wildfires

The federal government has issued new guidelines to wildland firefighters for the voluntary use of protective masks. The move comes as knowledge of long-term health risks faced by such workers – including cancer – grows.

The federal government currently spends significantly more on suppressing fires than preventing them.

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 Colorado Department of Corrections said the evacuation of the Rifle Correctional Center was made out an "abundance of caution" to keep incarcerated individuals safe from the Lee Fire.

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.

An area east of Thermopolis was advised to evacuate Thursday. Washakie County says crews there are working around the clock to contain several blazes.