Despite recent snow, fire danger is high

The weather pattern has been more active lately, bringing some minor drought relief in the form of snow.

Tyler Lambert, the fire chief of the Northeast Teller County Fire Protection District said the snow certainly helps, but the small amount does not yield enough moisture to overcome the current drought.

“With the snow that we had, people are thinking that we’ve got a lot of moisture but the reality is there’s not much moisture in the snow to get,” said Lambert.

Lambert said Teller County is already discussing water restrictions for spring, and Colorado Springs Utilities is already planning on Stage II Restrictions beginning April 1.

Brett Lacey, the Colorado Springs Fire Department fire marshal, said he is also anticipating the need to issue fire restrictions and bans by early spring.

“From a forest health standpoint and from the moisture content we have a long way to go before we recover,” said Lacey.

Lacey and Lambert said the people need to be aware that fire danger is still high and that extra caution needs to be exercised when spending time outdoors.