Wyoming has had a pretty wet year, but that doesn't mean we can't have fires.

Within the last few weeks there have been a number of wildland fire that have started in Natrona County. One of the big causes of fires starting in Wyoming, is lightning. When we go a stretch without considerable rain, the grass dries out. When the grass is dry, it only takes a single spark to set the grass ablaze.

Imagine the heat and power from one lightning strike.

A bolt of lightning can be up to 50 to 60,000 degrees Fahrenheit. In Wyoming, we receive about 290,000 lightning strikes per year. The National Fire Protection Association says that thousands of fires every year are caused by lighting. Reports say that in a span of four years, 2008-2012, there were 9,000 wildland fires caused by lightning.

That means that in the flash of one split second, a fire can start. When that fire starts, lives can be destroyed,  property lost and deaths can occur.

There's nothing you can do to prevent lightning from striking, but there is something you can do to assure that you're not the reason that fire isn't put out.

Not trying to be a downer, but making sure you're prepared and using common sense is a huge part of your safety, the safety of others and properties all over Wyoming.

Wyoming's fire departments are top notch and take their job very seriously.

Natrona County Emergency Management is an agency that helps plan, execute and review safety plans to save lives, lower the risk of injuries and protect all of the great things we have in Natrona County.

NCEM's social media is a great way for them to regularly give safety tips and this weeks is on topic with you helping firefighters fight fires.

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Don't be part of the problem, be part of the solution. Even if it mean walking a few extra feet.