Colorado expects below-average fire season; West Coast scenario not as good

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Fire Burning Hill Brush and Tree in California.
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DENVER (AP) — State officials say Colorado could have a slightly below average wildfire season this year because of heavy snowfall last winter and frequent rain and snow this spring.

KCNC-TV reports the Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control delivered its annual spring forecast on Tuesday.

Statewide, the mountain snowpack was well above average Tuesday, ranging from 106% in the North Platte River basin in northern Colorado to 176% in southwest Colorado.

The U.S. Drought Monitor says less than 1% of Colorado is in a drought.

The Colorado projection echoes the national summertime outlook released May 1 by the National Interagency Fire Center in Idaho. The center said most of the country, including Colorado, can expect a normal fire season, but the West Coast could be in for another bad year.

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Information from: KCNC-TV, http://www.cbsdenver.com

via:: Post Independent