DESTRUCTIVE WILDFIRES MORE LIKELY TO START ON PRIVATE LAND

KTVZ News, News Sources, February 15, 2022

 KTVZ News reported on an Oregon State University study that found destructive wildfires are more likely to start outside of United States Forest Service (USFS) lands and burn into them rather than starting on USFS lands and growing outward damaging private property.  The study examined cross-boundary fires from 1992 through 2019 in 11 states and 74 national forests.

Colorado State University’s Michael Caggiano said, “A substantial portion of the wildfire problem is a community destruction problem.”  He went on to say, “…states, local government, and homeowners are better positioned than the USFS to manage those components of wildfire risk.”