Wildfires in the West. (National).

Forest fires scorched much of the western U.S. this past summer. By the end of August, fires had destroyed almost 6 million acres of land, twice the average yearly amount.

The U.S. Forest Service will spend $1 billion battling fires in 2002. But there are other costs--to people, homes, and endangered species. In Arizona, the White Mountain Apache Indians lost $152 million worth of timber after a fire scorched nearly 469,000 acres of nearby land. A blaze in California threatened some of the Sequoia National Forest, home to the largest redwood trees in the world. Many woodland creatures have also lost their habitats.

Lightning starts most wildfires, but this year arsonists (people who set fires on purpose) were also to blame. Drought caused the fires to burn longer and destroy more forestland than usual.

What can be done to prevent future fires? President Bush wants to open up the national forests to more logging. He says that logging would "clear the forest floor of built-up brush and densely packed trees that ... create the fuel" for huge wildfires.

Environmental groups oppose the plan. They say logging companies will build more roads into the forests and rake down the biggest trees for lumber.

What can you do to help stop wildfires? Never leave a campfire unattended, and never play with matches, lighters, or fireworks. Be sure to tell your friends about fire prevention, too.