As temperatures rise and summer encroaches, locals are reminded to take precautionary steps to mitigate wildfire risk.
Although this past winter saw heavy precipitation, wildfire remains a prevalent threat.
“In our climate, it only takes a few weeks of warm, dry weather for this risk to return,” staff from the Wildfire Adapted Partnership, a nonprofit based in Southwest Colorado, wrote in a news release.
In particular, staff pointed to last year’s active wildfire season, and the impact of the 416, Burro and Plateau fires.
“Homeowner and community mitigation efforts helped stop the progression of the 416 Fire and allowed firefighters to safely enter communities to halt the flames’ progression,” WAP staff wrote.
The group encourages residents to mark Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on May 4 with some sort of community activity and have shared some tips:
WAP encourages people to create at least 5 feet of noncombustible space around a home and up to an ideal level of 100 feet of defensible space.
Creating defensible space includes clearing pine needles and other combustible items, storing firewood at least 30 feet from a structure, and preventing debris buildup in gutters, crawlspaces and under porches.
WAP is able to provide a free site assessment, and may be able to help fund defensible space cost sharing for eligible homeowners.
All residents may take part in the group’s chipper rental rebate program – residents can receive a rebate for renting a chipper or hiring a contractor to process slash.
Early notification is critical in wildfire and emergency situations. The alert system is CodeRed in La Plata County and Nixle in Archuleta, Dolores, Montezuma and San Juan counties.
Have a checklist or emergency bag to save time in case of an evacuation. Suggested supplies are copies of important documents, medications and toiletries needed for an extended absence.
Pets should also be accounted for in an evacuation plan.
Forming a committee in a neighborhood or community can help to share the workload of coordinating wildfire preparedness efforts. A committee is also able to better reach out to and prepare new residents.
Right now, WAP has 140 volunteer ambassadors to help with outreach and community planning throughout Southwest Colorado. For more information on this opportunity, visit the WAP website.
ealvero @the-journal.com
