We can all do our part to prevent wildfires

Who knew wind would be so popular? Not us. But it was all we could talk about these last two weeks after record-setting winds swept through the state, kicking up dust storms and knocking down everything from Wendy’s signs to tractor trailers to old neighborhood trees.

But, within that talk of wind, we also found ourselves talking quite a lot about just how dry it is and the unique dangers posed by aridity.

On Saturday evening, the Kane Fire was reported east of Lovell near the Yellowtail Wildlife Management Area and, as of writing this editorial, the fire has grown to 1,943 ares. It’s the first large wildfire on the north end of the basin this year, but it isn’t the first fire. In talking to local officials, it’s become clear that we are all bracing for a hot, dry and dangerous year for fire.

Jerry Parker, our District 2 fire warden, has cautioned the public against burning in risky conditions; Park County Sheriff’s Office and the Powell Police refused permits last week, citing red flag warnings and the dangerously low humidity increasing the chance of fire; BLM and USFS have both cautioned against unnecessary burning, too.

Fire is a necessary part of the agricultural practice for many producers in our community and, when used judiciously, it is highly effective in ridding our soil of invasive weeds and turning over soil for new growth. But the keyword remains ‘judiciously.’ We all have to be responsible as we look ahead to the spring and summers seasons, which means we need to check our weather reports on the day; have plenty of water (if not a water truck) on hand; make the necessary arrangements of calling our local permit issuer; and otherwise follow the guidance provided by our fire wardens and other agencies.

We may still get our spring rains. There have been times, in years past, when that stretch of time from March through June has yielded good precipitation and greened up our ground, and it is our collective hope that it may come to pass again this year. But a hope is no guarantee.

None of us want to see more fire and all of us can do our part to prevent it. We ask that as the weather warms and we begin planting, recreating and coming out of our winter hibernation, we all do our part to prevent a bad fire year.