Firefighters in Colorado Springs are ready for wildfire season

The months ahead are the heart of the wildfire season.

Even though the outlook calls for an average or below average season, people still have to be fire aware.

It’s a prominent feature of life in the west: wildfire. And Colorado is not immune.

“Living in beautiful country like this, there’s always that chance for fire,” said Capt. Ed Breece of the Colorado Springs Fire Department.

The last two years our state has been lucky – especially compared with other parts of the West.

“Colorado did have a very light year when you look at it that way,” Breece said.

But large wildfires are always a possibility anywhere in the West, including in the wildland-urban interface in Colorado Springs.

This year, we’ve already seen some large fires. So does that mean an active season ahead?

“I know historically that those (early year fires) have happened, and we’ve had some other bigger fires later in the season. But not in every case,” Breece said.

In 2012 and 2013, devastating fires broke out in El Paso County during the warm season. Now people are on notice as soon as the temperatures rise.

“I think you pay more close attention, especially if we go long periods without rain,” Shira Lewis of Colorado Springs said.

Of course, firefighters don’t need any reminding. They train year-round for wildfire scenarios.

“We’re always training (for) wildland (fires),” said Capt. Breece.

And they have more equipment to throw at wildfires.

“Over the last 25 years, the city has increased the number of smaller, lighter brush trucks significantly,” said Capt, Breece.

So they can protect the city from experiencing fires like Waldo Canyon or Black Forest again.

The best way to prevent a wildfire is through mitigation.

All of the 22 fire stations in Colorado Springs have pamphlets with tips on how to reduce the risk around your home.