Wildfires burned over 7.1 million acres of public and private lands during the summer of 2002, mostly in the western U.S. While battling these fires, 21 firefighters were killed.
Rocky Mountain Forest Fires
After the fires: Mesa Verde National Park
Two lightning-ignited fires roared through forests of pinon pine, Utah juniper and Gambel oak in Mesa Verde National Park, scorching 21,061 acres in the park and another 7,786 acres nearby.
U.S. Forest Service adopts Thirtymile Fire Action Plan
Proposed management and policy changes to improve firefighter safety were accepted by USFS.
Mercury emissions found in wildfire smoke
During a wildfire, mercury stored in the foliage and ground litter is released and carried into the atmosphere.
Wildfire season heat ups late; strategies questioned
The NIFC reported that the number, severity and behavior of fires (as well as acreage burned and duration of the season) was much less severe in 2001 than in 2000, although conditions are comparable — lots of fuel and hot, dry weather.
