Prevention

A wet winter and spring followed by a hot, dry summer can be a dangerous combination in the Western U.S. The rain fuels bountiful vegetation growth, and when summer heat dries out that vegetation, it can leave grasses and shrubs ready to burn. Drier than normal conditions, like many regions are experiencing in 2024, also raises the fire risk. In years like this, controlled burns and prescribed fire treatments are crucial to help protect communities against wildfires. Well-staffed fire crews ready to respond to blazes are essential, too. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center’s long-range seasonal forecast for summer 2024. NOAA However, on Feb. 8, U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore told agency employees to expect budget cuts from Congress in 2024. His letter was thin on details. However, taken at face value, budget cuts could be interpreted as a reductio...