Wildfire danger limits in Summit County increase to “very high” amid dry fall conditions.

According to Summit Fire & EMS, the wildfire danger in Summit County has increased to “very high.”

Wildfires can start easily for most reasons and spread quickly, with intensity likely increasing rapidly immediately after ignition, the fire district said in a Facebook post Thursday morning, Oct. 3.

“Small fires can quickly become large fires and have extreme fire intensity, such as: B. Distant visibility and fire swirls,” Summit Fire & EMS wrote in the social media post.

Summit County fire protection districts Summit Fire & EMS and Red, White & Blue, along with the Dillon Ranger District and the Summit Board of County Commissioners, will reportedly review the need for possible fire restrictions later this week and into next week.

Should fire restrictions prove necessary, firefighters will notify the public and stakeholders with further details through multiple channels.

According to Summit Fire & EMS, three main factors played a role in the decision to increase the fire danger.

First, the grasses are mostly dormant at this time in the fall and catch fire easily. Second, the dead wood, or what firefighters call “1,000-hour fuel,” is very dry and has nearly the same moisture content as kiln-dried wood, according to Summit Fire & EMS. Finally, the extended forecasts call for warm and dry conditions, so fuels will continue to get drier, according to the fire district. The fire district says the wood fuels could be very vulnerable to fire spread until snow falls.

Summit Fire & EMS also included a “Firewise Tip” recommending Summit County residents take some time to clean up around their homes and businesses to protect them from wildfires. According to the fire district, the area within 5 feet of the home is most important. This time of year, aspen leaves, which can be a very susceptible fuel for embers, clog the ground around the house. Cleaning them up is a simple step that could help prevent wildfires from spreading.