As reported by the NFPA, the 2024 wildfire season has been active, with over 29,917 fires burning more than 5.3 million acres as of mid-August.
Conditions across the western United States have been severe, with record-breaking heat, low humidity, and strong winds contributing to the rapid spread of large wildfires, particularly in California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.
The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) recently indicated that nearly half of the burned acreage occurred within the last month.
The Park Fire in California is one of the main contributors to the surge in wildfire activity.
The NIFC’s National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook predicts that above-normal wildfire potential will persist across much of the western U.S. through November.
The National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook provides a monthly forecast of potential fire activity across ten U.S. regions.
The outlook uses color coding to indicate fire potential, with red indicating above-normal potential, green for below-normal, and white for normal.
The August 2024 outlook predicts continued high fire potential for most western U.S.
states through November due to persistent drought and dry fuel conditions.
The NFPA notes that while the outlook highlights increased potential, it does not predict the exact number of fires.
Instead, it suggests areas where the risk is higher if ignitions occur.
Fire officials use these predictions to plan proactive fire management strategies.
The NFPA advises that tools like the National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook are useful not only for firefighting efforts but also for helping communities and residents prepare for wildfires.
Wildfire preparedness initiatives have included the Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, which took place in May 2024.
Communities across the U.S. participated in cleanup efforts and education programs aimed at reducing wildfire risks.
The NFPA supported ten organizations with funding for local preparedness activities.
One example is the Shenandoah Homeowners’ Association in Durango, Colorado, where residents dedicated around 150 hours to removing combustible materials from around homes, helping to minimize fire risk.
The NFPA notes that while Wildfire Community Preparedness Day has passed, year-round wildfire risk reduction remains important.
Regular home maintenance activities, such as cleaning debris from gutters and roofs, mowing grass, and trimming vegetation, help reduce fire hazards.
Proactive measures like creating a 0- to 5-foot noncombustible zone around homes and replacing roofing materials with noncombustible options are encouraged.
The NFPA advises residents to remain vigilant, especially in areas prone to wildfires.
For more detailed recommendations on home preparation, the NFPA provides resources, including posters and checklists, to help homeowners and communities minimize wildfire risks throughout the year.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has advised on the need for continued wildfire preparedness as the 2024 fire season progresses.
As of mid-August, over 29,917 wildfires have burned 5.3 million acres in the western U.S., driven by hot, dry, and windy conditions.
The National Interagency Fire Center’s outlook predicts above-normal wildfire potential in these areas through November.
NFPA’s efforts, including Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, have helped communities reduce risks through education and cleanup initiatives.
The NFPA notes the importance of maintaining properties year-round to increase resilience against potential wildfires.
