Colorado communities are preparing for a heightened wildfire season with proactive evacuation drills. Residents in Evergreen and Clear Creek County recently participated in the first wildfire evacuation drill designed to build readiness as the state anticipates a surge in fires this year.

Colorado Braces for Intense Wildfire Season

State officials are estimating 1,000 to 2,000 more fires than usual this year. Communities like Evergreen and Clear Creek County are taking steps to ensure residents are prepared for the increased risk.

First Evacuation Drill Conducted

On Saturday, over a thousand residents from four neighborhoods – Beaver Brook, Echo Hills, Evergreen West, and Raven Ridge – took part in the area’s first wildfire evacuation drill. The exercise focused on building muscle memory and reducing panic, aiming to help residents react efficiently to wildfires, chemical leaks, or other emergencies.

Importance of Preparation Highlighted

Einar Jensen, spokesperson for Evergreen Fire Rescue, emphasized the importance of preparation, stating that abnormal winter conditions have heightened wildfire risks. He noted that only a few hot, windy, and dry days are needed for wildfire conditions to escalate, making readiness crucial.

Resident Concerns and Feedback

Residents who participated in the drill expressed gratitude for the opportunity to practice evacuation procedures. Colleen Skates, a Witter Gulch resident, highlighted the high fire danger in her area and the necessity of having a plan.

Her husband, Jeffrey Skates, raised concerns about limited exit routes in their neighborhood, noting that only one or two ways out could be dangerous during an emergency. Another participant echoed these concerns, stating that a blocked main road would leave no alternative escape.

Racquel Woods found the drill helpful in understanding the timing and logistics of evacuating, especially considering the limited routes. Ben Forbes, a Beaver Brook resident of 25 years, shared that the drill gave his family confidence in their ability to stay calm and organized during a real emergency.

Emergency Alert Registration Urged

Evergreen Fire Chief Mike Weege underscored the importance of signing up for emergency alerts, such as Lookout Alert, which was used during the drill to send pre-evacuation and evacuation warnings. Currently, only 20% of residents in the Evergreen Fire Protection District are registered for these alerts.

Jensen described this statistic as disheartening, urging everyone to take responsibility and register to stay informed during emergencies. The drill also allowed officials to evaluate its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement before expanding it to other neighborhoods.