Wildfires: Advocacy and Preparedness

On Tuesday, July 31, the Quary Fire was first discovered in Jefferson County. The response and efforts by multiple agencies were not only impressive but a testament to teamwork and collaboration. I want to extend a personal thank you to all the fire fighters, law enforcement personnel, both our communications and fairgrounds employees as well as all the volunteers for their long hours and dedication to keeping our community safe and informed.

As a nation, we have a wildfire crisis on our hands. It is no secret that we no longer have a "fire season." Climate change is driving the devastating intersection of extreme heat, drought, and wildland fire danger across the United States, creating wildfires that move with a speed and intensity previously unseen. This has created conditions in which wildfires overwhelm response capabilities, resulting in billions of dollars in economic losses, damage to natural resources and devastation to communities.

Commissions have been formed at the federal, state and local levels to improve mitigation, suppression and management of wildland fires and the rehabilitation of land devastated by wildland fires. Here in Colorado, we have the Colorado Fire Commission whose purpose is to "enhance public safety in Colorado through an integrated statewide process focused on the fire service's capacity to conduct fire management and use, preparedness, prevention, and response activities to safeguard lives, property, and natural resources, and increase the resiliency of local and regional communities." We also have an interim Wildfire Matters Review Committee who studies wildfire prevention and mitigation. Together, along with our Jefferson County Wildfire Commission, I'm proud to say we have leaders, who are working in the arena to advocate for you.

However, those committees and leaders can only do so much so that is why we need your help. Educate yourself, friends and family members on the necessary steps in preparing for a wildfire. Do you know what the recommended defensible space is around your house? Do you have at least two planned evacuation routes and have practiced them? What is in your "go bag?" There are so many resources available to assist you with these questions and many more - - Be your own hero and sign up for Lookout Alert, prepare your homes, make a plan and assess your wildfire hazard readiness. Although none of these things will eliminate a wildfire, but taking these steps will go a long way in protecting you and your loved ones.

Andy
Commissioner Kerr can be reached at [email protected] or (303) 271-8503.

To learn more about the Jefferson County Commissioners, visit our website. The Board of County Commissioners' public hearings are held on most Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. and we invite you to join us for public comment. Click here for details.