4.16.2008 10:18 AM

A Brisk and Deadly Start to the 2008 Wildfire Season

2008 Wildfires Have Burned Almost 2 Times More Land Than Average

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Map showing red flag wildfire warnings in Southeastern, Southwestern and Rocky Mountain states.

Red flag warnings are in place today across the Southeast, Southwest and parts of the Rocky Mountain regions due to wildfire risk.

Photo: National Weather Service

By Dan Shapley

Wildfires near Ordway, Colorado have killed three people, led to the evacuation of more than 1,000 residents and burned 11 square miles, according to the Associated Press.

Firefighters reportedly had half the fire contained as of late Tuesday, and hoped storms would help quell remaining flames.

The fires are among 13,554 recorded already in 2008. That's a slightly lower total than the five-year average to date, but the acres burned – 1.1 million – is 45.7% above the five-year average, and 97.7% above the average since 2000. The totals do not include the 7,100-acre Colorado fires.

Despite a wet winter that typically tamps down on fire risk, a particularly dry March has made conditions ripe for fires in much of the West.

Scientists warn that fire risk will increase with global warming, as mountain snowpack diminishes, summer heat increases and vegetation become more susceptible to drying out.

More fire activity is likely today, as the National Weather Service has announced red flag warnings due to fire risk across parts of the Southeast, Southwest and Rocky Mountain states.

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