Senator John Curtis announced this week the introduction of the Strategic Grazing to Reduce the Risk of Wildfire Act. This bipartisan legislation’s focus is to direct the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service to collaborate with grazing allotment holders, States, Tribes, and local fire departments to create a strategy to use targeted grazing to manage hazardous fuels and reduce risks from wildfires. “Utah has already experienced 218 wildfires this year, marking a nearly 50% increase compared to this point last year,” said Senator Curtis. “While officials anticipate an above-average wildfire season, I am encouraged by proposals that include grazing and use of public lands for fire mitigation. Our bipartisan legislation will help empower local officials and fire crews to develop targeted strategies like these to manage hazardous fuels and decrease risks.” Utah saw a total of 1,244 wildfire reports in 2024—a 54% increase from 2023.
