IMPORTANT FIRE AWARENESS INFORMATION

The SPOA Board in conjunction with local contractors has facilitated extensive fire mitigation efforts including the creation and burning of more than 500 burn piles, more than 20 acres of roadside clearance, and three community defensible space assessments. To continue these efforts the SPOA Board, working with Natural Resource Solutions Group, has determined to prioritize fuel reduction in several neighborhoods identified to have the greatest need. We are going to start by prioritizing fuel reduction in Sky Hitch III for 2019-2020. Members with property in Sky Hitch III will receive a letter with more information.

All members should consider it their responsibility to maintain the exterior of their lot, including the creation of defensible space, regardless of whether or not there is an existing residence on the property. Failure to do so will result in the enforcement of Article V. Section p. of the Covenants regarding Exterior Maintenance due to safety concerns and the presence of hazardous materials. The cost of such maintenance shall be added to and become a part of the assessment to which such lot is subject.  Your cooperation is necessary for the safety of all owners within SPOA as well as surrounding properties. The Board thanks you in advance for your participation in making your neighborhood more defensible in the event of a wildfire.

IMPORTANT FIRE AWARENESS INFORMATION

IMPORTANT FIRE AWARENESS INFORMATION

Attached are some fire resources to assist you in understanding the risks and mitigation needed to improve the chances of saving your home and the lives of those around you.

“Fire 2012-1 Protecting Your Home from Wildfire: Creating Wildfire-Defensible Zones

A Guide to Firewise Principles” and many other useful publications can be found on the

Colorado State Forest website at: www.csfs.colostate.edu/wildfire-mitigation

And lastly, take strides to begin or improve your evacuation planning; it is a key element in preparing to live with the inevitable wildfire. If you haven’t already done so, please take a moment to register with Routt County’s Emergency Alert Notification System. Go to www.co.routt.co.us and click on the “Notify Me” button on the left side of the page. You will have the option to receive notifications via text or e-mail. If you need to evacuate, your notification will come through this system or possibly by a Sheriff’s deputy knocking on your door. You may receive what’s known as a Pre-Evacuation Notice or it may be a full evacuation notice. Either way, you need to be prepared. Preparation actions include:

·         Having a “Go Bag” with 48-72 hours of key items you will need. (See attached list)

·         Practicing different ways to get in and out of your community.

·         Planning where you and your family will meet up, if separated.

·         Having a third party you will contact who can let out-of-town family know you are safe (phone lines are often tied up during emergency situations).

Living in a wooded area near public lands increases your wildfire risk but it doesn’t have to be a scary thing. Wildfire is actually easier to prepare for than some natural disasters. But it does take understanding your risk and undertaking some mitigation efforts to reduce that risk. Firefighters actually do a great job and put out about 98% of the wildfire starts every year. It’s those 2% that get away that make the news. Please look over the attached information