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Mojave County emergency manager issues 2026 wildfire outlook; drought and bark beetles heighten risks
Summary
County emergency management and partner agencies briefed the board on increased wildfire risk for 2026 because of below‑normal precipitation, long‑term drought, tree loss to bark beetles, and hotter summer forecasts. Staff outlined IGAs, fuel‑reduction work, Firewise outreach, and notification systems.
Mojave County’s emergency manager, Mike Browning, briefed the board on wildfire outlook and preparedness for 2026, warning of elevated risk due to several factors including prolonged drought and active bark‑beetle infestations.
Browning said much of the county registered below‑normal winter precipitation and reduced snowpack in higher elevations. ‘‘This drought extends a good 10 to 15 years going back,’’ he said, and forecast models show a likelihood of a longer, hotter summer that could intensify fire risk. State, federal and local partners presented data on recent human‑caused and natural fires and on resource availability for wildland response.
Browning highlighted county mitigation measures and intergovernmental agreements: cooperative agreements with BLM and the state forester for resource sharing, road maintenance for evacuation routes, Firewise homeowner outreach and property mitigation, and a $3.7 million grant administered by the state to treat forest health and hazardous fuel areas on Walapai Mountain. Browning also explained the county’s notification system (IPAW) used to alert residents during emergencies.
Board members asked about bark‑beetle impacts in Walapai Mountain Park and disposal of removed timber. Browning said crews have removed thousands of trees and that uninfested logs are made available as firewood while beetle‑infested material is handled to prevent insect spread.
Next steps: ongoing fuel‑reduction projects to be implemented through the summer and the county will coordinate unified fire restrictions with state and federal partners as conditions warrant.
