As the rainy season approaches, we want to remind area residents to begin preparing now for post-fire flooding in the Decker Fire burn area. Areas below the Decker Fire burn scar face risks to safety, homes, roads, trails, and water supplies from post-fire flash flooding. While projects are underway to assist landowners and others with recovery, there is significant work you can do now - before the rainy season is upon us. 
 
Education and preparedness are the first line of defense.
Hillsides stripped by the fire of trees and other vegetation are unable to absorb rainfall which creates what we call a “bulking factor”. The bulking factor takes into consideration increased runoff due to reduced vegetation and the collection of debris (burned trees, soils, etc.). The bulking factor in post-fire conditions results in dangerous flash flooding even in drainages or draws that have historically been dry. Burned and unstable soils break apart easily even with modest amounts of precipitation and burned trees and debris can be swept down during a flash flood and cause severe injuries and threats to life and property. Educating and preparing yourself will go a long way to creating a safe and secure environment on your property.

• Be safe. 

Safety is of the utmost importance when post-fire flooding occurs which can be during the first rain events of the monsoon season and remain a threat for many years to come. During a rain event in the burn scar area, get to high ground immediately. Do not use trails during this time as they can quickly become a route for fast-moving water from a flash flood. If you have not already, sign up for Chaffee County’s EverBridge alert system. 

• Be smart - remove homemade dams, berms, and bridges.

Conditions can and do create dangerous water flows in dry gullies that have never seen water before. In these areas, homemade dams, berms, and bridges can create debris jams and unintentionally divert floodwaters toward your home, or your neighbors. Please remove any homemade dams, berms, and bridges to protect yourself and your neighbors. 

• Be Prepared – its not too late to get FEMA flood insurance. 

It is highly recommended that all property owners who are located below the Decker Fire burn scar consider getting FEMA flood insurance. Additional information on FEMA flood insurance can be found on our Resources page.

• Clean and remove debris and garbage from your property.

Keep draws, drainages, and low-lying areas free from debris of any kind. Remove and dispose of down branches and trees and any trimmings from yard care. Get rid of trash, scrap metal, old vehicles, tires, and anything else that could get swept downstream. Contact the Chaffee County Landfill for more information on disposing of debris. 

By taking a few basic but vital steps you can prepare yourself for potential post-fire flooding. We ask you all to be safe, be prepared, and be informed. For more information, links, resources, and contacts to help you prepare for post-fire flooding please visit the Chaffee Recovers website.
 
REGISTER NOW FOR CHAFFEE COUNTY EMERGENCY ALERTS

PURCHASE FLOOD INSURANCE

REVIEW PREPAREDNESS & RECOVERY RESOURCES
 

The Community Recovery Fair on February 29 provided an opportunity for those impacted by the Decker Fire - and their concerned neighbors - to gather to learn more about fire preparedness and post-wildfire safety and preparedness. Learn more.

We would like to share some resources and helpful contacts as spring runoff is upon us and the monsoon season is approaching.

EWP is underway in Big Cottonwood. The work in this part of the drainage will help improve the resiliency of the drainage to improve its ability to contain and slow flows. It is not a fix-all, however, and we should all remain vigilant for ourselves and our neighbors. Please note that if you are driving along CR 40, please be aware of large equipment and trucks. Please check back here for updates.

Flood Insurance
Please note most flood insurance policies take 30 days to go into effect. Learn more at these sites, or call your insurance agent.

https://www.floodsmart.gov

https://www.fema.gov/flood-after-fire

Matt Buddie, FEMA Region VIII Floodplain Management/Community Resilience
303 235 4730
matthew.buddie@dhs.gov

Colorado Flood Threat Bulletin
A flood threat information resource from the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Providing an overview of daily flood risk in Colorado from May through September.

http://www.coloradofloodthreat.com

National Weather Service Information & Alerts
It is recommended we layer multiple alert services to be sure we don't miss an alert. In areas such as ours with limited cell coverage, a weather radio is essential.

Weather Alert Options
https://www.weather.gov/subscribe/

Greg Heavener, Warning Coordination Meterologist
719 948 9429
greg.heavener@noaa.gov

Western Fremont County Fire Protection District
The local FPD would like to remind us all to be vigilant with increased chance of flooding during the runoff and rainy season. Please be sure his office has your updated contact information and changes in residents.

John Walker, Chief
719 942 3333
719 942 3687
13607 CR 45 Coaldale

Fremont County Emergency Management
Alert Fremont/911 Emergency Notifications
Be sure your cell phones are registered for emergency alerts. Even if you've registered before, check to make sure your information is accurate and up to date.

https://www.fremontco.com/alert-fremont

Mykel Kroll, Emergency Manager
719 276 7422
mykel.kroll@fremontco.com

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Fremont-County-Emergency-Management-392929138145266/

Fremont County Building Department Flood Damage Prevention Permits

To protect the floodplain and neighbor safety, the County has regulations for working in floodplains. To learn more, please visit the Building Department website where you can find the codes, applications and other permitting information:
  
https://www.fremontco.com/building/building-department

Michael Cox, Building Official
719 276 7460

Local Recovery Effort Website Resources
We are adding more resources for education, safety and recovery techniques regularly to our website. Please check in often for new materials and as always, let us know how we can help. Visit our page here.

Next Steps
We are working to plan volunteer workdays and additional projects at key locations in all fire-impacted drainages this spring and early summer as well as fall planting and seeding. We've met one on one with many of you on your properties and plans are underway. We've been presenting our community's effort to organizations around the state and have more support coming on board. Recovery and restoration will be a long term process and we will all do what we can one step at a time. Thank you for staying engaged!
 
FLOOD PREPAREDNESS MESSAGE FROM LOCAL FIRE CHIEF

Please see this important reminder from John Walker, Western Fremont County Fire Protection District Chief. A significant runoff is already underway. As we all know, being prepared for the upcoming flood season is critical. Please share this information with your neighbors, especially those who may not receive electronic communications:

Your fire department will continue the process of using telephones and cell phones to warn residents of witnessed flood events. If you have any new contact number or new household members, please update them by calling 719-942-3687.

Only emergency vehicles will be allowed into threatened areas since we have experienced traffic congestion during previous events that has blocked access for responders whose mission is the protection of lives.

A long and continuous siren means that homes are facing imminent danger and everyone within earshot should evaluate their situation immediately and be prepared to move to higher ground.  

Remember that evacuation may be necessary at night and in a pouring rain.  If your home is in a low-lying area, have appropriate clothes and a flashlight next to your emergency exit door.

Finally, it's not over until it's over, and flood events in the past have had several surges of high water that can trap the unwary.

Please contact the Western Fremont County Fire Protection District at 719-942-3687 with questions.