with no measurable precipitation for more than five weeks, plus prolonged high wind/low RH periods, soil is becoming hard or dusty where disturbed.  Frequent poor air quality due to dust and wildfire smoke from upwind.  Wildlife seeking water.  Fire spread danger very high from any fire starts.  Restrictions on open burning as well as heat generating power tools probably warranted, with accompanying catch-22 that this makes early Spring clean-up of land more difficult.