May 31, 2001--
Spring moisture usually keeps Utah's wildfire season at bay until mid-July.
But, after the driest May in nearly 30 years, the first major fires may only be weeks away.
News Specialist Jed Boal has the story.
Take a look at the slopes that surround the Salt Lake Valley.
They're already drying out. Fire danger is nearly here.
That's bad news after one of the worst fire seasons on record.
Here in Utah, and across the West, weary firefighters waged a war on never-ending wildfires last summer.
Nationwide, more than 90,000 wildfires destroyed 7.2 million acres--double the destruction of a normal year.
If Utah and its neighbors don't get a good dousing soon, Kathy Jo Pollack of the Interagency Fire Center says it could be a repeat this year.
Kathy Jo Pollack: BECAUSE WE'VE HAD NO MOISTURE...
The Sandy Fire Department is going on the offensive early this year,
telling homeowners who live near fire danger how they can protect their homes.
Captain Todd Hyer is taking a close look at Kay Cryder's home.
She lives near a grassy slope that could easily go up in flames. But, Cryder has done a good job creating space between her home and flammable vegitation.
Before fire danger is severe, clear out dead and dying plants, landscape with shrubbery that is fire-resistant and well-watered, and keep firewood and picnic tables away from the home.
The Sandy fire department has identified 1500 homes that are vulnerable to wildfire. They plan to take the meesage to the people before the fire arrives.
If you live in Sandy contact the fire department for more information. If you live elsewhere, check the links in the box above.
