Once again the High Park Fire, Estes Park Fire, Waldo Fire in Colorado Springs and many other fires burning across Colorado, has taught us, we are not in control. Mother nature is in full control and we are at her mercy.
Everyone has woken up to the smell of smoke in the mornings. This is especially bad on those with respiratory issues and infants. If you are having breathing difficulties, do not hesitate, DIAL 911 so we can get you the care you need. I know it is hot, but closing the windows and turning of air conditioning and fans can help reduce the amount of smoke that enters your home.
If you see smoke or flames DIAL 911 immediately. The number one objective for us, is to crush the fire immediately before it has a chance to grow out of control.
Unfortunately, the High Park Fire has claimed another life. Enough is enough, folks if you see a column of smoke or flames, do not wait for a emergency notification. "WHEN IN DOUBT GET OUT" . The emergency response community has been very lucky to this point that no emergency responders have lost their lives. There have been several close calls. When you receive the notice to evacuate, don't wait, don't stay behind to try and save a structure. Your lives are what's the most important. I know that everyone is probably tired of hearing me say this, but as the weather continues to get drier and hotter, and the fuels continue to loose fuel moisture's, and the grasses continue to cure out, the odds of additional resident fatalities and fire fighter fatalities increases tremendously. Let's not be one of the statistics from this years fire that everybody hears about for a while, or gets put on a shelf and then we forget all about it. BE PROACTIVE in your evacuation measures.
Looking long range, the trend does not get any better. So what does this mean to you: more
- Visit boulderoem.com to register your cell phones, email, text messaging, etc. If you have any problems, please give me a call and we will get you to the Boulder OEM staff, and they can assist with your needs.
- Click on our Evacuation tab to get information regarding escape route maps, wildfire preparedness, what to do in the event of an evacuation and more. Please review this information now before something happens.
- Get your grasses cut, by reducing the vegetation around your home, you also help protect your home from ladder fuels, grasses that lead right up to the house, thus causing a structure fire as well.
- Follow the Boulder County Burn Ban and in Pine Brook Hills, your local Fire Code as well.
- NO FIREWORKS of any kind.
- Please tell all your guests and families not to park in dry weeds. A catalytic convertor or muffler, will immediately cause a wildland fire.
- NO SMOKING EXCEPT INSIDE VEHICLES OR BUILDINGS.
- No hot work (welding, grinding, cutting) of any kind.
- Only devices that can be turned off by a valve are allowed for cooking, Ie. propane or natural gas.
- No charcoal or wood burning allowed.
- Make sure eaves and gutters are clear of any debris such as pine needles, and any any litter.
- Keep the areas underneath your decks clear of any flammables or combustibles. (remember it only takes on ember to cause your house to ignite.
- Make sure your driveways are clear and your trees have been properly limbed up so apparatus can get in your driveways.
Now is the time to be prepared. Make sure that you have made a list of things to take with you in the event of an evacuation. Have those items in an area that can be gathered quickly. We recommend having these items in a tote that can be easily loaded into your car.
Make sure your family and friends have a meeting place in the event you get separated.
Make sure you have your prescription medications and all other medical needs with you when you evacuate. You never know how long an evacuation may last.
Once you have evacuated, you will not be able to return unless the evacuation order has been lifted. DO NOT TRY AND SNEAK BACK IN, STAY OUT. This posses a great risk to the emergency responders and can hamper safety when having to rescue someone. The safety of our responders is paramount. If an evacuation order is sent, and someone refuses to leave, do not count on the firefighters coming back to into an area that is being overran with fire. Our emergency responders will be pulled back to a safe area until safe to re-engage.
Stress levels are high right now with conditions and resources are also limited due to the number of fires through out the western region. Please do everything you can to help us prevent a catastrophic fire in our neighborhoods.
BMFPD personnel have been and will continue to be out on patrol for the next couple of weeks. Our trained staff are friendly and are doing this on a volunteer basis. Please let the crews know how much you appreciate their efforts in what appears to be the largest wildfire season in Colorado history.
We will also be calling the Boulder County Sheriff on any incident that is in violation of the current Boulder County Burn Ban.
My number one goal is to keep you the residents and firefighters safe. Please, Please help us out.