Amador County – The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Amador-El Dorado Unit announced it will designate the opening of “fire season” for 2012 to start at 8 a.m. Monday May 28.

The final California Water Department snow survey on May 1 showed statewide snowpack water content was 40 percent of normal. From January to April, Cal-Fire crews responded state-wide to more than 800 wildfires, nearly two and half times the number in 2011 when there were approximately 300. This year’s number of wildfires is also above the five-year average of 600 wildfires.

Unit Chief Kelly Keenan reminded residents of the Amador-El Dorado Unit that “we are moving into a period of increased risk for wildfires as temperatures are quickly increasing and humidity is dropping causing lighter vegetation, such as grass, to burn more easily.” 

Keenan said Cal-Fire is prepared all year long for emergencies but is now preparing for increased threat and workload driven by wildfires during the summer. Cal-Fire is actively training additional firefighters and preparing to staff additional fire equipment to meet the increasing fire threat.

Keenan encourages people to continue to work on their “defensible space” which should be a minimum of 100 feet around each structure on their property or to the property line, whichever is closer. Don’t forget to remove all pine needles and leaves from the roof and rain gutters, which are often overlooked.

Keenan said: “Together we can make the communities we live in fire safe.” For more info on preparing for fire season, please visit Cal-Fire’s web site or call (530)644-2345 for free brochures.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – Adam Dalton gave the weekly report on the Amador County Park Restoration Project Wednesday, saying the “first few weeks in Volcano have been nothing short of amazing as renovations are taking shape all across this little town from the park to the post office.”

He said “work comes easy in such a friendly community and the smiles on the faces of volunteers prove that we’re enjoying every minute of it.”

New stain has been applied to the town’s centerpiece, the Volcano Amphitheater, he said, and “the beautiful new landscaping is beginning to take form. The historic post office established back in 1851 is also receiving it’s new makeover and just outside sits a beautiful new custom picnic table engraved with “Volcano” where local residents rest in the shade with pride.

He invited people to “come join us and share in the unique experience of working side by side with the gracious people of Volcano.” They will be there 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and always welcome the assistance of a new volunteer or monetary contribution.

He said more volunteers and donations will “help keep this project moving forward into your town and continue supporting the Amador County Park Restoration project.” No donation is too small and all are 100 percent tax deductible.

Dalton also recognized his brother Dennis and his crew Jay and Dave for their dedication to the project, and to their friends at Strings for their support.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County News, TSPN TV News Video, 5-25-12 - "Foothill Critters" takes a look at some of the pigeons that call Amador County their home.

Amador County News, TSPN TV News Video, 5-25-12 - "Foothill Critters" takes a look at some of the pigeons that call Amador County their home.

Amador County News, TSPN TV News Video, 5-25-12 - "Foothill Critters" takes a look at some of the pigeons that call Amador County their home.

Amador County News, TSPN TV News Video, 5-25-12 - "Foothill Critters" takes a look at some of the animals that were taking part in California History Day at the Kennedy Mine.

Amador County Fair Aid 

 Amador Home and Lifestyle Show

2012 Amador Farmers Market 

Stuart London - Handyman