FILE - In this Aug. 5, 2015 file photo, fire engulfs sagebrush near Roosevelt, Wash. Federal officials have released a plan intended to reduce the size of giant rangeland wildfires that have become an increasing problem in the Great Basin for cattle ranchers, recreationists and some 350 species of wildlife, including imperiled sage grouse. (AP Photo/Don Ryan, File)
TOOELE, Utah — April showers bring May flowers, and a wet winter brings a higher fire risk. The North Tooele Fire District is warning that fire danger is going to be high these next few months.
“The North Tooele Fire District covers 17,000 square miles, which is about the size of Rhode Island,” says Jon Smith, public information officer for the district.
According to their website the department has only approximately 40 firefighters, which is not a lot to cover an area with a population of approximately 16,500 people.
This ratio of 400:1 is why Smith says that preparation for fire mitigation is a team effort between citizens and the department.
He explains, “what we like to do to get both ourselves and the public prepared is remind everybody to clear that area around their home… We have our ‘chipper days’ where people can dispose of dead vegetation that they might find in their yard.”
In the next few months, the snow will melt and vegetation will start to dry out. That will create a lot of light flashy fuels. These fuels include grass and sagebrush. And, when dry, will cause fire to spread quickly, up to 15-20 miles per hour.
Smith concludes that “the best way to fight a fire is to prevent a fire.”
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