Here’s where to go to get the latest on the multiple wildfires burning across the state: Updates and maps from the State Emergency Operations Center: http://www.coemergency.com/. Check here for a list of all Facebook/Twitter accounts for individual fires. Also, see CoEmergency Facebook page. Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) Division of Fire Prevention […]
With this past winter being relatively dry, fire danger is expected to be higher than usual this year, especially in areas of lower elevation. The State of Colorado has numerous resources to help you prepare. This consumer alert from the Colorado Division of Insurance will help you determine if your property is adequately insured. The […]
The recent hurricane events have demonstrated the importance of being prepared for disaster. Even though we don’t get hurricanes in our state, there are a number of other disasters to prepare for — including both natural disasters (floods, fires, tornadoes, storms, avalanches, rockslides) and manmade disasters (terrorism, active shooters, power outages). There are many personal […]
‘Tis the season for fires and floods, and if a disaster threatens your home and family, your furry pals will be affected, too. According to the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM), “one of the biggest reasons people return to danger/evacuation zones is to save their pets.” DHSEM and the state’s emergency […]
On April 14 the Governor and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control (DFPC) presented on the outlook for the 2017 wildfire season. “The number, intensity, and complexity of wildfires in Colorado have been growing exponentially, and experts predict that it will continue to worsen,” notes the Department of Public Safety’s press release. Each […]
Junkins Fire. Were you affected by the recent Junkins Fire, Beulah Hill Fire, or Hayden Pass Fire? The Governor has declared a disaster emergency for each of these wildfires. Of the three recent fires, the Junkins Fire was the most destructive, destroying nine homes and nine other structures. And with the recent warm, dry weather, […]
Colorado has already seen several small wildfires this spring, and the dry weather suggests that wildfires may be a problem as spring moves into summer. Numerous Colorado state agencies have provided helpful websites and resources to help property owners, first responders, decision makers, and others prepare for what could be an active wildfire season. The […]
The Colorado Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management and www.readycolorado.gov, the State’s official preparedness website, are offering a set of fact sheets or “preparedness bulletins” on the Division’s website. Intended for general audiences, the bulletins are quick summaries on how to prepare for a variety of disasters, including avalaches, earthquakes, electrical outages, fires and […]
Following a tragic fire that took the lives of 92 children and 3 teachers on December 1, 1958, building codes and fire safety laws for school buildings were greatly expanded and new safety requirements have continued to be added over the years. The 1958 fire, at Our Lady of the Angels School in Chicago, remains one of […]
Communities and individuals are better able to withstand disasters when they are prepared, whether it is by clearing the area around a structure at risk of wildfire; purchasing flood insurance; participating in a community-wide exercise; monitoring homeland security threats; or even keeping a snow shovel and blanket in your car during winter. The State of […]
This Friday will be the Fourth of July, and many people like to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks. Be sure you know the rules about fireworks in Colorado, however, before you buy or use illegal fireworks. It is also important to understand the fire safety risks of using fireworks. Fireworks sales and displays are regulated […]
The Colorado State Forest Service at Colorado State University has released a new online tool, the Colorado Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal, or CO-WRAP. This website is designed to help those living in the wildland-urban interface understand the level of wildfire risk to their property. Using maps and data, the site assesses the risk to a […]
As Colorado heads into wildfire season, the Department of Public Safety’s Division of Fire Prevention and Control has issued several new publications including the 2014 Wildfire Preparedness Plan. The Plan, submitted to the Governor and Legislature, addresses the amount of aerial firefighting resources needed; the availability of firefighting equipment and personnel; processes for resource mobilization; […]
On Monday (May 12, 2014), the governor signed a bill creating the state’s first firefighting air fleet. The bill (SB 14-164) approves appropriations to purchase two high-technology fire-detecting aircraft and also contract with up to four firefighting helicopters and four single-engine air tankers. The fleet will aid in early detection of wildfires, and improve the […]
In 2013 Colorado experienced the twin disasters of wildfires and floods on an especially large scale. Now, it is time to take the lessons learned from these disasters and prepare for this year, as summer — fire and flood season — is just a few months away. Therefore, this week has been designated Colorado Flood […]
From the State of Colorado homepage, www.colorado.gov: Colorado Wildfire Resources Information on current Colorado wildfires can be obtained from the following websites, which are updated regularly during incidents: Current Map of Colorado Fires by COEM Colorado Office of Emergency Management Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center U.S. Forest Service Active Fire Map Red Cross information INCIWEB
Today the Colorado Senate will be debating SB13-083, which creates a Prescribed Burning Program under the Colorado Dept. of Public Safety. The creation of this program is due to last spring’s disastrous Lower North Park Fire in Jefferson County, which started when a controlled burn went out-of-control. (Read the Dept. of Natural Resources’ official review on the […]
High temperatures, drought-like conditions, gusty winds and lightning strikes have made Colorado a virtual tinderbox. It seems like every day more fires are added to the list. For up to date information about the wildfires burning in our state, visit the Colorado Office of Emergency Management at http://www.coemergency.com/. Besides posting fire updates on their blog, […]
With the 4th of July right around the corner, Coloradans should be aware that an Executive Order has been issued declaring a ban on private fireworks and open burning such as campfires. The Colorado Air Pollution Control Division is not issuing any permits during the ban (see their website for detailed information on the ban). The […]
The recent disastrous North Fork Fire, which started as a controlled burn in Jefferson County, has prompted a renewed interest in prescribed fire, with the Governor appointing a new review team on prescribed fire (see the press release here). The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has a great deal of information on their […]
This week is National Fire Prevention week. Observed since 1922, this year’s theme is “Protect your Family from Fire.” Learn how to keep your home safe by visiting the National Fire Protection Association’s site for kids and families. Highlights include tips on making a fire escape plan, and a fire safety checklist. These titles from […]