Date: 08/13/2012
Final
Fire Behavior and the Lower North Fork Fire
WILDFIRE COMMISSION
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11:04 AM -- Fire Behavior and the Lower North Fork Fire
Mr. Rocco Snart, Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Wildland Fire Management, introduced himself to the committee. He described his work on the Lower North Fork Fire specifically, noting that he previously worked as a Fire Management Officer for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. He explained that he was assigned as a safety officer for the prescribed fire and an agency representative as the fire grew. He described the long- and short-term weather impacts on the fire, explaining that weather drives fire fuels as well. He continued to discuss the impact of weather conditions on fire fuels and the susceptibility of wildfire.
11:16 AM
Mr. Snart emphasized wind conditions, the slope on which the fire burned, and the condition of fuels in the area. Senator Nicholson and Mr. Snart discussed the masticated fuels and resulting fire behavior. Representative Gerou clarified that Mr. Snart would be available for the afternoon and evening portions of the commission meeting. They discussed tree ages and sizes, and their ability to respond to drought conditions. At Representative Gerou's request, Mr. Snart explained the decisions involving wind speed and controlled burns, noting the limitations of weather forecasting.
11:30 AM
Representative Levy and Mr. Snart discussed defensible space and the ability of intense fires to override mitigation efforts. Mr. Snart explained the limitations of existing research on fire behavior. Discussion continued regarding the effectiveness of defensible space and other mitigation techniques. Senator Roberts and Mr. Snart discussed resource challenges and the best use of available funding. Mr. Snart explained the importance of prioritizing projects and the use of community wildfire protection plans. He added that at the county level, he would have had use for more staff.
11:41 AM
Representative Gerou and Mr. Snart discussed the community wildfire protection plans in place for the North Fork and Inter-Canyon Fire Districts, which cover the area of the Lower North Fork Fire.
11:43 AM
The committee recessed.