Date: 09/23/2013
Final
Briefing on the Black Forest Fire
WILDFIRE MATTERS REVIEW COMMITTEE
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11:22 AM -- Briefing on the Black Forest Fire
Chief Robert Harvey, Black Forest Fire Protection District, briefed the committee on the Black Forest Fire, which took place in El Paso County in June 2013. Chief Harvey discussed certain challenges facing his department when trying to address the fire, and provided some general information about the fire, detailing the opening stages of the fire and initial response.
11:32 AM
Chief Harvey continued to brief the committee on the scope of the Black Forest Fire and emergency and fire fighting response to the fire. He also discussed the impact of the fire. Chief Harvey responded to questions regarding the impact of the use of aerial resources to combat the Black Forest Fire, and his perspective on the use of aerial resources to combat wildland fires in general. Chief Harvey responded to further questions about the wind threshold for the use of aircraft in fighting wildland fires, and the effectiveness of aircraft during the Black Forest Fire.
11:47 AM
Chief Harvey responded to questions regarding the failure of reverse 911 at the Black Forest Fire, and notification efforts undertaken by emergency responders as a result. Discussion ensued regarding the radio systems used by Chief Harvey during wildland fire situations, and the need for robust communication systems for first responders.
11:57 AM
Chief Harvey responded to questions regarding the insufficiency of the water supply during engagement of the Black Forest Fire. Chief Harvey responded to questions regarding how property owners may be convinced to perform wildfire mitigation activities on their properties. Discussion returned to the lack of water during the Black Forest Fire, and the use of certain fire suppression materials to combat forest fires.
12:09 PM
Discussion ensued regarding insurance issues associated with wildfires and fire mitigation in the wildland-urban interface.
12:11 PM
The committee recessed.