Here is a great post from Southern Park County Fire Protection District

“It’s rained a lot over the last couple weeks, so why the fire ban still?”

Great question—and here’s an illustrated answer!

If you look closely at this picture from the fire off Highway 9 the other day, you’ll see why. It was even raining while we were fighting this fire!

Above the red line is where the fire was burning in what’s called pine duff—dead pine needles, dry pine cones and dead grass.

Between the red and yellow lines, it’s bone dry. This area was protected by the tree branches.

Below the yellow line is the bare soil that the rain fell on that night, which is still relatively dry even though it was raining.

Underneath the material that gets wet when it rains is still VERY dry and combustible. This is due to the lack of prolonged precipitation not just how much rain we’ve received.

So, if the top is wet but underneath is dry, doesn’t that moisture help suppress and stop the fire?

Yes and no. It slows how quickly the fire spreads, but it’s not wet enough to put the fire out. The moisture evaporates faster than it can provide any fire stopping measures.

Hope this helps explain why we’re still in a fire ban!

PARK COUNTY, CO — Dear Members of the Land and Water Trust Fund Board and the Park County Board of County Commissioners,

We want to extend our sincere gratitude for your decision to award funding for the completion of the Fire Suppression Pond work within the Platte Canyon Fire Protection District. Your support directly strengthens the safety and resilience of our community, and we are deeply appreciative of your commitment to this project.

Fire Suppression Ponds play a critical role in protecting the residents of this area. In a region where wildfire risk is both persistent and growing, these ponds provide essential, reliable water sources for firefighting operations. Their presence reduces response times, increases suppression effectiveness, and offers a vital buffer for neighborhoods that rely on swift, well supported fire protection. For the Platte Canyon Fire Protection District, these ponds are not just infrastructure—they are life‑safety assets that help safeguard homes, property, and the wellbeing of everyone who lives here.

Your investment ensures that these ponds will remain functional, compliant, and ready to serve the community when they are needed most. Thank you for recognizing the importance of this work and for helping advance a project that directly enhances public safety.

With appreciation, 

Fire Adapted Park County Board Members

BAILEY, CO — Fire Adapted Park County has received a $5,000 grant from Summit Utilities to support forest mitigation work. Read how these funds will be put to work in your community.