Document text
0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Emergency services, Oct. 16 ... Since You Asked: Park resurfacing delayed during winter ... SOU training gives tips on what to do if there's an active shooter ... Emergency services, Oct. 16 ... Since You Asked: Park resurfacing delayed during winter ... SOU training gives tips on what to do if there's an active shooter ... WILDFIRES Forecast for 2015 predicts busy wildfire season Southeastern Oregon, drought-stricken California among areas of concern Comment By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted May. 7, 2015 at 4:51 PM Updated May 7, 2015 at 8:23 PM By The Associated Press Posted May. 7, 2015 at 4:51 PM Updated May 7, 2015 at 8:23 PM » Social News BOISE, Idaho — Prolonged drought conditions across the West have national wildfire experts expecting a busy and early fire season. According to the latest wildfire report issued by the National Interagency Fire Center, Idaho is slated to experience above-normal wildfire activity in its southwestern and northern regions starting in July. Significant wildfire activity is expected to start as early as late May in drought-stricken California, western Nevada and southeastern Oregon. Droughts have also continued across Oklahoma and central Texas. "Above normal wildland fire potential will persist across the Pacific Coast states and expand into the northern Great Basin and northern Rocky Mountains during the summer months," the report said. The report — compiled by national wildfire managers and weather specialists — points to weak El Nino weather patterns in Idaho that will cause intermittent storms and dry spells throughout the summer. Further adding to the season's dire predictions is the currently low precipitation in many of Idaho's basins. Early reports reveal dire conditions in basins that should be protecting fire fuels from flaring into tinderboxes. For example, snowpack levels around Boise are the lowest since 1992. Just north, the Payette River basin is the lowest since 1987 and the third lowest since the 1960s. Fire officials expect Idaho's wildfires to be fed by leftover grass and vegetation from last year's mild season, when only about 295 square miles burned. Wildfires in Idaho's previous peak seasons burned roughly 1,100 square miles in 2013 and 2,600 square miles a year before. According to the report, even high elevation areas will be susceptible to flaring up because of early grass and vegetation growth. However, Idaho's delayed fire activity may be a benefit. National Interagency Fire Center spokeswoman Jessica Gardetto said federal firefighting agencies anticipate Alaska to be wrapping up its fire season right as Idaho's will pick up. This means agencies will have more room to pre-position fire resources in Idaho before the worst fires spark. "Strategically placing resources is key well before we start experiencing fires," she said. Gardetto added that Idaho's mass sage grouse habitat also serves as another advantage in securing fire resources. Federal officials are currently weighing listing the chicken-sized bird as an endangered species. This has led agencies such as the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to up efforts to protect habitat from being destroyed — particularly in wildfires — to prevent a potential listing. So far this year, flames have consumed more than 500 square miles across the country. By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted May. 7, 2015 at 4:51 PM Updated May 7, 2015 at 8:23 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501