As of Nov 15 2000
In one of the worst fire seasons in 50 years, the National Interagency Fire Center reports that the nations year-to-date acres burned has exceeded 6.89 million acres. A result of poor federal fire policy, pressure by environmental preservationists and an extended period of drought, as of October 6, the total number of fires on public lands has surpassed 82,200. Year-to-date totals are as follows:
Forest Service Fires: 10,871 Acres: 2,205,398
BIA Fires: 4,378 Acres: 318,89
BLM Fires: 3,436 Acres: 1,670,334
FWS Fires: 260 Acres: 371,392
NPS Fires: 493 Acres: 103,758
State/Other Fires: 62,853 Acres: 2,226,593
Michigan was no exception either. So far this year, 568 fires have destroyed over 9,669 acres of forest.As a response to this year's excessive fire season, some environmental groups are rethinking their stance on forest management. In a recent AP article, Executive Director of Forest Guardians, Rex Wahl states, "Wildfires are getting bigger, burning hotter, and the effects are more devastating." He continues, "Judicious cutting of smaller trees is what's needed."
Does anybody have any stats or information on lightning and forest fire?
