Finally some snow! It's been a dry fall, but it looks like we're in store for a white Christmas here in Estes Park. Still we should all remain aware and vigilant of fire danger even in winter.

Just this month, thanks to the quick response of National Park Service rangers and firefighters, a disaster was averted. On Dec. 9 an illegal campfire in Rocky Mountain National Park spread out and burned a 15 by 50 foot area and had the potential to spread to the tree canopy. Fortunately the conditions were favorable, with light winds, and the fire was extinguished.

With the dry fall weather we've had this incident could have been much worse. Higher winds could have fanned the flames or park staff may not have been alerted in time and a more significant fire could have resulted.

Everyone who lives in the Estes Valley is aware of the danger of wild fires. In 2012 the Estes Valley saw two significant fires with the Woodland Heights fire that destroyed 22 houses and the Fern Lake fire, which burned 3,500 acres and caused more than 500 homes to be evacuated. Looking at what is happening in California with the Thomas Fire, the second largest in that state's history, it is another tragic reminder for us of the threat of wildfires even in late fall and winter.

Both residents and visitors need to be aware that there are always fire restrictions in place at Rocky Mountain National Park. Campfires are only allowed within designated campfire rings at select locations in the park, including picnic areas and campgrounds. Unfortunately, according to the Park Service, over the past four years park staff have seen a significant increase of illegal campfires.

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Please, do not set an illegal campfire in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you smell smoke or see an illegal fire report it to the park service immediately.

If you need information on how to protect your home from wildfires visit the Estes Valley Fire protection district online at http://estesvalleyfire.org/fire-safety-tips.

Please, be safe and responsible when having a fire this holiday season and keep fire safety in your mind year round.

Note from the Trail-Gazette: We feel incredibly thankful for the community's support this year and from all of us at the Trail-Gazette, we'd like to wish you a happy holidays and a merry Christmas.

Sincerely,

Publisher Mike Romero, Managing Editor Daniel West, Reporters Zach Clemens and Nic Wackerly, Advertising Representatives Mike O'Flaherty and Daniel Sewell.