- Southwestern states brace for above-normal fire risk after a dry winter.
- Governors outline new funds, training, and legislation to reduce wildfire threats.
- Colorado awards 37 mitigation grants; other states enhance suppression efforts.
Monday, April 7, 2025 — Following a historically dry winter, particularly in the Southwest, states across the West are ramping up wildfire prevention and suppression efforts in anticipation of a challenging fire season. The information is drawn from the April 3, 2025 Best of the West Report by the Western Governors’ Association
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Arizona and New Mexico were among the hardest hit by the lack of precipitation. Seventeen locations across New Mexico marked their driest winter on record, while Flagstaff, Arizona reported a snowfall shortfall of 50 inches.
Governors throughout the region are taking action to address the increased wildfire risk.
Arizona Targets Fire-Prone Acres.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs urged residents to prepare by securing chains on vehicles and clearing dead vegetation from around homes. She noted the state has already treated 23,000 acres of fire-prone land since July 2024, aiming for 30,000 acres by June.
Additionally, over 1,000 firefighters attended Arizona’s annual wildfire academy to refine skills in brush removal, fire line construction, and aerial operations.
New Mexico Declares Wildfire Awareness Week.
In New Mexico, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham proclaimed March 29–April 4 as Wildfire Awareness Week. The state legislature passed multiple bills this session, including the creation of a Fire Planning Task Force and two new funds: a Wildfire Suppression Fund and a Wildfire Preparedness Fund.
Colorado Grants Support Local Mitigation.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced 37 wildfire mitigation grants to benefit 26 counties. “Preventing wildfires is an all-hands-on-deck effort in Colorado,” said Polis. “Wildfires continue to be a serious threat to Colorado communities, and investing in fire mitigation initiatives and helping communities create defensible spaces helps all Coloradans and firefighters to be better prepared in the event of a fire emergency.”
Utah Joins Regional Firefighting Compact.
Utah has joined the Great Plains Fire Compact—a regional collaboration that includes states like Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico, as well as the Canadian province of Saskatchewan—to streamline resource-sharing and emergency response.
California and Wyoming Issue Executive Actions.
California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an Executive Order aimed at future wildfire adaptation and published a list of key actions from the state’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force to prioritize mitigation efforts.
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon approved $20 million to replenish the state’s emergency fire suppression account.
As Western states brace for what could be a difficult wildfire season, officials continue to emphasize community preparedness, coordinated resource sharing, and proactive investment in fire mitigation.
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