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

Wildfires will start easily from most causes and spread quickly, with a rapid increase in intensity likely immediately 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 sightings and fire swirls,” 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 evaluate the need for potential fire restrictions later this week and 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 details.

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

First, by this time in the fall, the grasses are largely inactive and will easily catch fire. Second, the deadwood, or what firefighters call “1,000-hour fuels,” is very dry and has nearly the same moisture content as kiln-dried wood, according to Summit Fire & EMS. Finally, the extended forecast calls for warm and dry conditions, so the fire protection district says fuels will continue to become drier and drier. The fire protection district says the wood fuels can be very susceptible to spreading fire until snow falls.

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