The escalating threat of wildfire in Colorado has motivated action by public safety leaders.One of the strategies showing success is called a Surge response.
A forecast of wind, warm temperatures, and dry conditions cause a wildfire fire threat that brings extra staffing to many of Colorado’s local fire agencies. Colorado Springs Fire Departments calls it Severity Patrols.
Colorado Springs FD preparing for more devastating wildfires
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) Despite snow showers in May, the Colorado Springs Fire Department warns that precipitation levels are still dangerously low, meaning wildfires could be destructive again this year. We ve been in a long-standing drought, said Steve Wilch, Battalion Chief with the Colorado Springs Fire Department. Southeastern Colorado is seeing that, and we re seeing very dry fuels out there that are ready to burn. We re looking at another year like 2012 Waldo Canyon Fire.
Meanwhile, mitigation crews are still repairing damage from three of the most devastating wildfires in Colorado history, including the Cameron Peak Fire, the Pine Gulch Fire, and the East Troublesome Fire. That work will continue into summer, and for years longer if future wildfires go through those same areas.