Category: World Wide: News

Warm Dry Weather Increases Colorado Wildfirefire Danger

Author: Jim German

In addition to the dry fire fuels and gusty winds, there's the huge number of "standing dead" lodge pole pines in many areas of the state.  Fears of a "super fire" in or near Summit County have local officials scrambling for solutions that will mitigate the wildfire threat.

Most wildfires burn primarily on the ground in material called "duff".  This is the small twigs, pine cones, pine needles and other combustibles that cover the forest floor.  Containing the fire to these fuels and not having it climb aloft into the tree tops results in fire that can be fought and contained by fire lines.  Control of these fires is accomplished by creating/cutting a line or space of noncombustible  area which stops the spread of fire on the ground.

 However, if a tree "torches" and there are sufficient hot windy conditions, the fire can become a "crown fire".  Although rare, this is the most violent type of wildfire and very little can be done by firefighters or equipment to stop it.  The fire creates its own winds and weather in the immediate area and consumes everything in its path.  These often require some natural occurrence to happen like a major change in weather or terrain to stop them and then the fire returns to the ground below the tree tops. 

You can greatly reduce the chances of a wildfire reaching your property with some planning and some action.  By eliminating the "duff" near your home, removing dead branches from the bottom 8 feet of all your trees, and removing other fuel sources such as fire wood 30' to 50' back from all structures (including wood fences and decks), you will take an important first step.  Stop by your local fire department for a Fire Wise pamphlet of all the steps you can take to mitigate the fire danger to your home.  Remove nearby or overhanging trees.  Learn about how to landscape and/or construct your home to minimize your risk.

Part of your plan should also involve an evacuation plan.  Gather important papers and pictures into compact, labeled boxes.  If you're computer wise, scan documents and download both digital photos and documents onto a "flash drive" or two.  Keep one to take with you and send the duplicate to a friend or relative for safe keeping.  Determine the best escape routes, both primary and secondary, out of your area.  Create a gathering point for your whole family to assemble and include the family pets.  Also create a destination point for all of your family to meet, away from the danger area, as your cell phones may be unusable.  Assemble or purchase 72 hour survival kits for your entire family and pets.

Start preparing now and while you're at it, pray for precipitation!

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About the Author:

Jim German resides in Evergreen, Colorado with his wife Sarah and their dogs and horses. He is a Lieutenant on the Elk Creek Fire Department and a nationally registered Emergency Medical Technician. He is America's Urban and Rural Emergency Survival Expert holding many state certifications. For additional information or survival products visit http://www.SurviveAndLive.com