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| June 17, 2002 |
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As thousands of Colorado residents evacuated their homes last week in the wake of a string of vicious wildfires, federal officials are warning everyone in fire-prone areas to be prepared for what could be a fiery summer in many regions throughout the country. "Dry fuels, strong winds and low relative humidity across portions of the Southwest, West Texas, the Rockies and southern California are expected to enhance the wildfire hazard there," FEMA states as its short-term forecast. Evacuations continued late last week as the largest wildfire in Colorado's history hovered outside Denver. The wind-whipped 87,000-acre blaze was expanding to the northeast late Tuesday, coming within 35 miles of the city. Considered an "extreme" fire, comparable to the infamous Yellowstone fire, the inferno has charred 136 square miles, forced 6,000 to evacuate and destroyed more than 500 structures, including 21 homes. And last week it was still threatening 2,500 others. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency says that as an increasing number of people make their homes in woodland settings, it is imperative they know how to protect themselves and their houses against wildfires. FEMA classifies danger zones as all wooded, brush, and grassy areas - especially those in Kansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, the Carolinas, Tennessee, California, Massachusetts, and the national forests of the western United States, such as one of the Colorado blazes that began June 8 in the Pike National Forest, destroying 22 homes. Like regions across the country, Colorado is experiencing severe drought conditions this year, resulting in extremely dry trees and brush - fuel for wind-whipped blazes. FEMA offers the following basic safety tips for those who live in areas prone to wildfires: Landscaping your home with fire safety in mind is also important. Select materials and plants that help contain a fire rather than fuel it. It's important to create a 30-50 foot safety zone around your home and take measures to reduce your exposure to flames and radiant heat. In addition, be sure to: In addition, you'll want to plan your water needs. Begin by identifying and maintaining an adequate outside water source. Then, be sure you have a garden hose that is long enough to reach any area of the home. Install freeze-proof exterior water outlets on at least two sides of your home. Install additional outlets at least 50 feet from your home. If a wildfire threatens the area, listen to a battery-operated radio for reports and evacuation information. Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape. Shut the doors and roll up the windows. Leave the key in the ignition. Close the garage doors and windows, but be sure to leave them unlocked. Disconnect your automatic garage door opener. If you have pets, confine them to one room. Make plans to care for them if you're forced to evacuate. Make plans to stay outside the threatened area. If you're ordered to evacuate, wear protective clothing, take a disaster supplies kit, lock your home, tell someone when you left and where you're going, and choose a route away from fire hazards. Finally, if you're sure you have time before you evacuate, FEMA recommends you: For more information, visit http://www.fema.gov/library/wfie.pdf |
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