Seriously, researcher discoverd that the long periods of no forest fires tend to cause catastrophe fires like this one. Reason? Research discoverd that over years, with tight fire control, the leaves falls on grounds every year, accumulate enough carbon. Just think this way, over 100 years of build up, it gets out of control.
It is not about money, it is nature that is trying to control the environment, but humans got in way in some way. Lightning is what cause the forest fire...
Its sad of course, I now have friends from SLC, not good news. I just talk with some of them, it is not good.
Yes, you are right. America has been so proactive during the last 50-100 years with controlling wildfire that its caused 3 generations+ of overgrowth in all these natural/ uninhabited areas. This creates dangerous situations. With hot wildfire, and enough wind creates potential for special situation where fire can spread at 30-40 mph!!!! yes I found it hard to believe at first myself.....I guess this is how people, residents and firefighters die. There is actually a name given to this type of fire and candy bar goes to first person to help me out and name it....I'm having end of day brain freeze. 
Hope they find a way to get it back in control.