Wildfire activity continues to increase across the U.S. More than 18,200 wildfires have charred some 2 million acres this year alone, according to mid-June 2024 reporting from the National Interagency Fire Center. This is notably higher than the ten-year average of 23,601 wildfires and around 1.25 million acres burned by this time of the year. The National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook from the National Interagency Coordination Center predicts above-normal significant fire potential throughout June for central and south Florida and far west Texas, with the risk returning to normal in July. Above-normal risk in June is also expected for Arizona, while southern Nevada and southwest Utah may see above-average risk throughout both June and July. When it comes to what other regions of the U.S. can expect, the forecast states: "Much of the northern Great Basin, southeast Oregon and northwest Washington is forecast to have above normal potential July through September. Portions of northern Idaho are forecast to have above normal potential in August and September as well. Similar to last year, a slow beginning to the peak fire season is forecast for California, with below normal potential forecast for much of California in June and for the Sierra and coast in July. However, significant fire potential is forecast to rise to above normal across the central and southern California coast and southern Sierra Foothills in September due to heavy fine fuel loading. Normal potential is forecast Hawai'i in June, rising to above normal for the lee sides July through September." For those who reside in a wildfire-prone area, Ready.gov suggests taking the following steps to prepare for the potential of a fire:

• Have several ways to receive emergency alerts.
• Create an emergency plan that everyone in your home is familiar with. This should also include emergency plans for anywhere else you frequent, like school, daycare or work.
• Make sure your insurance policies and documents are up-to-date, and that copies are made and stored in a secure, password-protected digital space.
• Find an outdoor water source with a hose that can reach all areas of your property.
• Create a fire-resistant zone of about 30 feet around your home that is free of leaves, debris and other flammable materials.
• Learn your local evacuation routes.
• Have enough emergency supplies for your household, and keep them in a go bag or your car's trunk.

In the slideshow above, we'll look at how to keep you and your loved ones safe if you are near an active wildfire. These tips are also courtesy of Ready.gov.

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