Fire mitigation interest spikes

Experts can be just as shocked by the destruction caused by the Waldo Canyon Fire as the average person.

“Just think of all that scrub oak that used to be along Highway 24,” remarked one U.S. Forest Service worker at Wednesday night’s Ute Valley fire mitigation meeting in Woodland Park. “Now, it’s all gone.”

The meeting drew a big crowd. It covered a lot of ground, including what types of fuels burn the fastest. Those highly volatile fuels include scrub oak, conifers and junipers. Aspens aren’t as big a concern.

Experts said homeowners in the urban wildland interface should clear landscape at least 30 feet from their home. If you want to keep a tree closer to your home than the guidelines, clear 30 feet from that tree.

“There is still a lot they can do that is not terribly expensive that they can reduce their risk at home and for their neighborhood,” said Marti Campbell, a forester for the Coalition for the Upper South Platte.

Campbell said she realizes fire mitigation can be a lot of work, but it also pays off. In the middle of a wildfire, decks and roofs often catch fire because of flying embers, and that’s what usually accounts for most destroyed homes. Upgrading to newer shingles and not storing flammable materials under a deck can help save a home.

“It’s too late when there is smoke in the air. You should be looking at evacuation,” said Campbell. “You should not be trying to protect your home at that point.”

Another question centered on the recent rains. Experts said the rain over past few weeks could help short-term but won’t make a dent on long-term drought issues in the area. They add that this region could see an above-average fire season next year, as well, based on current conditions.