Recent snowfall brings high fire danger
Recent snowfall brings high fire danger
12 February 2011
published by www.newschannel10.com
USA — There are big concerns this afternoon that this snow on the ground all across the Panhandle might actually lead to a more active wildfire season.
It’s easy to think this snow must have brought us some much needed moisture. Enough to make a big dent in the extreme dry conditions we’ve seen. That’s exactly what fire officials are worried about.
Amarillo Fire’s Captain Wes Hall says, “The biggest effect this fire will have is that people will think we have plenty of moisture to keep fires from burning and we really don’t. Everything is really thick and grown up tall so we could have a very bad wildfire season this spring.”
Another reason the snow could make the situation worse… It’s giving the grass the moisture it needs to grow earlier than normal, which will only add more fuel to the fire.
The message from area fire departments is a very simple one… Err on the side of caution… don’t burn leaves, be careful while grilling and keep grass cut within 30 feet of your house.
