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Show Fire Danger Ahead Of Schedule In Southern Utah Regions A recent wildland fire in southern Utah serves as a wake-up wake-up cal that fire danger in many areas throughout Utah is unusually unusu-ally high due to prolonged drought conditions. Moisture levels, especially thoughout southern portions of the state, are well below average. "Wildland fire this early in the year are quite rare," says Larry LeForte, Southwestern Area Fire Management Officer for the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands. "The problem is compounded right now because we have few reources available this early in the season to fight fire." A 100-acre brush fire in Washington City destroyed an out-building and threatened others. oth-ers. Investigators say two children chil-dren playing with matches caused the fire. "This fire was also representative represen-tative of a growing trend in Utah, wildland fire in the urban interface,"said LaForte. "As we continue to build into heavily vegetated areas it's important that steps are taken to reduce the threat of wildland fire." In an effort to educate community com-munity planners, elected officials, offi-cials, builders, developers, landscapes, land-scapes, insurance agents, homeowener association29 through May 1, 2002. Participants will contribute to the natioanl dialogue on this growing trend and will be given a wealth of material to help them better prepare for the natural natu-ral cycle of fire in their own hometowns. Those interested in learning more about the workshop work-shop seriers or becomeing involved in local planning, visit the Firewise website at www.firewise.orgcommunities or call Larry LaForte at 435-586-4406. |