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CNN Live Today

Interview with Wildfire Expert Janelle Smith

Aired June 04, 2002 - 14:20   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: A wildfire burning out of control in south-central Colorado has destroyed more than 80 homes and is threatening 700 more.

Crews struggling to get a handle on the 4,400 acre blaze may get a hand from falling temperatures and rising humidity. Colorado is one of four western states where major wildfires are burning. Crews are also battling blazes in California, Arizona and New Mexico.

For more on these fires, let's check in with Janelle Smith at the National Interagency Fire Center. She joins us by phone from Boise, Idaho.

Janelle, how many new fires are burning now, since yesterday when we spoke last?

JANELLE SMITH, NATL. INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER: Yes, overnight we have 10 new fires that were reported to us.

LIN: Ten new fires and 37 large fires currently burning in 12 states. This sounds like a pretty serious situation.

SMITH: It certainly is unusual to have this much widespread activity. We've got fires burning in nearly every corner of the country right now.

LIN: So, what's starting them?

SMITH: Mostly we're getting these ignitions from lightning.

LIN: Lightning strikes. Well, you can't prevent those, but how can you figure out a way to control these blazes, then?

SMITH: Well, weather really plays a huge factor and we are looking at some moderating weather today in Colorado and New Mexico, which should help those firefighters significantly.

LIN: So, is the worst situation still in Colorado?

SMITH: Yes. The Colorado fire, the Iron Mountain one, is the most significant situation, however, we're really looking at today being a good day and for them to be able to turn the corner.

LIN: All right. Well, what does the weather outlook look like, then?

SMITH: Again, just as you mentioned before, Carol Lin, we've got improved conditions with scattered showers, cooler temperatures and higher humidities in Colorado and New Mexico.

Southern California will remain a very serious area with hot and dry conditions, and winds expected to continue there today.

LIN: Do you have a long-range outlook for the weather for the summer?

SMITH: Well, unfortunately, the long-range outlook is just summer-type weather coming our way in the West, which means hot and dry weather continuing to add to the fire dangers.

LIN: What can people do in these areas to try to prevent these fires, then?

SMITH: I'm glad you asked that.

It's very critical during these times that people are very cautious with any sort of campfire or debris burning fire when they're out in the wild lands, just to prevent any accidental fires.

Also, people that own homes in these wild land areas can take some precautions to make sure that their homes are safe from wildfires as well.

LIN: Doing what?

SMITH: Building a defensible space around their homes. Clearing out brush so that the fire can't encroach too close to their home.

LIN: How hard is that? I mean, I don't know many people who are willing to go out there and really know, even, what they're doing.

SMITH: Well, that's a good point.

There are all kinds of agencies and federal workers that can assist homeowners, as well as a great Web site. It's firewise.org, that gives people all kinds of tips, and they really aren't that difficult.

LIN: Firewise.org.

SMITH: Yes.

LIN: All right, in the meantime, we haven't reported any deaths or injuries. I guess that's good news, then.

SMITH: That's very good news. I know with these extreme conditions, that's always a concern. But safety is, again, always our number one priority, for both our firefighters and the public.

LIN: All right. Very good. Janelle, good luck.

SMITH: Thank you.

LIN: Good look to all those firefighters out there on the line. I know it's really tough duty. Janelle Smith with the Interagency Fire Department.

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