Colorado Springs looks to the community for help mitigating wildfires
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - With wildfire season now yearlong, the Colorado Springs Fire Department is finding new ways to mitigate the problem and prevent tragedy.
“It’s important to do this type of work because it protects our infrastructure and livelihood, it helps us mitigate risk within our communities, and ultimately can help save lives," said Cory Ashby, Program Coordinator for the Colorado Springs Fire Department Wildfire Mitigation Section.
Starting Thursday, the Fire Department's Mitigation Section and City Parks and Forestry staff are teaming up with community volunteers to complete fire mitigation work at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site.
While the professionals will be working alone Thursday and Friday, their efforts will conclude with a community volunteer day from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 30.
“It just shows how much people care about Rock Ledge Ranch and Garden of the Gods Park," said John Stark, Garden of the Gods Manager. "This is just a crown jewel of our parks system, and it just takes everyone to help protect these resources.”
Those interested in helping out will be tasked with limbing, thinning, chipping dead and fallen woody debris, and removing dead and diseased Gambel oak, junipers, and chokecherry trees.
Volunteers are asked to wear sunglasses or eye protection, pants, long-sleeved shirts, and closed-toed shoes. You're also encouraged to dress in layers for the weather. Though gloves will be required, none will be provided, so volunteers must bring their own.
Anyone interested is asked to register by clicking the link here. Organizers say to park at the main lot at 3105 Gateway Road, and meet at the west side of the barn.
The number of volunteers for Saturday's event is capped at 25. However, there's always more opportunities to help the Parks Department at coloradosprings.gov.
