That fire season began April 26, 1977 to be exact. CalFire officials state that there is no reason to believe the fire season will begin as early as the 1977 season however residents should take precautions now to prevent property loss later. Officials are concerned however that the Mother Lode will see a large wildfire this summer. That concern is based on several key points, first the lack of rain this winter has allowed normally-saturated vegetation to dry out more quickly. When our area did experience storms this winter both rain and heavy snow caused tree limbs to fall throughout the area. This creates ladder fuels in the event of a wild land fire which allows fire to climb more easily into trees. Also noted by Calfire officials is the fact that the Mother lode has not seen a significant fire in the last few years. The Amador County Power Fire in October of 2004 was the last major fire to hit the region. Fore more information on defensible space you can contact the Amador Fire Safe Council at 296-6220 or visit CDF/Calfire’s website at fire.ca.gov.