Date: 08/22/2012
Final
Lesson from the Four Mile Canyon Fire
WILDFIRE COMMISSION
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09:03 AM -- Call to Order
The meeting was called to order. A quorum was present. Commissioner Roberts, chair, explained the charge of the commission, and discussed the commission's activities, covering the agenda for the day.
09:06 AM -- Lesson from the Four Mile Canyon Fire
Sheriff Joe Pelle, Mr. Jay Stalnacker, County Fire Management Officer, and Mr. Mike Chard, Emergency Manager, all of Boulder County, presented the lessons from the Four Mile Canyon fire, which occurred in Boulder County in 2010. Mr. Stalnacker provided some background on actions undertaken in Boulder County to improve forest health and mitigate wildfires, including using prescribed fires. Sheriff Pelle and Mr. Chard briefed the commission on the coordination of fire departments and evacuation orders during forest fire events. Sheriff Pelle discussed the impact of the Four Mile Canyon fire, and the actions undertaken by his department to evacuate residents during wildfires in Boulder County.
09:16 AM
Sheriff Pelle continued to brief the commission, explaining how a wildfire evacuation is put into effect and issues associated with reverse 911 notifications. Mr. Chard provided additional input about notifying residents during wildfire evacuations, and the tools used for notifications. Sheriff Pelle discussed coordination among different agencies and levels of government during wildfire emergencies, and the different roles undertaken by different agencies during these events.
09:27 AM
Mr. Chard discussed the impacts of wildfires and the importance of ensuring the ongoing effectiveness of emergency systems and functions. Sheriff Pelle discussed the need for local agencies to maintain control during emergency events state and federal assistance is available. Mr. Stalnacker responded to questions regarding the use of prescribed burns as a forest management tool, and issues associated with removing forest fuels from residential areas.
09:38 AM
Mr. Stalnacker responded to questions regarding the practice of masticating fuel that are burned during prescribed burns, and how this practice is viewed in Boulder County. Mr. Chard and Sheriff Pelle responded to questions regarding the success rate in using reverse 911 for notifications during emergencies, the volume of messages sent out during emergencies, and agency coordination while using reverse 911. Sheriff Pelle responded to further questions regarding difficulties associated with managing agency coordination during emergencies. Discussion ensued regarding the management of emergency notification services.
09:50 AM
Discussion ensued regarding resources available to affected communities in the aftermath of wildfires, steps that may be taken by local governments to initiate recovery after such events, and mental health assistance for affected residents. Mr. Stalnacker and Sheriff Pelle responded to questions regarding the impact of defensible space efforts undertaken by homeowners prior to the Four Mile Canyon Fire, and steps homeowners may take to help protect property.
10:01 AM
Discussion ensued regarding the use of Colorado State Forest Service services by Boulder County for prescribed burns, and funding for wildfire training programs concentrating on fighting wildfire in the wildland-urban interface (WUI).