Fire Season Is Upon Us

Post date: Jun 24, 2015 11:30:04 PM

It's time to be especially careful!

Over the last month, virtually every day we've worked with crews, they've been called to fires, and we've had almost as many days with crews canceling because they're out with strike teams. As I write this on June 24, there are 7 large fires burning to the north, south and east of us.

The statistics are at sobering, but still contain a glimmer of hope. As of June 20 there have already been 2, 486 wildfires, not counting those on federal lands (national parks & forests). That's 22% more than last year by the same date, and 50% over the average by this time for 2010-2014. The good news is that only 8,583 acres have burned, down 17% from last year and 40% from the 5 year average.

Alas, actual acreage burned is far greater. Right now nearly 19,000 acres is burning in the San Bernadino National Forest, and a 17,000 acre fire on BLM land is closing in on Markleeville.

The 500 acre Sky fire in National Forest just southwest of Yosemite was started by a vehicle. Don't park on tall dry grass, be sure that there are no chains or mufflers hanging from your vehicle, and keep your catalytic convertor in good condition to avoid a repeat of the Trabing fire. Setting off any fireworks in the mountains is a terrible idea. One less spark, one less wildfire!