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Editor's note: The information in the video was as of July 4 and is now outdated. Follow the KSL.com live blog for updated information about all the wildfires burning throughout Utah. THE GREAT OUTDOORS — Numerous wildfires burning across the state have made their presence known. From the 90 homes already destroyed by the Dollar Ridge Fire to the evacuations for more than 1,000 residents in the area to the worsening air quality across the state, there are many reminders about the importance of fire safety.
Early on the Fourth of July, the western Uintas seemed like the perfect place to escape the smoke and breathe a little easier. But by early afternoon, heavy smoke and ash from the Dollar Ridge Fire raging near Strawberry Reservoir some 30 miles to the south were impossible to escape, even at an elevation of nearly 12,000 feet.
As of Monday, the Dollar Ridge Fire is now 35 percent contained and has charred over 52,000 acres, according to Utah Fire Info. And like 92 percent of wildfires in Utah this year, it was caused by human activity — a humbling thought given the cost.
“It’s not uncommon for large fires to cost more than a million dollars a day,” according to Dave Whittekiend, Forest supervisor for the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. “Now (a) days, more than 50 percent of the National Forest Service’s budget is spent on fighting wildfires.”
As of Monday morning, 863 individuals have been assigned to combat the Dollar Ridge Fire as well as 45 engines, nine bulldozers and six helicopters working both day and night shifts, according to Unified Fire Info.
The cost of wildfires can't be completely summarized by the dollars spent to contain or extinguish the flames, or even by the work hours lost because land agency employees are taken from their regular duties. The cost of homes, property and livelihoods, as well as damage to watersheds, wildlife habitat, recreational areas and visitor experience must also be taken into account and are more difficult to quantify.
Every fire season is different and varies depending on fuel and weather conditions. Some years may see more rain and fewer fires, but according to Whittekiend, fire seasons are increasing in length and severity across the West.
“We’ve noticed that fire seasons are starting earlier and they’ve been going longer,” Whittekiend said. “We’re having to fight fires earlier in the spring, and we’re having to keep firefighters onboard even into October. If you look at the data Westwide year after year... fires are becoming more severe.”
But beyond drought and weather conditions, there are some other trends that require reflection.
On the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, “we’ve been experiencing an increase in escaped campfires; this year, in particular, said Whittekiend. “People are just walking away from their campfires without putting them out.
“That’s a message we’ve been trying to put out there for over a hundred years. It seems to be difficult to get that message across. You can’t leave a campfire. It can flare up. It needs to be cold to the touch.”
People who want to have a campfire, should keep it small and have a water bucket and shovel nearby. Campers should also evaluate whether conditions are appropriate for a fire, such as in hot, dry, summer months.
Fireworks (illegal on both state and federal lands) remain a well-known hazard, as do cigarettes, lighters, matches and controlled fires set by landowners. But there are also some lesser-known hazards to be aware of. Components on the underside of a car can ignite dry grass, as can bullets. Exploding targets and tracer rounds (both illegal on public lands) have also been blamed for starting wildfires.
There is good news. With 92 percent of wildfires in Utah caused by humans, the vast majority of wildfires can easily be prevented. Make sure to educate yourself on proper fire safety and become accustomed to researching any location specific guidelines and regulations where you live and where you are going recreating.
If you’d like to make a donation to help individuals and families who have been affected by the Dollar Ridge Fire, you can go to www.duchesne.utah.gov.
You can be of further assistance by steering clear of any active fires. It’s natural to be curious, but onlookers hoping to get a glimpse or take a picture have an impact on resources. It’s important to steer clear of all areas affected by wildfires until otherwise directed by authorities.
