In a test at the Idaho National Lab last week, workers were able to turn the reactor on and safely control a nuclear fission reaction, though it hasn't produced electricity yet.

The federally-funded project focuses on the wildland-urban interface, where forests and nearby communities meet. Those areas can be especially vulnerable to wildfires.

The new Pew Research Center survey also found that most U.S. adults felt extreme weather events are more severe. Political party was a major factor in responses.

A new lawsuit argues killing predators in these areas, even to protect livestock, violates the 1964 Wilderness Act. Plaintiffs wants to halt the practice in areas like Utah.

Several Colorado and Idaho counties have passed moratoriums on data center development, at least for now. Cheyenne, Wyoming, opted to speed ahead.

Researchers looked at more than 750,000 wildfires in the West over 30 years. In the second half of that period, the number of reported wildfires were down by 31%, but acreage burned was up 40%.

That includes expanded opportunities at places like Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, as well as entirely new locations. It's part of wider efforts to remove barriers to hunting on federal lands.

Colorado adopted a code last year, with enforcement expected to begin this year. Arizona, New Mexico, Idaho, and Wyoming, meanwhile, have no statewide wildfire building codes.

Over seven recent years, U.S. Forest Service projects helped communities avoid almost $3 billion in fire-related harm, according to a new study.

After last year's massive Dragon Bravo Fire, there's an increased risk of dangerous flooding and mudslides in the area. Park officials have a plan to keep visitors safe.