I live on a hill, and I'm getting serious about controlling the fire load that directly threatens my property and buildings. Last year was a scary drought and fire year. This year will be worse.

I burned three giant brush piles, in succession, each the size of two pickup trucks parked together. This was only possible when we had enough snowfall to ensure safety. These have been accumulating for a full year -- it was not safe (or legal) to burn.

The chainsaw and I will be spending some quality time over the coming weeks, clearing deadfall and creating mowed halt lines. There is much more to do.