lferrell@alamosanews.com 

MINERAL COUNTY- As summer quickly approaches, much of the San Luis Valley is preparing for a dry season with record-low precipitation, low snowpack resulting in lower-than-normal runoff, and communities are warning people to be cautious with fire this year. 

Mineral County Emergency Manager Clint Leggitt, along with other local organizations, will be hosting a fire wise and prevention event on Thursday, May 21, at 5 p.m. at the Creede and Mineral County Chamber of Commerce, 904 S. Main St. Emergency service officials urge the public to attend, as there will be tips and tricks to help with fire prevention and mitigation. 

According to current data from the Pueblo National Weather Service, record-shattering high spring temperatures have plunged the San Luis Valley into critical fire danger heading into the summer months, leaving emergency managers and water officials bracing for an unseasonably perilous wildfire season. 

Following a warm March and April that prematurely melted what little mountain snowpack existed, the high-altitude desert basin is facing severe hydrological deficits. Local, state, and federal agencies are urging residents to exercise caution as natural fuels dry out weeks ahead of schedule. 

The Western Water Assessment's mid-May data shows that drought conditions have rapidly deteriorated across Colorado, with severe and extreme drought expanding through the southern half of the state. 

The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) seasonal outlook indicates that above-normal significant fire potential will continue to expand across the Greater Four Corners region and western Colorado as summer progresses. 

While weather stations note a rapid transition toward an El Niño weather pattern, which could bring above-average precipitation to Southern Colorado by late summer, the immediate forecast for late spring and early summer hinges on high temperatures that will continue to affect the Valley's vulnerable landscape. 

Fire officials stress that until consistent summer monsoons arrive, even minor sparks from machinery, vehicles, or outdoor burning could instantly ignite fast-moving, uncontrollable wildland fires. 

Organizations like Mineral County Office of Emergency Management (MCOEM) and South Fork Fire Rescue (SFFR), just to name a few, have been cautioning residents and visitors to use extreme caution this year. 

SFFR recently hosted a fire preparedness presentation at the April South Fork Neighborhood Watch meeting, where SFFR Capt. Tyler Schmidt spoke about the current conditions and the danger they present for wildfire risks. 

The May 21 event will provide an opportunity for people in Creede to learn about current conditions, forecasted patterns, and what they can do to help prepare and mitigate fire danger in the area.