Fire Protection

Year-round wildfire prevention restrictions on BLM-administered public lands in Colorado. These prohibit:

Leaving a fire unattended or unextinguished.
Possession, discharge or use of any fireworks.
Discharge of a firearm using incendiary or tracer ammunition.
Burn, ignite or cause to burn any tire, wire, magnesium, or any other hazardous or explosive material.
Operate any off-road vehicle on public lands unless the vehicle is equipped with a properly installed spark arrester pursuant to 43 CFR 8343.1(c).

For more information about current fire restrictions in the Royal Gorge Field Office, please visit the Rocky Mountain District Fire Restrictions page or call the Royal Gorge Field Office at (719) 269-8500. The Pike and San Isabel National Forests visit their interactive fire restriction map or call the Forest Supervisor’s office at (719) 553-1400 for more information.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM FIRE CHIEF DANIEL DAILEY. Final LLCFR Report 2020 2 LLCFR Final Report 2020

LCOEM new website: www.LakeCountyOEM.org – a resource for Lake County community and partners to access hazards information and preventative education and resources. The site includes dedicated COVID-19 pages with latest local data and public health updates.

Fire Information for Pike and San Isabel National Forests: 719-299-1567; Blog: http://psiccfireinfo.blogspot.com

View presentation from 9/26/18 by Arkansas River Watershed Collaborative Forester, Carrie Howard our area Wildland-Urban Interface Mitigation Specialist. Contact Carrie at carrie@arkcollaborative.org to set up a free fire mitigation assessment (owner must be present) or ask questions related to mitigation.Prepare Your Home For Wildfire Twin Lakes2018 pdf version.

CHIPPING IN TWIN LAKES AREA ON 10/17/18 they will use grant funds to cover 1/2 of the cost! Please sign up if you want to participate and send questions to Carrie Howard at carrie@arkcollaborative.org ! 2018 Chipping Guidelines

More great resources provided by Carrie Howard:

SageBrushpower point

SageBrushpdf

Aspens.

Good video providing suggestions on how to protect your home from wildfire

Lake County Wildland Fire Risk Assessment presentation by Caroline Schaefer, Wildland Fire Mitigation Coalition and Collaboratives, Inc. on May 14, 2016. Please see link for presentation and mitigation maps: Gordon Acres Pan Ark Estates EE Hill BLE FINAL 2 (1) Twin Lakes PresentationFireRiskAssessment

Update of Fire Mitigation by Caroline Schaefer presented on May 27, 2017. Fire mitigation Program 2017 pdf

www.fs.fed.us/rmrs.

Damon Lange (CSFS District Forester): dlange@lamar.colostate.edu, 719.539.2579.

Area representatives in charge of Fire Mitigation: J.T. Shaver, Forester, Colorado State Forest Service, Salida Field Office, j.t.shaver@colostate.edu. Office: 719.539.0841, cell 970.596.0841 Andy Lerch, ARWC, andy@arkcollaborative.org, phone 573.356.1343.

UPDATE 4/20/22–WE HOPE FOR AN EARLY SUMMER OPENING–still waiting on the bay doors (supply chain issues):

Friends of Twin Lakes is key in raising $896,984.12 toward Fire Station 2 in southern Lake County.

Thanks to the Energy Impact Assistance Fund through Department of Local Affairs of Colorado for the $655,086 grant, Climax Community Fund through Freeport McMoran Foundation for a $50,000 grant; and individuals and businesses who contributed $52,000 for construction to Friends of Twin Lakes.
Friends of Twin Lakes also has raised another $135,898.12 in cash–that includes the LCCF and LT 100 grants, but not the Lowe’s card donations, to be used for fixtures, finish and furnishing, and equipment to enhance capabilities from donations, grants and gift cards (thanks for those donations from our donors and the following grantors: LT100 Leadville Legacy Foundation, Lowes ($3000 in gift cards) and Lake County Community Fund).
We are still taking donations to fund the remainder of the station building and finish costs: use our DONATE NOW option https://www.friendsoftwinlakes.com/donate-now/ or mail a check (write Fire Station in the check memo line) and make the tax deductible donation payable to Friends of Twin Lakes, mailing address of 231 Lang, Twin Lakes, CO 81251.

In-kind services were donated:

Lake County Public Works has donated their expertise, time and machinery,

Golden Eagle Drilling donated all of their well-drilling and casing services.

Matrix Design Group donated engineering services and drawings.

MK High Country donated firewood.

Jeff Johnson donate site plans, drawings, cost estimates used in grant applications.

Jessica Adams/Living Designs Studios is donating the metal outdoor Fire Station sign and the interior Tree of Giving sign.

Thanks all for your support! We are still taking donations to fund the remainder of the station building costs: write Fire Station in the check memo line and make the tax deductible donation payable to Friends of Twin Lakes, mailing address of 231 Lang, Twin Lakes, CO 81251, or use the Donate Now button located on the right side drop down selections.

Station view: front and right elevation

Govt report after an extensive fire…………

Noteworthy findings include:

The condition of the Home Ignition Zone – the design, materials and the maintenance of the home and the area 100 feet around it – was critical to whether a home survived the Fourmile Canyon Fire. Adobe and non-wood homes where homeowners had removed flammable ground material (like pine needles, grass and even wooden decks) were likelier to survive.
Because of extreme weather conditions, this fire spread fast and burned very intensely. The first day of the fire had exceptionally low relative humidity coupled with high wind conditions – extreme, but not uncommon for the Front Range, so we must be prepared for more of these types of fires.
The researchers found that our fire responders’ efforts were very well-executed. No lives were lost even though it was a fast-moving and very dramatic fire in one of the most densely developed areas of the foothills. They also found that air tankers were used very effectively. While high winds kept them grounded most of the first day, the tankers were in the air as soon as winds died down and dropped a total of 86 loads of retardant (174,149 gallons).
Fuels reduction is a critical tool that helps to reduce wildfire risk, keep forests healthy and protect our water supplies. Udall wants to ensure that we are spending resources effectively by treating large areas and clearing trimmed trees and brush off the ground after a treatment. When done correctly, prescribed fire is a safe and effective tool, even near communities, and Udall hopes to see it used even more. He invited the research team to come back and meet with federal and state land managers and local officials to understand this issue better.

BUILD A KIT

A disaster supplies kit is simply a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. You may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You will probably not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them.

You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take days.

Additionally, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days or even a week, or longer. Your supplies kit should contain items to help you manage during these outages.

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Manual can opener for food
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Kit Storage Locations
Be Prepared For Emergencies While Traveling
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Download the Transcript here

Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and vehicles.

Home

Your disaster supplies kit should contain essential food, water and supplies for at least three days.

Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.

Additionally, you may want to consider having supplies for sheltering for up to two weeks.

Get more information on building a disaster supplies kit.

Work

You need to be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Make sure you have food and water and other necessities like medicines in your kit. Also, be sure to have comfortable walking shoes at your workplace in case an evacuation requires walking long distances.

Your kit should also be in one container and ready to “grab and go” in case you are evacuated from your workplace.

Get more information on building a workplace disaster supplies kit.

Vehicle

In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car. This kit should include:

Jumper cables
Flashlights and extra batteries
First aid kit and necessary medications in case you are away from home for a prolonged time
Food items containing protein such as nuts and energy bars; canned fruit and a portable can opener
Water for each person and pet in your car
AM/FM radio to listen to traffic reports and emergency messages
Cat litter or sand for better tire traction
Shovel
Ice scraper
Warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes
Blankets or sleeping bags

Also consider:

A fully-charged cell phone and phone charger
Flares or reflective triangle
Baby formula and diapers if you have a small child

Be prepared for an emergency by keeping your gas tank full and if you find yourself stranded, be safe and stay in your car, put on your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives.

More and more people are making their homes in woodland settings – in or near forests, rural areas, or remote mountain sites. There, homeowners enjoy the beauty of the environment but face the very real danger of wildfire.

Every year across our Nation, some homes survive – while many others do not – after a major wildfire. Those that survive almost always do so because their owners had prepared for the eventuality of fire, which is an inescapable force of nature in fire-prone wildland areas. Said in another way – if it’s predictable, it’s preventable!

Wildfires often begin unnoticed. They spread quickly, igniting brush, trees, and homes. Reduce your risk by preparing now – before wildfire strikes. Meet with your family to decide what to do and where to go if wildfires threaten your area. Follow the steps listed below to protect your family, home, and property.

Practice Wildfire Safety

People start most wildfires – find out how you can promote and practice wildfire safety.

Contact your local fire department, health department, or forestry office for information on fire laws.
Make sure that fire vehicles can get to your home. Clearly mark all driveway entrances and display your name and address.
Report hazardous conditions that could cause a wildfire.
Teach children about fire safety. Keep matches out of their reach.
Post fire emergency telephone numbers.
Ensure adequate accessibility by large fire vehicles to your property.
Plan several escape routes away from your home – by car and by foot.
Talk to your neighbors about wildfire safety. Plan how the neighborhood could work together after a wildfire. Make a list of your neighbors’ skills such as medical or technical. Consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs such as elderly or disabled persons. Make plans to take care of children who may be on their own if parents can’t get home.

Before Wildfire Threatens

Design and landscape your home with wildfire safety in mind. Select materials and plants that can help contain fire rather than fuel it. Use fire-resistant or noncombustible materials on the roof and exterior structure of the dwelling, or treat wood or combustible material used in roofs, siding, decking, or trim with fire-retardant chemicals evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory. Plant fire-resistant shrubs and trees. For example, hardwood trees are less flammable than pine, evergreen, eucalyptus or fir trees.

Your best resource for proper planning is www.firewise.org which has outstanding information used daily by residents, property owners, fire departments, community planners, builders, public policy officials, water authorities, architects and others to assure safety from fire – it really works. Firewise workshops are offered for free all across the Nation in communities large and small and free Firewise materials can be obtained easily by anyone interested.

Create a 30- to 100-foot safety zone around your home

Within this area, you can take steps to reduce potential exposure to flames and radiant heat. Homes built in pine forests should have a minimum safety zone of 100 feet. If your home sits on a steep slope, standard protective measures may not suffice. Contact your local fire department or forestry office for additional information.

Rake leaves, dead limbs and twigs. Clear all flammable vegetation.
Remove leaves and rubbish from under structures.
Thin a 15-foot space between tree crowns, and remove limbs within 15 feet of the ground.
Remove dead branches that extend over the roof.
Prune tree branches and shrubs within 15 feet of a stovepipe or chimney outlet.
Ask the power company to clear branches from powerlines.
Remove vines from the walls of the home.
Mow grass regularly.
Clear a 10-foot area around propane tanks and the barbecue. Place a screen over the grill – use nonflammable material with mesh no coarser than one-quarter inch.
Regularly dispose of newspapers and rubbish at an approved site. Follow local burning regulations.
Place stove, fireplace and grill ashes in a metal bucket, soak in water for 2 days; then bury the cold ashes in mineral soil.
Store gasoline, oily rags and other flammable materials in approved safety cans. Place cans in a safe location away from the base of buildings.
Stack firewood at least 100 feet away and uphill from your home. Clear combustible material within 20 feet. Use only wood-burning devices evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory.
Review your homeowner’s insurance policy and also prepare/update a list of your home’s contents.

Protect your home

Regularly clean roof and gutters.
Inspect chimneys at least twice a year. Clean them at least once a year. Keep the dampers in good working order. Equip chimneys and stovepipes with a spark arrester that meets the requirements of National Fire Protection Association Standard 211. (Contact your local fire department for exact specifications.)
Use 1/8-inch mesh screen beneath porches, decks, floor areas, and the home itself. Also, screen openings to floors, roof and attic.
Install a dual-sensor smoke alarm on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms; test monthly and change the batteries at least once each year.
Teach each family member how to use a fire extinguisher (ABC type) and show them where it’s kept.
Keep handy household items that can be used as fire tools: a rake, axe, handsaw or chain saw, bucket and shovel.
Keep a ladder that will reach the roof.
Consider installing protective shutters or heavy fire-resistant drapes.

Plan your water needs

Identify and maintain an adequate outside water source such as a small pond, cistern, well, swimming pool, or hydrant.
Have a garden hose that is long enough to reach any area of the home and other structures on the property.
Install freeze-proof exterior water outlets on at least two sides of the home and near other structures on the property. Install additional outlets at least 50 feet from the home.
Consider obtaining a portable gasoline powered pump in case electrical power is cut off.

When Wildfire Threatens

If you are warned that a wildfire is threatening your area, listen to your battery-operated radio for reports and evacuation information. Follow the instructions of local officials.

Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape. Shut doors and roll up windows. Leave the key in the ignition. Close garage windows and doors, but leave them unlocked. Disconnect automatic garage door openers.
Confine pets to one room. Make plans to care for your pets in case you must evacuate.
Arrange temporary housing at a friend or relative’s home outside the threatened area.

If advised to evacuate, do so immediately

Wear protective clothing – sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothing, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and a handkerchief to protect your face.
Take your Disaster Supplies Kit.
Lock your home.
Tell someone when you left and where you are going.
Choose a route away from fire hazards. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke.

If you’re sure you have time, take steps to protect your home

Inside:

Close windows, vents, doors, blinds, or noncombustible window coverings and heavy drapes. Remove lightweight curtains.
Shut off all utilities if possible, including bottled gas.
Open fireplace damper. Close fireplace screens.
Move flammable furniture into the center of the home away from windows and sliding glass doors.
Turn on a light in each room to increase the visibility of your home in heavy smoke.

Outside:

Seal attic and ground vents with precut noncombustible coverings.
Turn off propane tanks.
Place combustible patio furniture inside.
Connect the garden hose to outside taps.
Set up a portable gasoline-powered pump.
Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and near aboveground fuel tanks. Wetting the roof may help if it is shake-shingled.
Wet or remove shrubs within 15 feet of the home.
Gather fire tools.

Emergency Supplies

When wildfire threatens, you won’t have time to shop or search for supplies. Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need if advised to evacuate. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffle bags, or trash containers.

Include:

A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won’t spoil.
One change of clothing and footwear per person and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
A first aid kit that includes your family’s prescription medications.
Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash, or traveler’s checks.
Sanitation supplies.
Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
An extra pair of eye-glasses.
Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Assemble a smaller version of your kit to keep in the trunk of your car.

Create a Family Disaster Plan

Wildfire and other types of disasters – hurricane, flood, tornado, earthquake, hazardous materials spill, winter storm – can strike quickly and without warning. You can cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together. Meet with your family to create a disaster plan. To get started:

Contact your local Emergency Management Agency or your local American Red Cross chapter

Find out about the hazards in your community.
Ask how you would be warned.
Find out how to prepare for each type of disaster.

Meet with your family

Discuss the types of disasters that could occur.
Explain how to prepare and respond to each type of disaster.
Discuss where to go and what to bring if advised to evacuate.
Practice what you have discussed.

Plan how your family will stay in contact if separated by disaster

Pick two meeting places:
1. a place a safe distance from your home in case of a home fire.
2. a place outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home.
Choose an out-of-state friend as a “check-in contact” for everyone to call.

Complete these steps

Post emergency telephone numbers by every phone.
Show responsible family members how and when to shut off water, gas, and electricity at main switches.
Contact your local fire department to learn about home fire hazards.
Learn first aid and CPR. Contact your local American Red Cross chapter for information and training.