Colorado faces "challenging" wildfire risk amid drought
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Colorado will face a "challenging" fire season this summer, with officials anticipating as many as 9,000 wildfires across the state.
Why it matters: Wildfires are increasingly threatening homes and businesses, while the smoke worsens air quality and puts vulnerable populations at risk.
Threat level: This winter's low snowpack is elevating the risk of wildfires in Colorado, with 97% of the state experiencing moderate or severe drought conditions.
- At a briefing Thursday in Broomfield, Gov. Jared Polis said the forecast indicates "a significantly increased risk" of wildfires on the Front Range and in western Colorado, particularly in June and July.
- In an average year, Colorado sees 6,000 to 7,000 wildfires, but officials said in "bad years" like this, the tally can reach 8,000 to 9,000 and cover much more acreage.
- Climate change and more people living in wildfire-prone areas are amplifying the risk in Colorado, the governor said.
The big picture: "We are facing a very challenging fire year. Our resources will be tested across not only in Colorado, but across the West," said Mike Morgan, director of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control.
Between the lines: This year will test the millions of dollars Colorado has spent on wildfire mitigation, detection and firefighting capabilities. In recent years, the state purchased two Firehawk helicopters equipped with 1,000-gallon water tanks.
- At the briefing, the governor touted his administration's efforts to add firefighting resources and conduct mitigation work. "We can all feel safer because of where we are today, but at the same time, risk has also increased," he said.
What we're watching: Polis and fire officials place the onus on the public to stay vigilant by properly extinguishing campfires and using caution with fireworks.
- About 90% of wildfires are human-caused, while 7% are started by lightning, officials said.
- "Each Coloradan needs to step up and take responsibility," Polis said.