June begins no fire restrictions in Summit County, despite a rash of small fires caused by people and lightning in recent weeks.
But it might not last.
“For now, enjoy the higher humidity levels and evening rains, but begin to prepare for a potentially dry, windy and warm June,” Red White and Blue Fire division chief Matt Benedict says in a statement. “We have had a few aggressive wildfires in the past this time of year, so although it’s easy to be complacent in regard to the risk of wildfire in the spring, the risk is real.”
Benedict says the U.S. Drought Monitor predicts June will dry out fast. By end of this month Summit will likely be hotter and drier than average. Local fire danger will rise with the temperatures and fire restrictions, like a campfire ban, could be imminent. (Summit went most of the summer last year with minimal to no restrictions.)
His first tip is simple – tidy up your yard. Start by clearing dead leaves, pine needles and slash within five feet of your home, sheds and garages. Then, clear overhanging branches and deadfall. Summit County will collect most of your slash through the free chipping program, happening now through July.
If you have already done that, you can still do more! RWB Fire and Summit Fire and EMS both offer free home evaluations for fire mitigation. Contact the departments to schedule yours.