Forward Thinking:

 This year we are having some very strange weather. When we normally have between 100 -130" of snow by now we have only had 24" accumulation to date. According to my calculations that is around 10" of moisture that we are lacking. If this trend continues and presently I have no doubt it will - this summer we are going to be super dry. We have had over a month and a half of wind that has damaged homes, blown over trees (we have lost almost 100), and drifted the minimal snow we have received.

The wind has caused regular power outages and internet disruption. The sum total of all this is that everything is super dry. Any outdoor fire is curtailed and should this continue this summer is going to be prone to wildfire. Even though no outdoor fires are prohibited as well as fireworks, some people do not comply and do as they please without regard for others. 

Last fall the owner of the water in our area demanded we release it and so all our lakes but one were drained. With the lack of snow there is little chance they will refill this spring. So our area has no stored water to fight a wildfire, the wind has dried out vegetation and all the downed trees from the wind are now wildfire fuel. That paints a rather dismal picture for our area and  wildfire potential is going to be a high priority in the coming days. 

There is little the association can do about it but individual landowners can be working now to mitigate their property.  Sadly I don't see many doing that even though the snow is only a few inches deep now. I don't think many are thinking ahead far enough to do what is necessary to protect their property. Trees should be removed a safe distance from the home, branches should be cut off trees up to 12' so in case of a wildfire they don't serve as a ladder for fire to crown. 

People need to take steps to protect themselves and their property and not hope someone else will do it for them. The last wildfire three years ago left us in a small green oasis with everything burned around us. We are therefore somewhat insulated from further wildfires for a few years. Others however are not and should be working diligently to protect themselves. That however takes forward thinking.