The wildfire danger in Summit County has climbed to “very high,” according to Summit Fire & EMS.

Wildfires will start easily from most causes and will spread rapidly with a quick increase in intensity likely right after ignition, the fire protection district said in a Facebook post Thursday morning, Oct. 3.

“Small fires can quickly become large fires and exhibit extreme fire intensity, such as long-distance spotting and fire whirls,” Summit Fire & EMS wrote in the social media post.

Summit County’s fire protection districts, Summit Fire & EMS and Red, White & Blue, along with the Dillon Ranger District and the Summit Board of County Commissioners, will reportedly be evaluating the need for possible fire restrictions later this week and into next week.

If fire restrictions are determined to be necessary, fire officials say they will notify the public and stakeholders through multiple channels with more specifics.

Summit Fire & EMS said three main factors played a role in the decision to raise the fire danger.

First, grasses are mostly dormant by this time in the fall and will catch fire easily. Second, the dead timber, or what firefighters refer to as “1,000-hour fuels,” are very dry and nearing the same moisture content as kiln-dried lumber, according to Summit Fire & EMS. Lastly, the extended forecast projects warm and dry conditions, so the fire protection district says fuels will continue to get drier and drier. The fire protection district says that the timber fuels could be very receptive to the spread of fire until snow falls.

Summit Fire & EMS also included a “Firewise tip” recommending Summit County residents take some time to clean up around their homes and businesses to help protect them from wildfires. The zone within 5 feet of the home is most important, according to the fire protection district. This time of year aspen leaves, which can be very receptive fuel for embers, clutter the ground around the home. Cleaning them up is an easy step that could help prevent the spread of wildfire.