Another tough wildfire season is in store for the nation due to a dry winter and warmer spring temperatures.
As of May 3rd, nationally 13,115 fires were burning. That鈥檚 down from last year by about 5,000 and from two years ago by 10,000.
Still says they鈥檙e expecting fire activity to pick up leading to a very busy June and July.
鈥淲e still have over 40 percent of the continental U.S. in serious to moderate drought conditions. When you combine that with the substantial amount of beetle kill that has occurred in many western states that is a prescription for very serious conditions.鈥�
Vilsack says they are as prepared as they can be. Federal firefighting assets include 13,000 firefighters and 1,600 engines.
But theis also headed into the season with a 7.5 percent cut to its budget meaning 500 fewer firefighters will be on the ground.
says that鈥檚 putting more pressure on homeowners to create buffer zones between their home and forests.
鈥淭he people of the United States understands that it鈥檚 their responsibility as well to remove fuels from around their house, to clear brush, trees and funnel materials. To learn more about what they can to do to protect their property and the lives of our firefighters and use their assets to the best way possible.鈥�
Community wildfire protection plans are available at "," and ""
In 2012 burned 9.3 million acres nationally and damaged or destroyed 4,400 homes. It was the third highest acreage burned in 50 years.
