Drought conditions and fire safety in Colorado

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Travis Duncan, CPW Statewide

Colorado is experiencing drought conditions in many areas of the state and Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reminding the public to be “fire-wise” when recreating outdoors this summer.

Background
Currently, Colorado is experiencing the third lowest snowpack on record, with only 2002 and 1981 being drier. Extreme drought has expanded to cover most of the southern half of Colorado, with the worst conditions being in the southwest corner.

As of May 30, statewide snowpack at SNOTEL sites is 29 percent of average. Seventy-eight percent of the state is in some level of drought classification with 33 percent in Extreme Drought and almost 8 percent in the worst classification of Exceptional Drought in the southwest corner of Colorado and the Sangre de Cristo Range.

How you can help
It’s important to be conscientious around your home and when recreating during drought conditions in Colorado. The Colorado Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management has a list of current fire bans and danger levels for the state that is an excellent resource for staying aware of fire conditions when traveling in Colorado this summer. The Colorado Division of Prevention & Control has great information on safely building an open campfire.

The Google Drive Folder below contains several items that we hope will be helpful to you in preparing stories and educating the public about drought and fire in Colorado.

The folder contains the following information, and will be updated throughout the season:

May 2018 drought report

Snow-Water equivalent map for May 2018 conditions

Watering a home landscape during drought

Fire-resistant landscaping

Protecting your home from wildfire

Fire-wise tips

Effects of drought on terrestrial and riparian areas in the Southwest Region

B-Roll Video Folder

Thank you for your help in spreading the word about recreating safely during drought conditions in Colorado.

For additional inquiries, please contact your statewide or regional public information officers to schedule interviews or provide region-specific information.

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