This past summer and spring was one of the wettest in recent memory for the region. It all started when feet of heavy, wet snow fell on May 15, knocking out power throughout the region. While the storm was not ideal for linemen, the excess moisture was significant for local vegetation. With warm temperatures and ample rain over most of the summer, the fuel loads increased dramatically with abundant grass, shrubs, and new tree growth. Now, as the dry autumn months set in, many local experts are looking at the increased fuel loads and worry about how easy it is for a spark to start a massive fire. Historically, some of the worst fires in the area began in the fall. For example, the Junkins…
