Title
City Wildfire Preparedness Report - Christopher P. Riley, Fire Chief
Body
Summary: As a result of the previous two years of disastrous wildfires, the Fire Chief would like to brief City Council on the current wildfire situation for 2014 and provide a summary of the current preparation, mitigation and community awareness efforts. This report will also provide information on the potential fire outlook for the region and staff will be available to answer any questions City Council may have regarding this information.
Previous Council Action: N/A
Background: The City of Colorado Springs has been recognized as having the largest residential wildfire risk for a single jurisdiction in the State of Colorado. Nestled in the hillside, also termed the Wildland/Urban Interface, there are over 36,000 addresses, as well as hundreds of businesses and other critical assets. Colorado Springs has suffered greatly over the last two years due to the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest fires, as well as the related flood risk, but the City has worked non-stop to provide awareness, education, code modifications, mitigation work, operational preparedness and evacuation planning and training. The City is being recognized internationally as a model for not only mitigation and preparedness, but recovery and sustainability with regard to wildfire risk.
The CSFD's wildfire mitigation and response program has been in place for many years and the department continues to make innovative strides and exercise tremendous effort in preparing and working to manage this destructive threat.
Financial Implications: N/A
Board/Commission Recommendation: N/A
Stakeholder process: N/A
Alternative: N/A
Recommendation:
Recommended Action
N/A
Proposed Motion: N/A