Conditions are hot and dry but nothing like 2012

Thanks to record high temperatures and dry conditions, Southern Colorado is once again at high risk for wildfires.

However, the conditions now are still very different than those that existed just before the devastating Waldo Canyon fire in 2012.

The Thiels, who currently reside in the Mountain Shadows neighborhood, say the smoke plumes and hazy skies this week remind them of the scene almost exactly four years ago.

“Thursday morning, we said, ‘Oh look at that, Pike’s Peak is obscured.’ Everything looks like 2012,” said Marilyn Thiel.

The damage from the Waldo Canyon fire was extreme, as more than 300 homes were lost and two people were killed.

However, the fire also helped residents realize the potential for wildfires.

CSFD Wildfire Mitigation Program Coordinator Amy Sylvester said, “I will say that since the Waldo Canyon fire and the Black Forest fire, people are definitely more aware of the fire danger in the area, even though it has always been there.”

Mountain Shadows resident Chad Cullers said, “I don’t think I’m worried, but you definitely take a little more precaution when you go out.”

So how does 2016 compare to 2012?

The biggest difference is the drought.

In late June of 2012, the entire state of Colorado was included in the “Moderate Drought” category, with nearly half in the “Extreme Drought” category.

This year, thanks to a wet fall and spring, only four percent of the state is at “Minimal Drought” status.

Click hear to see the current drought monitor index.

NWS Meteorologist Mark Wankowski added that the rainy season is expected to arrive in July and last until September, which should keep things moist.

“If the monsoon doesn’t set up as normal, we could see a rapid deterioration of conditions, but right now, it’s much different than 2012,” he said.