Slow Start to Wildfire Season, But Expected to Intensify

Despite widespread drought in the West, wildfires have burned less than half the 10-year average area so far this summer. U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell said Wednesday that largely has been a matter of luck, with the hot, windy weather known as "red flag" days not lining up with the lighting strikes that start fires, particularly in California. But he says that is changing. Eighteen large fires are burning in the Northwest with intensities not normally seen until August.