CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Compared to last year, firefighters in Wyoming and Montana aren’t nearly as busy battling wildfires so far this summer.
State fire marshals in both states report far fewer fires and less acreage burned this year.
They cite a cool start to the summer and fewer dry lightning storms.
Wyoming State forester Bill Crapser says there was little fire activity in the state until mid-July. Normally, the fire season starts in mid-June.
Montana State forester Bob Harrington says the state has spent only about $2 million fighting wildfires this year compared to spending some $50 million last year.
However, there’s still time for fires this summer as the fire season in both states typically runs through September.