When it starts snowing in Spokane, some people use that as a sign to hightail it to somewhere warm and sunny. But other people flock to places with good powder, looking for an adventure in the snow.

Our gem of a city just made the top ten list of best winter vacation destinations on Livability.com. According to the site, ideal winter hot spots have a "cold climate and the right conditions for skiing, sledding and ice skating, as well as great entertainment options such as restaurants, pubs, performance venues and recreation facilities. A city's overall appearance and accessibility were also factors." The site also looked for cities that don't cost a fortune to visit.

Spokane rolled in at number two on the list. Skiers, boarders, skaters and sledders can all find something to do. With five ski nearby mountains, an ice palace in the heart of the city and dozens of sledding hills filled with kids (and adults!), Spokane is one of America's Hottest Cold Cities.

Warm and extremely dry conditions are a dangerous combination in the Inland Northwest; so much so, that the Washington Department of Natural Resources has issued a statewide burn ban.

The ban effects through the end of September for all DNR-protected lands. It includes all forest lands in Washington except for federal lands, which have their own published restrictions.

Campgrounds may have additional burn restrictions in place. Campers should check with their campground host before starting a campfire.

• Campfires are only authorized in approved camp grounds with approved fire rings. 

• Never leave a campfire unattended, and be sure it is completely dead out and cold to the touch before leaving the camp site.

• Be aware that common recreational activities can cause fires, such as target shooting, cigarette butts, and trailer chains dragging on concrete.

• Do not park any vehicles in dry, grassy areas, as the heat from exhaust systems can ignite the dry grass.

For tips on protecting your home and family before a wildfire, visit www.firewise.org. Check for fire danger levels by county: http://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/firedanger/BurnRisk.aspx

New state funding will help reduce the risk for fire in a neighborhood’s backyard. Department of Natural Resources is delegating $50,000 to the city of Spokane to hire contract workers to trim and prune the trees along the High Drive Bluff.

The contracted work will help up to 50 acres of the bluff stay healthy through vegetation trimming. After that work is complete, there will still be about 120 acres to go.

The process of trimming vegetation creates space between trees for aerial fuel breaks so if there is a fire, it can’t hop from tree to tree on the crown. The maintenance also reduces the risk of pine bark beetles and mistletoe.

DNR’s documented plan projects trimming about five feet between tree crowns, favoring Douglas Firs and Ponderosa Pine. Trees will be pruned at about ten feet high in the designated acreage and will live at least 50% live crown.

Debris from chippings will be scattered.