As temperatures hit their seasonal highs and rain totals hit their seasonal lows, forests in the Rockies are subject to the perfect conditions for wildfires to spark. Colorado’s fire season usually lasts from May through September, with mid-July being the peak time for fire behavior. Folks visiting the area and locals alike need to be aware of the regulations in place to prevent fires from starting, but even with the best management of human-caused fire starts, events like lightning strikes, glares from hot sun on glass, downed power lines, and many other contingencies can start fires that can quickly grow out of control and require a large-scale response. With all of that in mind, and with the recent Alexander Mountain and Stone Canyon fires burning in the area, this week, we are talking all things fire safety, preparedness, and beyond.
Reliable information on evacuation statuses, fire behavior, and updates
Probably the most important thing to be absolutely sure about in fire season is where to find accurate, timely information regarding evacuation zones, fire location, and available resources for evacuees and displaced people. Social media, while a great tool for getting information readily and often, is not always a reliable source of information as the info can be coming in from lots of different places and is often not verifiable, leading to rumors and speculation overshadowing actual verified sources. Verified sources, however, are a great place to get info because they are actually checking the facts and have access to information the lay person will not have.
The following sources are either government entities, dedicated resource pages, or fact-checked options to get news on fire behavior in the local area:
Local fire/police department Facebook pages
Fire-specific Facebook pages
Fire-specific InciWeb site
Sign up for emergency alerts
Local resources for displaced people and evacuees
In times like these, community members and local businesses often step up to provide assistance to their community, both to fire departments in ways such as monetary donations, food and water donations, and respecting gift policies of those departments, and to evacuees in the form of offering land for displaced livestock, places to sleep, comfort items, and food, among others. While, at the time of writing, both fires near Estes Park are either completely contained or mostly contained, these resources may be valuable to know about in the future, and can benefit now to continue supporting people who have lost their homes or remain evacuated, as well as to be prepared for any future events.
Below is a list compiled by the Estes Park Chamber of Commerce of businesses supporting evacuees and first responders.
Crossroads Ministry of Estes Park
Donations go toward supporting the local community
The Estes Valley Board of Realtors is partnering with Bank of Estes Park and Crossroads Ministry to raise funds for those affected by the Alexander Mountain Fire.
As locals ourselves, we understand all too well how dangerous this fire has been and our hearts go out to those affected by the fire. To provide a hopefully fun and brief distraction, we are offering evacuees a free e-bike ride to help keep spirits high during this difficult time.
How you can help
The best help in crisis situations like wildfires comes in two forms: preparedness and donations. Preparedness can mean removing dry organic material from around your home to decrease the chance of the fire reaching the structure, knowing what to pack in an evacuation situation and having an evacuation plan, and knowing where to find information in a crisis. Donations can be made in many places to assist those who need it most - either those who are displaced because of the fire, or the agencies who fight tirelessly to protect homes and infrastructure and to contain the fire. Additionally, reporting illegal fireworks and open fires during fire bans can help prevent fires caused by people in the first place. Ultimately, it takes all of us to do our part in our community to best handle fire season.
Preparedness resources:
This guide from Estes Valley Fire Protection District is a great way to plan from start to finish.
Evacuation checklist and road information for evacuation
Donation resources:
Local fire departments
Ultimately, fire season can be a stressful time for folks in the Rockies. With recent fires now burning right up to fire scars from just a few years ago, it is all too clear that wildfires are a very real possibility when conditions are right. Being educated on fire prevention and mitigation, keeping your important documents safe and easily gathered in an emergency, having an evacuation plan for your family, and supporting the personnel who bravely protect our homes and community are some of the best ways to handle wildfire season in Colorado.
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