Facing the reality of wildfires is something every resident of Fort Collins, CO, needs to be prepared for. The combination of a dry climate, dense vegetation, and occasional high winds makes this area particularly vulnerable to fires. While the thought of a wildfire encroaching on your home is frightening, having a well-thought-out plan and taking proactive steps can make all the difference. This guide is here to help you navigate the complexities of wildfire preparedness, providing specific, actionable advice on how to protect your home, your family, and your community.
Understanding Local Wildfire Risk
Fort Collins is a beautiful community nestled against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. However, this picturesque location comes with the inherent risk of wildfires. The combination of a semi-arid climate, abundant vegetation, and periodic high winds creates the perfect conditions for wildfires to ignite and spread rapidly. Over the past few years, the frequency and intensity of these fires have increased, making it more important than ever to be prepared.
Why Fort Collins is Susceptible to Wildfires
The unique geography and climate of Fort Collins contribute significantly to its wildfire risk. Dry summers, often with little to no rainfall, dry out vegetation, turning it into fuel for potential fires. The dense forests and grasslands that surround Fort Collins can catch fire easily, especially during drought conditions. The High Park Fire of 2012, which scorched over 87,000 acres, serves as a stark reminder of how devastating wildfires in this area can be.
The Role of Climate Change
As the climate continues to change, the risk of wildfires in Fort Collins is only expected to grow. Rising temperatures lead to longer and more intense dry periods, increasing the likelihood of wildfires. These prolonged dry spells extend the fire season, putting more strain on local resources and increasing the risk for residents. Understanding this evolving threat is critical for developing an effective wildfire preparedness plan.
Preparedness Before a Wildfire
When it comes to wildfires, preparation is your best defense. By taking specific, actionable steps before a wildfire occurs, you can significantly reduce the risk to your home and ensure that you and your family are ready to act.
Staying Informed
Staying informed is the first and most crucial step in wildfire preparedness. Fort Collins offers several resources that can help you stay updated on fire conditions and receive alerts:
Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority (LETA): Sign up for emergency notifications through LETA’s Nixle system. This service sends real-time alerts via text message, email, or voice call about wildfires, evacuations, and other emergencies in Larimer County. You can sign up at www.nocoalert.org.
National Weather Service (NWS) Boulder Office: The NWS provides up-to-date information on weather conditions that can influence wildfire risk. You can check their website for fire weather watches and warnings specific to the Fort Collins area at www.weather.gov/bou.
Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control: This state resource offers fire condition updates and safety tips. Follow them on social media or visit their website at dfpc.colorado.gov for information on current fire bans and advisories.
Poudre Fire Authority (PFA): Serving Fort Collins and the surrounding areas, the PFA provides local fire safety information, including evacuation orders and wildfire preparedness tips. Stay informed by following them on social media or visiting their website at www.poudre-fire.org.
Creating a Defensible Space
Creating a defensible space around your home is one of the most effective ways to protect it from wildfires. Defensible space is essentially a buffer zone between your home and the surrounding vegetation, designed to slow or stop the spread of a wildfire. In Fort Collins, local guidelines suggest the following:
Zone 1 (0-5 feet from the home): Keep this area clear of all flammable vegetation. Use non-combustible materials like gravel, and ensure that plants are well-watered and maintained. Trim any shrubs or trees that overhang roofs or are near windows.
Zone 2 (5-30 feet from the home): Reduce vegetation density in this zone. Remove dead or dying trees and shrubs, and thin out tree canopies to prevent fire from spreading tree to tree. Regularly mow grasses to keep them short.
Zone 3 (30-100 feet from the home): Maintain minimal vegetation in this area, with trees and shrubs spaced widely apart. Focus on keeping trees healthy and removing any that are dead or diseased.
For more detailed information, Fort Collins residents can consult the Colorado State University (CSU) Extension’s guidelines on defensible space. The CSU Extension also offers workshops and resources on wildfire mitigation, accessible at extension.colostate.edu.
Home Hardening
Home hardening involves making your home more resistant to catching fire, particularly from embers, which are the leading cause of home ignitions during wildfires. Embers can travel up to a mile ahead of the fire, making it crucial to protect your home from them.
Roofing: If possible, upgrade to a Class A fire-rated roof. Metal, tile, and composition shingles are all effective at preventing embers from igniting the roof.
Vents: Install ember-resistant vents to prevent embers from entering your attic or crawl spaces. The California Building Code recommends vents with 1/8-inch mesh screens, which are small enough to block embers.
Windows and Screens: Double-pane windows with tempered glass provide better protection against heat and flames. Make sure your window screens are made of non-combustible materials.
Gutters: Keep gutters clean of leaves and debris, as these can easily catch fire. Consider installing gutter guards to reduce the need for maintenance.
Siding: Use fire-resistant materials like stucco, brick, or fiber-cement siding. If your home has wood siding, consider replacing it with a more fire-resistant option, especially in vulnerable areas.
For more specific guidance on home hardening, residents can visit the Fort Collins Building Services Division at www.fcgov.com/building, where local building codes and recommendations tailored to wildfire-prone areas are available.
Preparing an Emergency Kit
Having an emergency kit ready is essential for ensuring that you and your family have everything you need if you need to evacuate quickly. Your kit should be kept in an easily accessible location and should include:
Water: At least one gallon per person per day for three days.
Food: Non-perishable food items for three days, including snacks.
Medications: A seven-day supply of prescription medications and any necessary over-the-counter medications.
First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptics, scissors, tweezers, and any necessary medical supplies.
Personal Hygiene Items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, hand sanitizer, and feminine hygiene products.
Clothing and Blankets: Warm clothing, sturdy shoes, and blankets or sleeping bags.
Flashlights and Batteries: Include extra batteries and consider a hand-crank flashlight as a backup.
Battery-powered Radio: A radio is essential for receiving updates during a power outage.
Important Documents: Keep copies of identification, insurance policies, medical records, and contact information in a waterproof container.
Cash: ATMs may not be accessible during an emergency, so keep some cash on hand.
Pet Supplies: Include food, water, medications, and a carrier for each pet.
For a more comprehensive list tailored to your specific needs, visit the Larimer County Emergency Management’s website at www.larimer.org/emergency, where you can also find downloadable checklists and tips for maintaining your emergency kit.
During a Wildfire
When a wildfire is imminent, knowing what to do can make all the difference. Here’s how to stay safe during an active fire.
Evacuation Plans
Evacuation orders are issued to protect lives, and it’s critical to follow them without hesitation. Fort Collins has several evacuation routes that are regularly updated by local authorities. Here’s how to ensure you’re ready to leave when the time comes:
Identify Multiple Routes: Know at least two evacuation routes out of your area in case one is blocked. The City of Fort Collins provides updated maps and information on evacuation routes during active wildfires. These can be accessed at www.fcgov.com/oem.
Keep Your Vehicle Ready: Ensure your car is fueled and stocked with your emergency kit. Park facing the direction of escape for a quick departure.
Practice Your Plan: Regularly practice your evacuation plan with your family. Make sure everyone knows where to meet if you get separated and how to communicate during an emergency.
Prepare Your Home: If time permits, close all windows, doors, and vents to prevent embers from entering your home. Turn off your gas supply at the meter and move flammable furniture away from windows and doors.
For detailed evacuation planning, Fort Collins residents can refer to resources provided by the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office at www.larimer.org/sheriff, which includes step-by-step guides on preparing for an evacuation.
Sheltering in Place
In rare cases, evacuation may not be possible, and you might need to shelter in place. Here’s how to prepare:
Stay Indoors: Close all windows and doors, and block any gaps where embers might enter, such as under doors or around windows. Use wet towels or blankets to seal these gaps if necessary.
Move to an Interior Room: Choose a room with few or no windows, ideally in the center of your home. This will reduce your exposure to heat and smoke.
Keep Emergency Supplies Close: Have your emergency kit, including your battery-powered radio and flashlights, with you in the room where you are sheltering. This ensures you have everything you need if you need to move quickly.
Stay Informed: Use your battery-powered radio or a hand-crank radio to stay updated on the fire's progress and any new instructions from emergency services. The National Weather Service or local Fort Collins radio stations such as KUNC (91.5 FM) will provide live updates during emergencies.
Limit Smoke Inhalation: If smoke enters your home, use a wet cloth over your nose and mouth to reduce inhalation. If possible, stay low to the ground, where the air will be clearer.
In extreme cases where sheltering in place is necessary, Fort Collins residents can find more detailed guidance on the Poudre Fire Authority’s website at www.poudre-fire.org.
Recovery After a Wildfire
Once the immediate danger has passed, the recovery process begins. It’s important to approach recovery carefully to ensure safety and to secure the necessary resources for rebuilding.
Assessing and Documenting Damage
After the fire, returning to your property can be overwhelming. Here’s how to safely assess the damage and prepare for the recovery process:
Wait for Clearance: Do not return to your home until authorities have declared it safe. The City of Fort Collins Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will provide updates on when it’s safe to return home.
Safety First: When you do return, wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, pants, gloves, and sturdy boots. Watch for hazards such as downed power lines, smoldering debris, and unstable structures.
Document the Damage: Take thorough photos and videos of all damage to your property, both inside and out. This documentation is crucial for insurance claims and for any potential disaster assistance programs. Be sure to capture damage from multiple angles and document any damaged personal belongings as well.
Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with your documentation, and be ready to answer questions about the extent of the damage. Many insurance companies will send an adjuster to assess the damage in person, so having thorough documentation will expedite the process.
Apply for Assistance: In addition to insurance, you may qualify for federal or state disaster assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers programs that can provide financial aid for temporary housing, home repairs, and other necessary expenses. Apply for assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
For more information on documenting damage and applying for assistance, visit the Larimer County Office of Emergency Management’s recovery resources page at www.larimer.org/emergency/recovery.
Restoration and Rebuilding
The restoration process can be complex, but taking a methodical approach will help you rebuild your home and life.
Hire Qualified Professionals: Restoration after a wildfire often involves specialized work, such as smoke and soot removal, structural repairs, and air quality improvement. Hire licensed contractors and restoration professionals who have experience with fire damage. The City of Fort Collins requires that all contractors working within city limits be licensed, so be sure to verify their credentials.
Plan for Rebuilding: If your home has suffered significant damage, you may need to rebuild parts of it. Consider incorporating fire-resistant materials and design features that will make your home more resilient in the future. This might include upgrading to fire-resistant roofing, siding, and windows, as well as re-evaluating the landscaping around your home to ensure it meets defensible space guidelines.
Understand Your Insurance Coverage: Work closely with your insurance company to understand what is covered under your policy. Some homeowners’ insurance policies cover temporary living expenses if your home is uninhabitable, so be sure to inquire about this if needed.
Consider Long-term Mitigation: As you rebuild, think about additional measures you can take to mitigate future wildfire risks. This could include installing a sprinkler system, upgrading to a more advanced HVAC system with smoke filtration, or adding more robust firebreaks around your property.
For more detailed guidance on rebuilding after a wildfire, including a list of licensed contractors and building codes, visit the City of Fort Collins Building Services Division at www.fcgov.com/building.
Community Support and Resources
Recovering from a wildfire is a community effort. Fort Collins has numerous resources and programs designed to help residents through this difficult time.
Local Resources for Wildfire Preparedness and Recovery
Larimer County Office of Emergency Management: This office provides comprehensive resources for disaster preparedness and recovery. Their website offers guides on wildfire preparation, evacuation planning, and recovery, tailored specifically to Larimer County residents. Access these resources at www.larimer.org/emergency.
Poudre Fire Authority (PFA): The PFA is a key resource for fire safety and emergency response information. They provide community education programs, including fire safety workshops and evacuation drills. Learn more at www.poudre-fire.org.
Colorado State Forest Service: The Colorado State Forest Service offers resources for wildfire mitigation and recovery. They provide free consultations for homeowners looking to create defensible space and harden their homes against wildfires. Visit their website at csfs.colostate.edu for more information.
United Way of Larimer County: During and after a disaster, United Way of Larimer County coordinates volunteer efforts and provides financial assistance to those affected. They also maintain a disaster response fund to support long-term recovery efforts. Learn more about how you can get help or volunteer at uwaylc.org.
The Role of Community Cooperation
The strength of the community is vital in both preparing for and recovering from wildfires. By working together, Fort Collins residents can build resilience and ensure that everyone has the resources and support they need.
Neighborhood Networks: Establish or join a neighborhood network to stay connected with your neighbors. These networks can be used to share information, provide assistance during evacuations, and coordinate community clean-up efforts after a wildfire. The City of Fort Collins encourages residents to participate in the Neighborhood Connections program, which helps organize local support networks. Learn more at www.fcgov.com/neighborhoodservices.
Volunteer and Donate: Volunteering your time or donating supplies to local disaster relief efforts can make a big difference. The Poudre Fire Authority and Larimer County Office of Emergency Management often need volunteers for community outreach and recovery efforts. You can also donate to local organizations like United Way of Larimer County or the American Red Cross, which are actively involved in disaster response and recovery.
Community Clean-up Events: After a wildfire, community clean-up events help restore affected areas and build resilience against future fires. These events are often organized by local authorities or community groups and provide a great way to get involved in recovery efforts.
For more information on community programs and how to get involved, visit the Fort Collins Community Services Department at www.fcgov.com/communityservices.
