City officials: "Preparation is a shared responsibility"
Jan 22, 2025
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Is Colorado Springs ready to face a major wildfire? Recent fires in southern California have generated questions such as how prepared the city is to face a similar situation and what officials are doing to keep the fire threat low.
Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) Chief Randy Royal, Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) Chief Adrian Vasquez, and Executive Director of the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management spoke about preparedness in a letter published by the City of Colorado Springs.
"No amount of water, number of planes or helicopters, or crews will totally stop a fire like this from happening. We must do our best to plan and prepare as a community, but we must also face the reality of what is possible, given our location in the Rocky Mountains," the letter stated. "Knowing that, our primary focus is saving lives. Rebuilding homes and losing possessions is devastating. But it does not compare to the loss of a family member, friend or neighbor. If you receive an evacuation order, please evacuate immediately."
The letter said that although public agencies prepare to protect the region, they cannot do it alone. "We need your help to ensure when a wildfire happens our community is prepared together."
In the letter, the officials advised the community to:
Sign up for emergency alerts at peakalerts.org.
Peak Alerts sends timely, accurate information.
Make a plan for you and your family.
Assemble an emergency supply kit and have a go-bag ready.
Practice wildfire mitigation tactics.
It won't guarantee your home survives a wildfire, but it lessens the risk.
In addition to these tips, the letter states the City holds regular town halls to share with residents the best way to protect themselves. There are also annual evacuation drills that focus on El Paso and Teller Counties.
"We must work together to ensure life safety when wildfire comes to bear in our region. Preparation is a shared responsibility," the letter said, "Together, we can make our region as resilient as possible against the risk of wildfire."