Why this July 4 weekend is a wildfire tinderbox

Extreme heat, drought, and dangerous fire weather are increasing wildfire risks across the U.S. West for the July 4 weekend, leading to fireworks restrictions and mandatory evacuations in Utah and Colorado. Wildfire activity is well above average, with over 157% of the 10-year average acreage burned by June 30, driven by climate change factors like prolonged drought and rising temperatures.