By Matthew Clarke
A wildfire that started Wednesday (May 17, 2006) has burned approximately 200 acres of land outside St. George and state officials say they expect to see many more substantial fires this season.
Jim Springer from the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands said the fire is in a secluded portion of Washington County and it has burned shrubs and grass in this area. He said many more grass fires are likely in coming months because springtime rains produced an excess of grass and weeds that are now drying out in southern Utah.
Springer said it is important to be cautious during outdoor recreational activities because, although about 60 percent of Utah”s wildfires are started by lightning, 40 percent of the fires are started by people. Springer said he hopes responsible people can help prevent a destructive fire season.
He said an individual who neglectfully ignites a wild fire can be held responsible to pay the thousands of dollars it takes to extinguish it.
Adrean Babbit, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Land Management, said anything involving campfires, ATVs and fireworks constitutes a particular fire risk and Utah residents should be careful with these activities. Off-road enthusiasts should stay on clear paths and equip their ATVs with a spark arrester, she said.
Utah wildfires often threaten bordering neighborhoods. Babbit said homeowners should maintain a defensible space around their home. She said with so much dry brush and grass throughout Utah, homeowners who live near public lands and dry grassy fields should be especially mindful of the area around their homes.
Provo City fire marshal Jim Guynn said the biggest priority is to limit exposure of open flame to grass and brush. He said any recreational fires should have a 10-foot clearance and Utah”s residents and visitors should observe fire restrictions. He said Utah residents can expect fire closures on public lands in the near future.
Guynn also said an important aspect of a home”s defensible space is the placement of combustible materials, citing examples such as gasoline and other flammable materials, which should be stored away from the home itself. Even the choice of what plants surround a house can help impede a burn.
A government Web site, www.utahfireinfo.gov, offers tips on how to guard a home against fires.
