Western Travel 2022

[rames14]

I posted yesterday in the Western Rally section, but it was pointed out that it needs to hit a larger audience. So here goes. Unless there is a significant change in the weather, this could be the worst fire year in recent memory out west (think from the Pacific to Nebraska and Canada to Mexico). Right now, in April, we have already in Colorado had numerous fires that have caused the loss of homes. If you plan on visiting the west this year, don’t let fire risk deter you from your plans, but be fire aware. What does that mean? The reason many of us camp is to get away from all the bad news. If you are out west, you need to be able to get fire news. Sometimes you only have minutes. Those of us who live in fire prone areas have a number of precautions. Have a go bag - meds, important papers, important items ready to go. You may not have time to break camp. Have an escape route. Is there only one road in to your campsite? Where would you go if you have to evacuate? Pets are another concern. If a fire occurs, several things happen almost immediately. The first thing is that power is cut for firefighter safety. Road blocks go up. In our neighborhood we had a Humvee with National Guard troops preventing reentry. So, enjoy your trip, but realize this isn’t a normal year. Be prepared for rules prohibiting fires and possibly even gas grills. Smoking outside may be prohibited. Outdoor activities like mowing and target shooting could be curtailed (the spark from a mower blade hitting a rock can cause a fire). You don’t want to be the one that causes people to lose their homes. Normally, we don’t see this level of danger until well into May. In 2012, we were the only house left on our road. Our firefighters had to fight their way out when a mile wide by 200 ft tall wall of fire swept through and took out 49 homes just in our Filing. That was in June. What is so very different this year is the wind. It has been relentless and strong. Combined with low humidity, lack of snowfall and warming temperatures, an already early fire season could get much worse. So, enjoy your travels, but be fire aware.

[jimcol]

Thanks, Ron, for this great and informative public service post.

[Ahdmeyer]

very interesting, we have a number of fires already here in az. last year was bad but i think you are right on about the coming fire season. here is a interesting web page about active fires. https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-tech...re/information we were very close last year at our home. i went to the garage at midnight and put the slides in the fifth wheel and told my wife to pack up, if that fire comes over the ridge we are out of here. only one way out where i live. the guys and gals fighting these fires certainly need to be recognized for the dangerous job they do. lost 2 pilots last year one plane one helicopter. be safe and careful with fires. happy travels
al meyer
3931fb
az

[mlh]

Thanks Ron. I like to camp on Union Pass in Wyoming. A friend in Dubois told me if I smelled smoke leave now don’t even bother to hood up your camper. He said “you can’t out run it”. I take that advice very seriously.
Lynwood

[wed]

Ron that’s great info.
Thanks

[Gubs]

Originally Posted by rames14

I posted yesterday in the Western Rally section, but it was pointed out that it needs to hit a larger audience. So here goes. Unless there is a significant change in the weather, this could be the worst fire year in recent memory out west (think from the Pacific to Nebraska and Canada to Mexico). Right now, in April, we have already in Colorado had numerous fires that have caused the loss of homes. If you plan on visiting the west this year, don’t let fire risk deter you from your plans, but be fire aware. What does that mean? The reason many of us camp is to get away from all the bad news. If you are out west, you need to be able to get fire news. Sometimes you only have minutes. Those of us who live in fire prone areas have a number of precautions. Have a go bag - meds, important papers, important items ready to go. You may not have time to break camp. Have an escape route. Is there only one road in to your campsite? Where would you go if you have to evacuate? Pets are another concern. If a fire occurs, several things happen almost immediately. The first thing is that power is cut for firefighter safety. Road blocks go up. In our neighborhood we had a Humvee with National Guard troops preventing reentry. So, enjoy your trip, but realize this isn’t a normal year. Be prepared for rules prohibiting fires and possibly even gas grills. Smoking outside may be prohibited. Outdoor activities like mowing and target shooting could be curtailed (the spark from a mower blade hitting a rock can cause a fire). You don’t want to be the one that causes people to lose their homes. Normally, we don’t see this level of danger until well into May. In 2012, we were the only house left on our road. Our firefighters had to fight their way out when a mile wide by 200 ft tall wall of fire swept through and took out 49 homes just in our Filing. That was in June. What is so very different this year is the wind. It has been relentless and strong. Combined with low humidity, lack of snowfall and warming temperatures, an already early fire season could get much worse. So, enjoy your travels, but be fire aware.

Be very aware in the state of Arizona also, we are trying to burn the entire state down right now so be careful and aware of your surroundings at all times. Enjoy, have fun, see all there is to see and most of all be safe!!