Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City)
Copyright 2007 The Deseret News Publishing Co.
SALT LAKE CITY — Abundant grass, drought and hot temperatures have brought wildland fire season to Utah about a month earlier than expected.
The Bureau of Land Management’s Salt Lake field office said several small fires have already occurred, and fire watchers are preparing for what could become a very busy season.
“We’re seeing juniper setting new records for dryness and, although not very tall, cheatgrass blankets the West Desert,” the BLM’s Jeff Kline said Thursday.
The BLM issued a warning to holiday campers planning to go into the deserts or the mountains west of Salt Lake City over the Memorial Day weekend: Be prepared.
Federal officials urge holiday travelers to keep shovels, fire extinguishers and extra water handy.
“Causes of wildfires can range from a vehicle’s exhaust system coming in contact with dry grass to target shooting at rocks,” the BLM said in its statement.