to keep up the good work in terms of preventing fires. People are being more careful with everything they’re doing out there; working, traveling, recreating, and they’re using Fire Sense.”
Utahns can legally light fireworks from July 22-26. A full list of restrictions can be found here.