Unseasonably warm weather causes more wildfires in Vt.

Published: Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Unusually warm weather and little rain are causing more land to be damaged by fire in Vermont. During the first three months of 2012, more than 300 acres has burned in the state, compared to an average of 190 acres for the entire year.

The worst month for wildfires in Vermont is usually April, but this year, they struck a month early, thanks to record-high temperatures, melting snow and below-average rainfall. Gusty winds added to the fire threat last week, causing the National Weather Service to issue a red flag warning, and some local fire wardens are taking precautions by not issuing burn permits.

The fires haven't caused any serious damage or injury yet, but officials are wary of what could be in store for April. Brush fires can often spread swiftly, even over wet areas.

"These fires go faster than you can run," said Dennis Rheaume, the fire chief in Cornwall, Vt. (Molly Walsh, Burlington Free Press, April 1). -- LJ

Reprinted from ClimateWire with permission from Environment & Energy Publishing, LLC. www.eenews.net. 202-628-6500

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