Fire
Forest fire. No one wants to think it can happen to them, but in the mountains of Colorado, fire is a part of life. The die-off of trees due to pine beetle has raised awareness to the danger of wildfire.
Fortunately for those of us who live, work and vacation here, fire and emergency services officials are taking a leadership role in preparing for and preventing a major wildfire. Although the newly dead trees present a slightly greater risk for fire – it’s as if the trees were “pre-heated” according to Chief Todd Holzwarth of the East Grand Fire Protection District – fire is a risk even when the trees are green. Local fire departments have upgraded equipment, improved training, begun aggressive public education programs and partnered with state and federal agencies to make sure Grand County is ready for any fire.
Specific efforts being made countywide include tree thinning, slash removal, property inspections to identify specific risks, education about fire-resistant home-construction methods and encouraging developers to install underground water tanks for firefighting purposes. The town of Winter Park has a dedicated fund just for dead tree removal, and many homeowners’ associations have jumped in with programs that assist residents in removing dead wood and otherwise improving fire safety. The Grand Lake Fire Protection District has completed a community wildfire protection plan, which qualifies residents of the district to apply for grant support to deal with wildfire mitigation.
How can you make your own home as fire-safe as possible? Clear dead trees and other combustible materials away from buildings, replace wood shake shingle roofs with ones that will not burn and make sure there is good access in case a fire truck needs to reach your property. Most of all, be extremely careful with fire outdoors, including the proper disposal of smoking materials. If a fire ban is imposed, obey it, and remind your neighbors to do so as well.
In a worst-case scenario where you must evacuate your home because of fire, make sure you are ready to go. Keep your important papers, irreplaceable photos and essential medications together in one place so you will not be delayed if you get the call.
Tip: Have empty plastic containers or empty pillowcases on hand. Store them in the rooms where you have items you want to save. Mark on each container the items you want to save. Prioritize them as well. When the panic sets in, follow your own instructions. Put those items in the containers and go.
Another important tip: Have a family or household plan. Practice fire drills (like you did in school). Each person should know how to get out of the house. You should all know whom to call and where to meet. Your children should know where to go in case you are not home. Take time to go over the disaster plan. Hopefully the plan will never be put to use but, if it is, you will be ready.
Getting the Call
Those who have landline phone service in Grand County are covered by an emergency phone notification system (EPN) also called “reverse 911.” In this system, calls are made automatically to notify residents of an emergency condition such as fire or the need to evacuate their homes. However, those who have only cell phone service are not included in this system and will not be automatically notified in case of emergency. Some cell phone services may have programs that add such notification for a fee. Check with your service provider for more information.
