Already this year, some 38,000 fires have torched more than 832,000 acres in the United States. The Martis fire is the only major blaze still burning out of control among a number of forest fires that have been scorching the West this week. Other fires in Southern California and Arizona were reported contained or nearly contained, according to U.S. Forest Service officials. On Maui, Spaulding said because Haleakala has received some rain over the past week, conditions aren't as dry as they have been, but that doesn't mean officials will rest easy as the hottest months lie ahead. Minassian noted that the park retains the necessary personnel to carry out an initial fire suppression response.
Prevention remains the key.