Morgan County Utah flame dry conditions

MOUNTAIN GREEN, Utah (ABC4) – A small fire caused by an off-course model rocket is a reminder to “use your head when playing in the wind near dry fields” as Utah experiences severe droughts.

The Mountain Green Fire Protection District reported that the model rocket ignited a fire near Kent Smith Park on Thursday.

Most of the wildfires in Utah are man-made; don’t light the next one

“Quick action by passers-by kept the fire in check until your firefighters arrived,” officials say.

An elderly man who had come to the rescue before the crews arrived suffered smoke inhalation. According to the Mountain Green Fire Protection District, the man received local treatment before being rushed to a nearby hospital for non-life-threatening conditions.

The Mountain Green Fire Protection District shared the following photos of the scene, showing the area the fire covered.

  • Photo courtesy Mountain Green Fire Protection District
  • Photo courtesy Mountain Green Fire Protection District
What is causing the Utah wildfires?

According to Kaitlyn Webb, Statewide Prevention and Fire Communications Coordinator for the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, on average over a decade, about 60% of Utah forest fires were man-made.

Could the 2021 Utah wildfire season be worse due to drought conditions?

In 2020, a record-breaking 77% of Utah wildfires were caused by humans. The main cause of fires in Utah is lightning, according to Webb, but device fires quickly become a human cause.

“That includes anything from a dragging chain, a blown tire, a vehicle parked on dry grass, exhaust or brakes – so these types of starts are our second highest cause, but our highest man-made start in the state,” said Webb.

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Other major causes include burning debris, campfires, and other such things as cutting, welding, firearm use, and fireworks – all man-made.

With four of the top five human-caused forest fires in Utah, here are some things you can do to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Webb says a good place to start is by being aware and asking a few questions, such as: B. how dry it was, how windy it was and others about the weather conditions.

What to do when you start a fire

“Report immediately,” says Webb. “The sooner the firefighters notice a start, the faster they can react, hopefully they can keep the wildfire going and the lower the risk.”

It can also be very helpful to stay on site to answer questions when the firefighters arrive, Webb says.

Webb says if you are prepared with the right equipment like a fire extinguisher, water, or a shovel, you can try putting them out without putting yourself at risk.

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“The first step is really to make sure you have the right equipment when you’re out and about doing whatever you’re doing.”

To avoid wildfires caused by campfires, follow these three steps: drown, stir, and feel. Webb says pouring water on a campfire is not enough. Stirring water into the ash can release heat that can build up and work back to the surface.

“If it’s cool enough to touch, it’s cool enough to leave,” she explains.

Be sure to check your Pinpoint weather forecast with your WeatherRate-certified ABC4 weather team.

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