wildfire risk News

California Utilities Warn of Power Cuts on Risk of Wildfire

Almost two weeks after California utilities cut electricity to 2.3 million people, two major power providers warned they may have to halt supplies to thousands across California as strong, dry winds raise the wildfire threat across the state. No major …

South Dakota Researcher Developing Fire Risk Estimation Tool

South Dakota’s state fire meteorologist is part of a coalition using satellite technology to notify fire managers when fuels are abnormally dry. Darren Clabo, a research scientist and instructor at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, is collaborating …

Half of Colorado Population Faces Wildfire Risk

The number of Coloradans whose homes are at risk from wildfires soared 45 percent in five years, reflecting the state’s booming population and changing uses of agricultural land, state officials said Monday. The Colorado State Forest Service said 2.9 million …

Controlled Burns Seen as the Lesser of Two Evils

About 30 members of the crew stood in the morning still of the Oregon forest as Katie Sauerbrey laid out the plans for the day. Some carried shovels or pickaxes. Others leaned against trucks and peered at maps of the …

Urban Sprawl, Climate Change Raise Wildfire Risk

A fire that started in a rural community in Northern California underscored a new reality in the state when days later it suddenly roared through neighborhoods on the edge of the city of Redding: Urban areas are increasingly vulnerable to …

Dry Weather, Wildfire Risk Prompts Fireworks Cancellation Across the Country

Fire danger across much of the country has prompted cancellation of July 4 fireworks displays. In northern Arizona, Prescott’s fire chief says he’s canceling the town’s Fourth of July fireworks show as much of the Southwest deals with extreme to …

Idaho Officials Say They Are Ready for Wildfire Season

Idaho is as prepared as possible for the approaching wildfire season, with fire crews and air resources strategically placed, more ranchers signing up to help fight fires and two state-owned drones that can be deployed, officials said Tuesday. Idaho Department …

Experts Warn of ‘Alarming’ Drought Conditions in Southwest

Rivers and watering holes are drying up, popular mountain recreation spots are closing and water restrictions are in full swing as a persistent drought intensifies its grip on pockets of the American Southwest. Climatologists and other experts on Wednesday provided …

Oregon Residents, Forestry Officials Clash Over Possibility of Sunriver Wildfire

After seeing smoke from the Milli Fire rise high over Sisters during a day trip to the Willamette Valley last summer, Doug Hoschek and Tina Machuca decided to do a bit of digging to see what would happen if an …

California Says Wildfires Are Making Home Insurance Unaffordable

More frequent and intense wildfires are making it harder for homeowners to find and keep insurance in California, a state regulator warned Thursday. “The problem of insurance availability is going to expand” after last year’s record-breaking wildfires, California Insurance Commissioner …