Why this July 4 weekend is a wildfire tinderbox
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A firefighting plane drops fire retardant on the Aspen Acres fire near Colorado City, Colorado, on July 1. Photo: Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images
Extreme heat, drought and dangerous fire weather are raising wildfire risks across the U.S. West heading into the July 4 weekend.
Why it matters: Millions of Americans celebrating Independence Day face fireworks restrictions as officials warn that a single spark could ignite fast-moving wildfires in areas already strained by extreme heat and drought.
- Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect in parts of Utah and Colorado due to massive blazes in those states.
Driving the news: "Dangerous, record-breaking heat" continues across the central and eastern U.S., with the most intense heat shifting east through Independence Day weekend, the National Weather Service warns.
- Heat indexes of up to 115°F are possible, and temperatures are set to hit 105°F or higher in Washington, D.C., this weekend.
- Widespread drought conditions have fueled an unusually active wildfire season in Florida.
Several areas of the West and Great Plains are in extreme or exceptional drought, which, combined with recent heat waves, has increased the likelihood of wildfires.
Case in point: Utah officials report that more than 300,000 acres have burned this season.
- The Cottonwood Fire alone has burned more than 92,000 acres.
- Two other major fires near Eureka have burned about 70,000 acres combined.
Fire threat level elevated
State of play: Counties nationwide have issued fireworks bans to reduce the risk of fires during July 4 celebrations.
- Fire danger is elevated nationwide, with at least 49 large fires burning across 13 states as of Thursday, per the National Interagency Fire Center.
- Conditions are particularly dangerous across the Four Corners and the Great Basin.
Zoom in: Gusty winds, low humidity, dry thunderstorms and near-record- to record-dry fuels have ignited new fire starts and rapid fire spread across the eastern Great Basin and Four Corners.
- Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada and Oregon have major topsoil moisture deficits, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
- Red flag warnings were in effect Friday across the interior West, including parts of Utah, Colorado and New Mexico.
By the numbers: Wildfire activity is well above average this year. Through June 30, acreage burned was 157% of the 10-year average, while 36,262 wildfires had been reported — 133% of average, according to the National Interagency Fire Center's July outlook.
Between the lines: "Climate change, including increased heat, extended drought, and a thirsty atmosphere, has been a key driver in increasing the risk and extent of wildfires in the western United States during the last two decades," NOAA notes.
- The congressionally mandated National Climate Assessment notes that Western wildfires have become larger, hotter, more destructive and deadlier due to multiple factors, including climate change.
How wildfire danger is affecting July 4 fireworks
Some U.S. counties and cities have issued fireworks bans amid extreme heat or drought, including parts of the Nebraska Panhandle, New Mexico and Colorado Springs.
- Multiple Florida counties remain under burn bans that limit bonfires, trash burning and fireworks.
- Utah has implemented statewide fireworks restrictions. Gov. Spencer Cox said the ban was in response to "the reality that is with us, not the one that we wish we had."
What we're watching: More wildfire activity is possible if prolonged extreme heat worsens drought conditions.
Fireworks safety tips for July 4 weekend
What they're saying: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission advises Americans to never use homemade fireworks and always keep water nearby "in case of fire or to safely soak used fireworks."
- The CPSC recommends that you "leave fireworks to the professionals and enjoy public fireworks displays in your community."
Go deeper: America's 250th fireworks party collides with burn bans
