Fire Safety Tips: Colorado Wildfire Season
There’s no denying, the summers in Colorado are breathtakingly beautiful. The dry climate and warm temperatures provide a perfect atmosphere for exploring our beautiful state, but they can also create an environment that is susceptible to fire danger. As we navigate through wildfire season in the Western Slope, we want to make sure you have the resources needed to stay proactive, aware, and safe.
This guide provides links to our wildfire coverage with information on what to know before and during an emergency, such as a fire.
WHAT DO I PUT IN MY EMERGENCY KIT?
HOME HARDENING
We also recommend implementing informed landscape practices, and creating zones of defensible space. This will help ensure your property is more fire resilient, beautiful and a safer habitat for wildlife.
Most house fires are caused by flying embers, not oncoming walls of flames. Embers that land on or near your house can easily ignite plants, mulch, dry leaves or stored items.
The first step is to harden your home. This means giving careful consideration to the roof, vents, decks, windows and eaves.
WHERE TO FIND COUNTY EVACUATION INFO AND HOW TO SIGN UP FOR EMERGENCY ALERTS
The Colorado Division of Emergency Management is your resource for up to date information on location and status of fires around the state. Follow them on Twitter and the Inciweb Incident Information Center. A big part of wildfire prevention is education.
BELOW ARE TIPS AND RESOURCES TO HELP PREVENT WILDFIRES AND PROTECT OUR GREAT OUTDOORS:
Keep campfires small and manageable.
Never let a fire burn unattended.
Properly maintain and watch campfires.
Do not build a fire at a site in hazardous, windy or dry conditions. Check to see if campfires are permitted.
Do not build a fire if the campground, area or event rules prohibit campfires. Check with the campground or forest representative.
Use an existing fire ring or fire pit. If there is not an existing fire pit, and pits are allowed, look for a site that is at least fifteen feet away from tent walls, shrubs, trees or other flammable objects. Also, beware of low-hanging branches overhead.
Supervise children and pets when they are near fire.
Never cut live trees or branches for fires.
Fire restrictions and bans are set by local jurisdictions and by individual forest agencies. Check with the local sheriff's office, fire department or the federal forest agency before lighting a campfire this summer.
If you think it isn't safe enough to light a campfire, choose to be safe and not start one.
Properly extinguish and dispose of cigarettes.
When putting out a fire, water it until you can handle the embers
Fire risk is a huge concern August – October! We hope these tips help you stay safe and prepared in case of an emergency. As always, please reach out to our team if you are in need of professional help hardening your home for fire season!
