It's been more than 26 days without any appreciable rain in our region and we may break the record of 29 days very soon.  According to the National Integrated Drought Information System our immediate area is in a "moderate drought condition."  We are not quite dry enough for a drought declaration by the Pennsylvania Department of Protection (DEP).

            But, we can see the conditions for ourselves in our ponds, creeks, and reservoirs.  The DEP makes its drought declarations on four numeric indicators: stream flow, groundwater level, precipitation, and soil moisture. There are normal ranges for all four indicators. DEP makes its drought declarations after assessing the departures from these normal ranges for periods of 3-12 months. DEP also factors in information it receives from public water suppliers.

            So, let's hope that Mother Nature helps us out soon with some nice, soaking rain; not all at once but something timely and steady to fill the waterways back to the top.

            Which brings me to my next topic.  Our volunteer fire companies and folks complaining about the number of trucks called to a fire emergency and the traffic troubles they encounter because of all those darn trucks blocking and closing roads.

            Why do they have to call trucks from so far away?  Don't we have enough equipment in our community?

            As I have written before.  They may or may not need all the trucks but they need the fire firefighters that come on those trucks.  I'm sure you've seen the signs inviting you to join their ranks.  Those signs aren't there just for show.

            Also, I'm sure you noticed that the water levels around here are way down.  So, why are those big "tank trucks" coming from out of town?  Where do firefighters get the water to fight the fires?  Initially from their own trucks, then from nearby water sources where they can extract water to augment their supply.  When those water sources are low, (like now) the precious fluid cannot be extracted and needs to be hauled in by those out-of-town tank trucks.  

            As far as those inconsiderate volunteer fire police closing the roads around a fire scene, they do it for three reasons: to protect the first responders working at the scene; to allow a safe and expeditious route for incoming firefighting equipment; and to keep you away and safe from the scene of the emergency.

            While we may not be in a drought emergency right now conditions are dry, sparks can turn quickly into a fire, and fire will quickly spread.  Any outside burning should be avoided until conditions change.  Pennsburg Borough along with Douglass, Upper Hanover, Upper Milford, Upper Salford, and Washington townships currently have a ban on all outside burning.

            Think about all of that next time before you launch into a tirade on social media against these volunteers or light that burn pile.

            I know that if ever you need our local volunteer first responders for any emergency they will be there for you.

            So, give them a break.