I’ve been watching the devastation caused by the wildfires in California. My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to the communities, the residents, and those who have lost loved ones and everything they own. It is a horrible tragedy to witness.
As Durango Fire & Rescue Fire Chief, it is my duty to answer some questions from our community regarding the likelihood of a similar disaster occurring here. The question I hear is, “Could this happen here?” The answer is “Yes!”
The most important issue is wildfire mitigation. Every property owner, public, private or federal, bears a responsibility to take wildfire mitigation seriously and reduce the amount of fuel in and near populated areas. Fortunately, this is occurring locally.
In 2020 the city, county, and DFR formed the Wildfire Watershed Protection Fund which has completed mitigation in several subdivisions, on city open space, and county lands totaling hundreds of acres. We are committed to continuing this process.
Collaborations with the city, county, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, state, HOAs and adjoining fire districts make this possible. Unfortunately, this is not enough; we must increase the speed and scale of mitigation to meet ongoing threats.
Wildfires can be devastating, so are the long-term effects. We’ll never escape the risk of destructive wildfires. If a wildfire occurs near a mitigated area, it has a greater likelihood of remaining small and allows us a better chance to extinguish it.
After significant wildfires, homeowners, politicians and HOAs begin talking about mitigation and ask how to undertake projects to avoid the next large wildfire. Within six months the urgency, fears and commitments fade.
When the next wildfire starts, it will be too late.
Mitigation must happen now. Reducing fuels and vegetation near homes, between homes and in the Wildland Urban Interface is critical.
I will address several themes from the California fires as they require community action to resolve current issues.
Staff. We don’t have enough firefighters. All local fire districts struggle with staffing. Volunteerism is down nationwide, which increases pressure to hire additional firefighters.
Revenue streams. Funding has been continually cut by state measures intended to “cut taxes.” This is well-intentioned and popular at the ballot box but continues to decrease funding to fire districts. Despite increases in property taxes, revenue reductions by the state Legislature have provided fire districts with less money than four years ago. County fire districts are operating with well over $2 million less than a few years ago. DFR is working with state government, legislative representatives, the county and city to find solutions that address decreasing revenues. Maintaining an effective and adequate fire district isn’t sustainable with decreasing revenue and increasing wildfire risks.
Increased costs. Costs are skyrocketing. Fire engines cost around $1 million, ladder trucks are double that, individual firefighter personal protective gear costs more than $20,000. Training, insurance, supplies and station costs are rising, as well. Maintaining a well-trained and safely equipped firefighting force is not cheap, but our funding must match the expectations our community has for us.
Water systems. Fire districts don’t own and/or operate water systems. We work with more than 25 water purveyors that are responsible to maintain and test hydrants systems to ensure they are operational. The reality is we could run out of water during a large wildfire; some areas can barely handle a normal structure fire. Disruptions to power often render water infrastructure and pumps inoperable during times of critical need.
What can you do?
Support wildfire mitigation. This includes mitigation on USFS, BLM, your subdivision and your neighborhood. Participate in community wildfire mitigation events.
Mitigate your property. The best solution is to reduce the accumulation of fuels to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires. Contact DFR or your local fire district to learn about defensible space and what low-cost options are available to you. We can inspect your home and provide guidance at no cost. Visit https://www.durangofire.org/wildfire-risk-mitigation-and-preparedness to learn about what to do in the event of a wildfire.
Fund your fire district equal to the level of service you expect. This allows us to hire firefighters, build needed stations, buy needed equipment and pay our staff a competitive wage to keep them in Durango.
Sign up to volunteer with your local fire department. Three of the four fire districts in La Plata County have a volunteer program. We need your help.
La Plata County is a beautiful place to live and recreate. We’ve been lucky, recent wildfires in our community were early in the season when firefighting resources were plentiful. Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control and the San Juan National Forest are invaluable partners that help promote the common goal of fire safety. The four fire districts in La Plata County meet monthly, train together and work to provide exceptional service. Despite this, threats remain.
A successful solution lies in the hands of our community. We need your help and funding. We need you to protect your property and understand your actions affect those around you. Together, we must find a solution that addresses the significant wildfire threat facing our community.
Randy Black is fire chief of Durango Fire & Rescue. Visit durangofire.org for more information.
