UTAH WILDFIRES

National forest officials thin out thousands of acres to reduce wildfire danger

Sep 19, 2023, 6:45 PM | Updated: Sep 20, 2023, 8:48 am

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Utah — U.S. Forest Service officials are working on thinning more than 140,000 acres of national forests in Utah, all in order to protect against catastrophic wildfires.

Because fire season allows workers to catch up and prepare for the upcoming dryer season, thousands of acres of forestry are being thinned out in the Dixie National Forest.

“The type of fire behavior we’ll get in something like this will be a lot more weakened,” said Kevin Wright, Dixie National Forest supervisor.

Wright says the area of Pine Valley is being targeted in part to create better protection for the nearby New Harmony community but also because of how much the area has become overgrown.

“The treatments that we’re doing on this landscape, we’re trying to mimic what a natural fire would do, and so, it is a form of restoration that we’re trying to do,” Wright said.

Workers thinning out the forestry with heavy equipment in Dixie National Forest.

Workers thinning out the forestry with heavy equipment in Dixie National Forest. (KSL TV)

The U.S. Forest Service believes decades of putting out wildfires as quickly as possible has gotten us to where we are today, with the head of the agency declaring a wildfire crisis.

This effort comes as part of about $500 million going toward similar projects across 21 landscapes in the western U.S. Utah is getting about $160 million of that funding.

“This doesn’t eliminate the risk of fire, but reduces that risk and changes fire behavior on the landscape, so it provides a lot better opportunity for us and our firefighters to mitigate and put out those fires,” Wright said.

However, some environmental groups are pushing back against the policy, claiming that in some studies, fires moved more quickly through thinned-out areas.

Wright says in their first-hand experience, it gives firefighters and property owners a better chance of survival.

“Instead of having like a fire that produces 10 to 20 feet flame lengths, we have a fire that produces 3 to 5 feet, and it’s a lot easier for our firefighters to fight those types of fires,” he said.

Wright says it’s important enough to forest managers that nearly 20,000 acres have been treated so far in Utah. Another 135,000 acres will be treated within the next six to nine years.

KSL 5 TV Live

Utah Wildfires

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

Lightning-caused fire threatens homes

A new fire authorities are calling the Evening Star Fire, is threatening four homes in the Victory Ranch Community in Wasatch County.

6 days ago

Lighthouse Fire has expanded by 400 acres in just 24 hours....

Cimaron Neugebauer

UPDATE: Wildfire grows by 400 acres in a day after fire embers from Lighthouse Canyon fire start another fire in Emery County

A new fire that ignited from the Lighthouse Fire in Emery County had created visible smoke in eastern Utah and western Colorado as of Wednesday night.

18 days ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

Fire in Eden contained after threatening multiple structures

A fire was safely contained after is endangered multiple structures Thursday afternoon.

24 days ago

Fire officials are urging Utahns to continue to be cautious this summer as large wildfires are stil...

Brianna Chavez

Fire officials urge Utahns to practice fire safety

Fire officials are urging Utahns to continue to be cautious this summer as large wildfires are still a threat.

1 month ago

The Thompson Ridge Fire is burning approximately 10 miles south of Beaver. (Chopper 5/KSL TV)...

Josh Ellis

UPDATE: Rain falls on Thompson Ridge Fire, minimizing fire activity

The Thompson Ridge Fire, the largest wildfire currently burning in Utah has grown to over 7,000 acres. But Thursday's storms helped minimize fire activity.

1 month ago

A photo of the "Thompson Ridge Fire" near Beaver, Utah. (KSL TV Viewer)...

Michael Houck

Thompson Ridge Fire grows to 200 acres

A wildfire started by a lightning strike near Beaver, Utah, has continued to grow, fire authorities say.

2 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Design mockup half in white and half in color of luxury house interior with open plan living room a...

Lighting Design

Lighting Design 101: Learn the Basics

These lighting design basics will help you when designing your home, so you can meet both practical and aesthetic needs.

an antler with large horns int he wilderness...

Three Bear Lodge

Yellowstone in the Fall: A Wildlife Spectacle Worth Witnessing

While most people travel to this park in the summer, late fall in Yellowstone provides a wealth of highlights to make a memorable experience.

a diverse group of students raising their hands in a classroom...

Little Orchard Preschool

6 Benefits of Preschool for Kids

Some of the benefits of preschool for kids include developing independence, curiosity, and learning more about the world.

rodeo contestant on a saddle bronc...

DAYS OF '47 RODEO

Get Ready for the Days of ‘47 Rodeo!

The Days of '47 Rodeo is a series of events everyone in the family can enjoy, with world-class rodeo contestants vying for the gold medal.

Electric LED Lightbulb Change In Light At Home...

Lighting Design

How to Know When to Upgrade Your Lighting

This guide explores indicators that suggest it’s time for a lighting upgrade with tips to make an informed decision when you’re ready to buy. 

Brunette guy in headphones playing games on his desktop computer...

PC Laptops

Looking For a New Computer? Use This Desktop Buying Guide

Choosing a new desktop computer can come with a lot of questions, so we created this desktop buying guide.

National forest officials thin out thousands of acres to reduce wildfire danger