Wildfire Fears Spark In Woodland Park

A Woodland Park resident fears her home could be at risk if a wildfire sparks nearby.

“I’ve got goosebumps already, it just kind of hits the heart,” said Kathleen Lundman.

Lundman was on the possible evacuation list during the Hayman Fire in 2002. She said the recent Lower North Fork Fire has reminded her to take the necessary precautions but said her home owners association is not doing their part.

While she has called a contractor to clean out leaves and debris in and around her porch, her H.O.A. is ignoring the pine needles and leaves in the common grass areas.

“We’ve had a hard time getting this done,” she said.

Lundman said she has written several complaint letters.

KRDO has contacted her homeowners association who said they are working to hire a contractor to take care of the clean up. But they have to go through board approval.

Davide Prutsman with the North East Teller County Fire District said she is not the only one worried about fire prevention and urges all homeowners to do their part.

Prutsman said they’ve received complaints from homeowners about neighbors neglecting their lawns.

He recommends homeowners clear an area at least 30 feet from their home, keep grasses short and trim trees.

Prutsman said leaves and pine needles are most dangerous if left on your roof or in your gutters.