July

This is the time of year when the summer is full-on, The 4th of July is eagerly anticipated, people are in the middle of vacations, projects at home, sports activities, camping, fishing, relaxing on the porch, planning what to grill on the barbecue, baseball, our independence, red, white and blue and fireworks, although this year for obvious reasons, the colorful but explosive pyrotechnics of any manner, were strongly discouraged, in fact strictly prohibited in most areas around the region. 

Spring and Summer 2011 in the Southwest, so far has been hot as the dry desert and forest becomes fuel for the tiniest spark. Tens of thousands of acres-scorched, animals, homes, cabins and other dwellings up in unforgiving flames, wild, rampant, defying those who attempt to stop it.

From the threat to Los Alamos National Laboratory and the entire town needing to evacuate to countless  life threatening emergencies as hundreds of fire crews are dispatched to stand-up to the monstrous inferno.

Where as rain would be a tremendous help, in contrast the impending rainy season also brings with it, thunder and lighting storms which are accompanied by more fire danger and imminent floods. The line between thriving forests/safe habitats and man made and natural disasters is delicate with a vulnerability that hangs on the balance making it a must to respect and take care of our environment and natural resources.