So far this spring we have had a less than average snowfall. Our area of southern Colorado relies on springs snowfall to encourage plant growth and reduce the fire hazard level. We had a pretty typical winter but we are a little behind this spring. Hopefully this will even out over the next month or two.
The wildlife really depend on spring snows to grow the berries and other edibles our four legged friends live on. Several years ago we had a severe drought and the bears didn't have enough to eat so many of them came to town looking for food. We usually have a few every summer and fall running around town, but when there isn't enough food for them in the mountains they can become a problem for us humans.
The fire hazard level is very high right now. There was a 100 acre fire up around Monument Lake that was put out yesterday. Three buildings were destroyed. There have been several fires in southern Colorado over the last few weeks. Thankfully none of them have been too severe.
This is the time of year to assess your vulnerability to wild fires. If you live out in the country it is important to ha a defensible perimeter around your home and outbuildings to make it as difficult as possible for a fire to destroy what you has spent a lifetime building.
I have been told that a good defensible perimeter is made by clearing and brush and combustible materials withing 50 feet of your home. This will seriously increase your properties chances of survival.
Remember, out here in the country we need to be able to rely on ourselves as much as possible. Since our area is so unpopulated fire crews by necessity have to defend as many homes as possible, they may not be able to come out to your place where there is only one home when another development down the road with a few homes is in the fire's path.
I have heard about using some kind of spray foam on you home. I read something last year where homeowners like us can purchase this stuff and when a fire comes it is really supposed to help your home be fire resistant. If I can find out more about it I'll post it on this blog.
Date: 2008-05-01 13:38:34