Gearing up for a long hot summer

Predictions for a hot, dry summer across northern California are worrisome for fire-fighters and farmers, but could be good news for endangered salmon in the Russian River.

Ken Pimlott, California’s State Forester and the director of CalFire, says the number of wildfires requiring a response are up three times this year, compared with the same period last year. Since the year started with little to no rainfall, the ground and heavier, bushy plants are already drier than usual.

Pam Jeane, operations manager at the Sonoma County Water Agency, is expecting a good year for water. But, she says, residents still need to be conservation conscious. Demand has spiked in the last few weeks. A few sprinkler heads may need to be checked.