Category: Wildfire Safety

Wildfire safety is a growing concern in Durango, CO and across La Plata County, where rugged terrain and dry seasons combine to increase fire risk. As a non-profit, fully volunteer Search and Rescue (SAR) team working closely with the La Plata County Sheriff’s Department, we know firsthand how vital prevention and preparedness are to protecting lives, homes, and wilderness.

 

From dry canyons to densely wooded ridgelines, wildfire hazards can escalate quickly in our region. Whether you live in town or adventure in the high country, understanding how to reduce fire risk is critical. Below, we’ve outlined simple yet powerful actions to improve your wildfire safety and help your neighbors do the same.

 

Wildfire Ready Plan: Your Essential Guide to Safety in Durango Wildfire Ready Plan: Your Essential Guide to Safety in Durango

April 23, 2025 April 23, 2025 | Coral Smith Wildfire Ready Plan: Your Essential Guide to Safety in Durango | 0 Comment | 7:15 am

Living in Durango, CO, means understanding the inherent risks associated with wildfires. Creating a comprehensive wildfire ready plan is not just a recommendation; it’s a necessity for protecting your family, your property, and our community. As a fully volunteer non-profit organization serving La Plata County, we understand the importance of proactive fire safety measures. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to develop your own wildfire ready plan, ensuring you’re prepared should the unthinkable happen.

 

Part 1: Understanding the Risks and Building Your Foundation

Being proactive about wildfire preparedness starts with understanding the specific risks in La Plata County. Our beautiful environment, while a treasure, can become vulnerable during dry seasons. It’s crucial to stay informed about local conditions and take concrete steps to mitigate potential dangers. This initial phase focuses on gathering essential information and implementing preventative measures around your home.

Stay Informed, Stay Ahead: Knowledge truly is power when it comes to wildfire safety.

    • Home Safety Check: Assess your home’s vulnerability to wildfire by using the online assessment provided by La Plata County. This valuable tool acts like a personalized wildfire risk audit for your property. You can find it here: https://forms.lpcgov.org/Forms/HomeWildfireRiskSiteAssessment.
    • Planning Pro Tips: For expert advice on crafting a robust emergency plan, La Plata County offers comprehensive resources. These tips will guide you in developing strategies for various scenarios. You can access this information at: https://www.lpcgov.org/get_prepared/index.php.
    • Monitor Conditions: Keep a close eye on snowpack levels, weather forecasts, and any fire bans issued by local authorities. The La Plata County Sheriff Department, along with our local Fire Department, will provide crucial updates. Furthermore, the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management offers statewide information at https://dhsem.colorado.gov/info-center/colorado-hazard-information/wildfire.

Taking Proactive Steps Around Your Home

Taking tangible steps around your home can significantly increase its defensibility against wildfire.

    • Escape Plan Central: Develop clear evacuation routes from your home and designate a safe meeting place for your family outside of the immediate area. It’s also wise to have alternative routes and meeting points in case your primary options are compromised. Ready.gov offers valuable insights into evacuation planning: https://www.ready.gov/evacuation.
    • Get the Alerts: Sign up for Code Red notifications through La Plata County. This system delivers timely alerts and crucial information directly to your mobile devices during emergencies.
    • Go-Bag Essentials: Prepare a readily accessible “Go-Bag” containing essential supplies such as water, non-perishable food, necessary medications, copies of important documents, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and a portable charger for your phone. Project Wildfire (https://projectwildfire.org/kit/) and GEICO(https://living.geico.com/saving/life-hacks/go-bag) offer helpful suggestions for what to include.
    • Home Inventory: Create a detailed inventory of your valuable possessions, including photographs or videos. This documentation will greatly simplify the insurance claims process should the need arise.
    • Practice Makes Perfect: Conduct practice evacuation drills with your family. This exercise will help everyone become familiar with the plan and ensure a smoother, more efficient response during a real emergency.

Emergency preparedness guide

Part 2: When a Wildfire Alert is Issued: Acting Decisively

Upon receiving a wildfire alert, swift and focused action becomes paramount. These critical moments require a calm demeanor and adherence to your pre-established wildfire ready plan. Each step you take can significantly influence your safety and the well-being of those around you. Responding promptly and effectively to an alert is a key component of wildfire preparedness.

Stay Informed, Stay Updated: Continuous access to reliable information is crucial during a wildfire event.

    • Emergency Website: Regularly check the La Plata County Emergency Management website for the most up-to-date information and instructions: https://www.lpcgov.org/departments/emergency_management/index.php.
    • Social Media Updates: Follow your local County Fire Department’s Facebook page for real-time updates, situational awareness, and important announcements.

Final Preparations Before Potential Evacuation

As a wildfire threat intensifies, take these final steps to ensure your safety and the security of your property.

    • Go-Bag Verification: Quickly double-check your Go-Bags to confirm that all essential items are present and accounted for.
    • Family Briefing: Hold a brief family meeting to reiterate the evacuation plan and address any last-minute questions or concerns.
    • Home Security Measures: Turn on exterior lights to increase visibility for first responders, close all windows and doors to prevent embers from entering, and ensure the fireplace damper is securely closed.
    • Proof of Residency: Gather essential documents that prove your residency, such as your driver’s license, a recent utility bill, or your lease agreement. These may be required for re-entry into your neighborhood after the threat has passed.
    • Vehicle Readiness: Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gasoline, park it facing outward for a quick departure, and load your Go-Bags into it. The U.S. Fire Administration provides additional information on wildfire evacuation procedures: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/wui/outreach/wildfire-evacuation.html.

Part 3: Evacuation Orders: Prioritizing Safety

When an official evacuation order is issued by authorities, it is imperative to remain calm and strictly adhere to the directions provided by emergency personnel. Hesitation or questioning the order can jeopardize your safety and the safety of others. Acting swiftly and responsibly during an evacuation is non-negotiable.

Follow Official Instructions: Your safety depends on your cooperation and compliance with emergency directives.

    • Code Red Guidance: Follow the specific instructions provided through Code Red alerts. These alerts will clearly indicate evacuation routes and designated shelter locations.
    • Emergency Communications: If you have urgent, non-life-threatening questions, contact the La Plata County Emergency Communications Center at 970-385-8700. Please reserve 911 for immediate life-threatening emergencies only.
    • Drive with Caution: If you are driving, exercise extreme caution, adhere to all traffic laws, and follow the designated evacuation routes. Traffic congestion is likely, so remain patient and focused.

Evacuation Route

 

After Reaching Safety

Once you have evacuated and are in a safe location, take these steps.

    • Family Accountability: Check in with your family members at your pre-determined meeting location to ensure everyone is safe.
    • Inform Others: Notify friends or relatives outside the affected area that you have evacuated safely. This helps alleviate worry and keeps communication lines open.
    • Secure Accommodation: Arrange for temporary lodging if necessary. This could involve staying with friends or family or utilizing designated shelters if available.
    • Stay Informed: Continue to monitor official news sources and emergency channels for updates on the wildfire situation and when it is safe to return to your home.

Handy Resources for Your Wildfire Ready Plan:

Being prepared for wildfires provides invaluable peace of mind for you and your loved ones. As a volunteer non-profit serving La Plata County, our priority is the safety and well-being of our community. Taking the time to develop and implement your wildfire ready plan is a significant and commendable step in protecting yourself, your neighbors, and the beautiful landscape we all cherish in Durango, CO.

Fire Fighter at Work

Connect with Us:

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Support our cause by donating to LPCSAR and helping us continue our life-saving operations.

Learn more about our community outreach programs and how we engage with local communities to provide education and support.

Your Guide to Fire Mitigation at Home Your Guide to Fire Mitigation at Home

April 8, 2025 April 8, 2025 | Naomi Major Your Guide to Fire Mitigation at Home | 0 Comment | 5:38 pm

This guide, Sparking Safety: Your Guide to Fire Mitigation at Home will walk you through essential strategies to protect your property and community from the devastating impact of wildfires. Fire mitigation at home is crucial, especially during April’s Fire Awareness Month. Whether you live in a high-risk area or a suburban neighborhood, understanding and implementing effective fire mitigation techniques is paramount. Let’s explore how to make your home a safer haven.

Understanding Fire Mitigation Strategies

Wildfires are a natural part of many ecosystems, but their increasing frequency and intensity pose a significant threat. By taking proactive steps and strategies to fire mitigation around your home, you’re not only protecting your property but also contributing to the safety of your entire community.

Understanding the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ)

The Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) emphasizes the importance of the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ), which extends roughly 100-200 feet from your home. This zone is where most homes ignite during a wildfire. By focusing your mitigation efforts here, you can significantly reduce your home’s vulnerability.

Home ignition zones

Let’s Break It Down: Practical Fire Mitigation Steps at Home

We’ll use the CSFS checklists as our guide, making fire mitigation approachable and actionable.

1. The Immediate Zone (0-5 feet): The Ember Defense

  • Clean Roof and Gutters: Remove pine needles, leaves, and debris that can act as tinder.
  • Non-Combustible Materials: Use non-combustible materials for decks, fences, and siding within this zone. Gravel, concrete, and metal are excellent choices.
  • No Flammable Mulch: Replace wood mulch with gravel, rock, or other non-flammable materials.
  • Clear Under Decks: Ensure the area under decks is free of debris and flammable materials. Consider enclosing the space with non-combustible skirting.
  • Address Attached Structures: Sheds, fences, and other structures attached to your home can act as pathways for fire.

Fun Fact: Did you know embers can travel miles? That’s why keeping this area clear of flammable materials is vital.

2. The Intermediate Zone (5-30 feet): Creating Defensible Space

  • Reduce Fuel Load: Remove dead vegetation, branches, and overgrown shrubs. Thin out trees and shrubs, creating space between them. Fun idea: Turn yard work into a family challenge! See who can prune the most lower tree branches (6-10 feet off the ground).
  • Prune Trees: Prune lower branches of trees to prevent ladder fuels (vegetation that allows fire to climb from the ground to the canopy). Educational Tip: The concepts of vertical and horizontal spacing. Vertical spacing prevents fire from climbing into tree canopies, while horizontal spacing slows its spread.
  • Maintain Lawns: Keep lawns mowed and well-watered. Dry grass is highly flammable.
  • Relocate Firewood: Store firewood at least 30 feet away from your home and other structures.
  • Strategic Landscaping: Create fuel breaks by spacing out vegetation and using fire-resistant plants.

 

3. The Extended Zone (30-100+ feet): Forest and Brush Management

  • Thinning and Spacing: Continue thinning trees and shrubs, particularly in densely forested areas. Healthy forests, with proper spacing and reduced fuel loads, are more resilient to wildfires.
  • Slash Disposal: Properly dispose of slash (branches and debris) through chipping, burning (when permitted), or hauling it away.
  • Roadside Clearance: Maintain clear roadsides for access by emergency vehicles.
  • Consider Topography: Understand how slope and aspect (direction a slope faces) can influence fire behavior and adjust your mitigation efforts accordingly.

Before and after fire mitigation

Beyond the Basics: Preparing Your Home Itself

  • Roofing Materials: Use fire-resistant roofing materials, such as metal, tile, or Class A asphalt shingles.
  • Windows and Doors: Install dual-pane windows and weather stripping to prevent embers from entering.
  • Chimney and Vents: Cover chimney outlets and vents with non-combustible mesh screens.
  • Water Supply: Ensure a reliable water supply for firefighting, such as a garden hose, sprinklers, or a dedicated water tank and that is in working order. Be ‘Water Wise’ and check your system regularly.
  • Emergency Plan: Develop a family emergency plan, including evacuation routes and a communication strategy.

Making it Fun and Engaging

  • Community Events: Organize or participate in community fire mitigation days. Idea: Spark Arrestor Saturday: Dedicate one Saturday a month to checking and cleaning spark arrestors on your outdoor equipment (lawnmowers, ATVs, etc.). Make it a neighborhood event!
  • Family Projects: Turn mitigation into a family activity. Involve children in raking leaves or clearing debris.
  • Educational Workshops: Attend or host workshops on fire mitigation and defensible space.
  • Use Visual Aids: Utilize the CSFS checklists and other visual resources to make the information more accessible.
  • Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate the progress you make in creating a safer environment.

Resources and Support

  • Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS): The CSFS provides excellent resources, including downloadable checklists and guides. It is important to use these resources to create a personalized mitigation plan. Please see the links below, and download the provided checklists for a more in depth look.
  • Local Fire Departments: Contact your local fire department for advice and assistance.
  • Your Homeowners Association: If applicable, coordinate with your homeowners association on community-wide mitigation efforts.

By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce your home’s vulnerability to wildfires and contribute to a safer community. Remember, fire mitigation is an ongoing process, so make it a part of your regular home maintenance seasonal routine.

This Fire Awareness Month, let’s work together to spark safety and protect our homes and communities from the threat of wildfires.

 

Additional Resources:

Home Ignition Zone Checklist

Protect Your Home Property From Wildfire

Connect with Us:

Like us on Facebook to stay updated with our latest missions and community events.

Support our cause by donating to LPCSAR and helping us continue our life-saving operations.

Learn more about our community outreach programs and how we engage with local communities to provide education and support.

 

CodeRED: Your Lifeline in La Plata County CodeRED: Your Lifeline in La Plata County

April 1, 2025 April 1, 2025 | Coral Smith CodeRED: Your Lifeline in La Plata County | 0 Comment | 6:41 pm

CodeRED logo

April is Fire Awareness Month, and CodeRED is your lifeline in La Plata County.  What better way to kick things off than by talking about a tool that could save your life? CodeRED is La Plata County’s emergency notification system, think of it as your personal “heads-up” for all things emergency-related.

What’s the Deal with CodeRED?

CodeRED, also known as “Reverse 911,” is the official emergency notification system for La Plata County, Colorado. If you live here, you absolutely need to sign up! It’s the best way to get real-time alerts from your local emergency responders, straight from the Emergency Communications Center (ECC).

How Does it Work?

Signing up is a breeze, and once you’re in, you get to choose how you want to be notified. You’ve got options:

1. Call: Get a good old-fashioned phone call.
2. Text: Receive instant text alerts.
3. VoIP: Get notifications through your Voice over Internet Protocol phone.
4. Email: Receive alerts straight to your inbox.

You can even register up to five phone numbers (cell or internet) and multiple
addresses—perfect for keeping everyone you care about in the loop.

When Does It Spring Into Action? 

CodeRED is used to deliver crucial alerts during emergencies or critical community situations.
Think:

● Evacuation notices
● Public Safety incidents
● Boil water notices
● Missing child reports
● Wildfire information
● Road closures

Alerts can be sent county-wide or to specific areas, based on your registered address.

Why Is It a Must-Have?

In emergencies, every second counts. CodeRED delivers vital information quickly and reliably, especially through cell phone notifications. It’s about getting the right info at the right time—and that can save lives.

Ready to Sign Up? Here’s How:

1. Head over to the Registration Portal, click here
2. Have this info ready:
○ Your full name
○ Your preferred language
○ Your physical address
○ (Optional) Phone number and provider
○ (Optional) Email address

Pro Tip: Create a Managed Account instead of signing up as a guest. This gives you more control and lets you tweak your settings later.

A Few More Things to Know:

● General Notifications: These are for training exercises and other important updates from the Office of Emergency Management.
● Additional Notifications: Some subdivisions or HOAs might have their own groups for targeted alerts. Contact your group leaders for more info.

Below is a historical message sent through CodeRED:

Attention all LaPlata County residents near the 7500 block of County Road 203,
law enforcement is working a high priority incident in the area. Officers are
requesting all residents shelter in place until further notice. Residents will be
informed when the shelter in place has been lifted.

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers

1. Forgot your password? Just click “forgot password” and follow the prompts.

2. Forgot your username? Call CodeRED Support at 866-939-0911 x2.
3. Using Straight Talk or another unlisted provider? Select Verizon Wireless—they often use the same towers. You can confirm with your provider or CodeRED Support.
4. Address pin in the wrong spot? Move it on the map! If your address isn’t showing up correctly, try using a nearby cross street or check your legal address on the La Plata County GIS website: https://gis.lpcgov.org/lpcmap/. You can also add multiple addresses.

Need Help?
● CodeRED Account Support: 866-939-0911 x2
● Emergency Communication Center (ECC) (during emergencies): 970-385-8700

In honor of Fire Awareness Month, we want to thank you for taking the time to enroll in this valuable service. Taking the time to be prepared, shows that you care about your safety, and the safety of your community. Stay safe out there!

Man with CodeRED on cell phone

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