Date: 08/13/2012
Final
Conifer High School Public Hearing
WILDFIRE COMMISSION
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05:52 PM -- Conifer High School Public Hearing
The commission returned to order. Commissioner Roberts provided opening remarks about the day's activities, and explained her background. She then discussed the charge of the commission, and explained the procedures for the meeting. Mr. David Blake, Deputy Attorney General, briefed the public on the ongoing litigation and claims process pertaining to the Lower North Fork Wildfire. He explained the process by which the wildfire victims may file a notice of claim.
06:05 PM
Mr. Blake continued to brief the public about ongoing litigation pertaining to the Lower North Fork Wildfire. Mr. Blake responded to a question regarding the order of the litigation process, and explained the impact of House Bill 12-1361 on the litigation process. Discussion ensued regarding the length of time that may be involved in settling litigation associated with the Lower North Fork Wildfire, and the impact of state law on this time line.
06:15 PM
The commissioners introduced themselves and provided their backgrounds with respect to the Lower North Fork Wildfire.
06:24 PM
The commission heard a presentation about the Lower North Fork Wildfire, narrated by Mr. Tom Scanlan, a Conifer resident who lost property in the fire. The presentation materials are attached (Attachment E).
07:26 PM
The commission heard testimony from the following witnesses:
07:26 PM -- Mr. Jim Fildey discussed the weather conditions in the Conifer area, particularly the winds that the area experiences. He read some statements regarding efforts to extinguish the prescribed burn that led to the Lower North Fork Wildfire, and discussed his recollection of efforts to extinguish the fire.
07:32 PM -- Ms. Kim Olson and Mr. Doug Gulick testified about the wildfire. Ms. Olson discussed her experiences before and during the wildfire, including her efforts to access information about the prescribed burn and the resulting wildfire. She expressed her disappointment in the lack of information provided to the residents of her community, and explained how the events of the wildfire differed from previous instances of fire in the area. Ms. Olson then discussed the evacuation, and the impact of the wildfire on her property.
07:42 PM
Ms. Olson discussed the emotional toll the wildfire has taken on her family. Mr. Gulick discussed efforts undertaken by community members to access information about the wildfire as it was occurring, and described his experience as his family evacuated their residence. Ms. Olson discussed the need for proactive measures to prevent tragedy.
07:47 PM -- Ms. Marsha Petry discussed the fact that prescribed burns were a topic of discussion in Conifer in March 2012, considering the conditions in the area at the time. Ms. Petry discussed the notification signs placed near areas to be the subject of prescribed burns.
07:50 PM -- Mr. Harlen Helker discussed the risk involved with conducting a prescribed burn in the area where it was conducted, and voiced opposition to conducting such burns.
07:52 PM -- Ms. Sharon Scanlan discussed the experiences of her family since the Lower North Fork Wildfire burned their home, including efforts to file claims for lost property, the emotional toll of the event, and efforts to recover from the event. Discussion ensued regarding future intentions in the area of property reclamation by the Denver Water Board.
08:00 PM -- Mr. Sam Lucas discussed the loss of his parents’ lives and property in the Lower North Fork Wildfire, and his resulting experiences. Mr. Lucas discussed the questions he hoped to have answered as the commission’s process moves forward.
08:05 PM -- Mr. Scott Appel posed several questions about the prescribed burn that led to the Lower North Fork Wildfire.
08:11 PM -- Ms. MaryAnn Ellis discussed the points of failure during the prescribed burn that led to the wildfire, and her experiences since the wildfire.
08:16 PM -- Dr. Robert Suding discussed his experiences with wildfires in the Conifer area, efforts that could have been undertaken to reduce the impacts of the Lower North Fork Wildfire, and technology that could assist future wildfire fighting efforts. Dr. Suding discussed the need to reduce fuel in forested residential areas, and certain factors that contribute to wildfires.
08:24 PM -- Ms. Susan Sorenson discussed the loss of her sister-in-law due to the Lower North Fork Wildfire, and posed several questions about the handling of the prescribed burn and the wildfire. Ms. Sorenson discussed the ongoing litigation associated with the fire.
08:31 PM -- Mr. Andy Hoover discussed the negligent nature of the actions undertaken in association with the Lower North Fork Wildfire, and urged the commission to lead on the issue of restitution for the victims of the wildfire.
08:33 PM -- Ms. Beth Semptimphelter discussed her hope to have a discussion with representatives of the Colorado State Forest Service and Denver Water Board about the Lower North Fork Wildfire. She discussed the strength of her community and the risks with which it lives. Ms. Semptimphelter discussed the lack of notice provided to her community about the upcoming prescribed burn on the Denver Water Board property, and the activities that led to the wildfire. She discussed systems that need to be in place to avoid future wildfire tragedies.
08:43 PM -- Ms. Alison MacKenzie discussed the lack of communication by public entities in the event of emergencies, as well as other events including prescribed burns. Ms. MacKenzie urged the commission to seek financial resources to aid the wildfire victims.
08:47 PM -- Mr. Bruce Ellis provided his testimony about the Lower North Fork Wildfire Commission.
08:48 PM -- Mr. Jim Sorenson discussed the lack of changes made by public officials associated the Lower North Fork Wildfire, and the dangers associated with living in the Conifer area, relating a recent incidence of lightning strike on his property that ignited a fire. Mr. Sorenson discussed the ongoing litigation associated with the wildfire.
08:55 PM
Mr. Bo Pogue, Legislative Council Staff, provided information about how to contact the commission and its staff. Commissioner Roberts provided closing remarks about the wildfire and the commission’s ongoing efforts.
08:58 PM
The commission adjourned.