wildfires

Western Wildfires Increase

Dan Forestry

There’s been even more wildfire activity in the west this year, but why? That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Several areas of the West have experienced an increase in wildfires over the month of July. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey discusses some of the reasons why. “This has been an interesting wildfire season. We’re coming off 2 rather wet …

UF Researchers Link Increasing Seasonal Drought to Longer Fire Seasons

Dan Drought, Environment, Florida

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (UF/IFAS) — A new study from University of Florida (UF) researchers examines the relationship between wet and dry season length and the potential for lightning-ignited fires. The study, led by faculty from the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences School of Forest Resources and Conservation (SFRC), highlights trends in dry season length in the southeastern region of …

Agri View: Worst Wildfire Year Ever?

Dan Agri View

Everett Griner talks about losses suffered from what may end up being the worst wildfire year ever in today’s Agri View. Worst Wildfire Year Ever? Forest fires. Perhaps the worst year ever on record. Not even an estimate of damages so far. As many as 43 fires at the same time from southwestern Montana to Utah and New Mexico. More …

USDA Assistance for Livestock, Honeybee and Farm-Raised Fish Losses

Dan Economy, Industry News Release

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will issue $34 million to help agricultural producers recover from 2017 natural disasters through the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP), which covers losses not covered by certain other USDA disaster assistance programs. These payments are being made available today, and they are part of a broader USDA effort to help producers …

Forest Service Wildland Fire Suppression Costs Exceed $2 Billion

Dan Forestry, Industry News Release

Secretary Perdue Renews Call for Congress to Fix “Fire Borrowing” Problem U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that wildland fire suppression costs for the fiscal year have exceeded $2 billion, making 2017 the most expensive year on record.  Wildfires have ravaged states in the west, Pacific Northwest, and Northern Rockies regions of the United States this summer.  As the …