UPDATE: Southwest Wildfires

In our continuing look at this increasingly active wildfire season, we bring you up-to-date on the many wildfires burning across the Southwest.

Large incident wildfires are currently burning in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona and California.  The high heat and tremendous winds are contributing to a rapid spread of these fires.

Hundreds of structures have been destroyed.  Thousands of residents and visitors have been evacuated. And hundreds of wildland firefighters are battling these blazes.

The 2011 wildfire season burned 8.7 million acres - making it the 3rd most destructive wildfire season in the last 50 years.  We all hope 2012 will not be a record-breaker.  But instead of waiting to find out, prepare now by stocking up on essential wildland fire gear!

Another Sign Of An Active Wildfire Season?

In Southern California the hottest part of summer has not arrived (yet!), but over the weekend it was dry and windy enough for a brush fire to kick up.  In fact, I took the photo above from Santa Clarita - looking North.  You can see the fire burning in the background, with Six Flags Magic Mountain and College of the Canyons in the foreground.

This wildland fire is in Hungry Valley - near the Grapevine portion of the I-5 freeway just north of Los Angeles.  The fire quickly burned 1,500 acres and is currently 30% contained.

This is a fairly minor wildfire.  But given the likelihood of an active wildfire season and with the dangers of July 4th fireworks right around the corner, this could be another indication of significant wildland fire potential.

For the most up-to-date info on all current wildfires, check out the (free) Active Fire Map provided by the USDA Forest Service.  And check the (low cost) Smartphone Apps provided by Wildfire Pro.

And prepare now for this wildland fire season!  Stock up on your supplies of wildland fire gear and wildland fire equipment.

Current Wildfire Info - There's an App For That

Want the most up-to-date info about a current wildfire?  There's an iPhone/iPad app for that, called Wildfire Pro.

It provides detailed information about a wildfire, including:

• Incident data from FireWhat.com
• Active fire perimeter mapping
• Fire calculators with Weather and FDFM/PIG
• Quick reference guides for Safety, Weather, Operations and Size Up reports
• Fire maps with Custom overlays, Severe weather warnings and NEXRAD radar

Until now most of this data was not available until you arrived on scene.  But this app gives you vital information prior to arriving on scene.  That way you have more time to think through firefighting strategies and consider what wildland fire gear you'll need.

It has been (and is likely be) an active wildfire season.  Prepare now!

This app costs $4.99.

For Free, you can check out Wildfire Info

For $1.99, you can check out Wildfire Home.

All three pull data from FireWhat.com.