firefighters

In the wake of devastating Western wildfires, bills began cropping up in state legislatures — all striving to limit utility companies' liability for causing wildfires.

The emergency declaration allows the Wyoming National Guard and the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security to aid in response. Another fire south of Afton has grown substantially since it started Friday.

Wyoming’s Appropriations Committee held a hearing on wildfire management that focused on improving rapid response and supporting local fire crews. Experts also raised concerns about cheatgrass’s role in increasing wildfire risk. Officials emphasized the importance of adequate state resources and partnerships with federal and local agencies.

Wyoming’s lead forester told lawmakers that the state’s fire season has the potential to get worse, especially in the Teton area.

Evacuation orders are still in place for both Hot Springs and Fremont Counties as a result of the Red Canyon fire, which grew over 31,000 acres since Monday.

The declaration allows the state to access more federal firefighting resources and directs the Office of Homeland Security to participate in firefighting responses. There is an immediate evacuation alongside the Fremont and Host Springs county lines as a result of the Red Canyon Fire.

First responders are more likely to experience mental health conditions than the general public. This week, firefighters, police officers and therapy dogs met at a mental health conference in Casper to address the toll their jobs can take.

The National Preparedness Level – or PL – system is a 1 to 5 scale that indicates how busy a season is. When determining the PL, officials consider fuel and weather conditions, current fire activity and the availability of resources throughout the country to respond.

Consolidating wildfire response could professionalize the field and increase efficiencies, according to the expert WPR talked to. But it could also mean fewer of the collaborations that reduce the risk of destructive burns.

Farrell Hayes represents something that veteran firefighters say is harder to come by these days: a young person who wants to get involved in firefighting.