Wildfire Risks Rise Across US West Ahead of July 4 Weekend

Extreme heat, drought, and dangerous fire weather are raising wildfire risks across the US West heading into the July 4 weekend. 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.

The National Weather Service warns of 'dangerous, record-breaking heat' continuing across the central and eastern US, with the most intense heat shifting east through Independence Day weekend. 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. 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.

Counties nationwide have issued July 4 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.