U.S. wildfire activity rises in July as managers shift crews to high-risk zones

Fire managers have moved crews, engines and aircraft into areas with elevated wildfire risk to enable faster initial attack. The National Interagency Fire Center raised the national preparedness level to 4 by late June after a surge in activity. More than 5,600 square miles have burned nationwide this year, exceeding the ten-year average.

Three firefighters died in Colorado incidents, and a helicopter pilot was killed when an aircraft crashed into a reservoir during suppression operations.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service said it is prioritizing pre-positioning of personnel and equipment where ignition probability is highest. Sixteen incident management teams are currently assigned, including crews from Alaska and California supporting operations in the Great Basin.

Ten geographic area coordination centers coordinate the movement of resources among regions. Mike Morgan, director of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, said an Alaska-based team is assisting his state.

The most recent seasonal outlook projects above-normal wildfire potential through September from the Four Corners region northward to Washington. Daily fire ignitions continue while resources remain below the highest national preparedness tier. Christopher Dunn of Oregon State University and Camille Stevens-Rumann of Colorado State University described the balance between sharing resources and retaining capacity for local needs.

Both noted increased exposure for personnel working extended assignments. Michael Guerin of the Forest Fire Lookout Association said roughly 350 staffed lookout towers remain in operation. California officials announced in early July that the first satellites for a space-based detection system have reached orbit.