After the last few years, we're pretty familiar with fire here in Northern Colorado. Wildfires may prompt evacuations, which can range from inconvenient to downright scary for folks in danger zones. We get a lot of questions about the types of evacuations, why they're activated, and what to do if you're in an evac zone...
⚠️ Who orders evacuations?
LCSO is responsible for wildfire-related evacuations in unincorporated Larimer County. Incident commanders make evac decisions based on multiple factors like fire behavior, wind and weather conditions, evacuation routes, structures at risk, and geography/terrain. We've worked with LETA to build pre-established polygons into the emergency alert system, making it easy to send notifications without delay. If one corner of the polygon is threatened, the entire area will be evacuated (which means if you're at the other corner, you may not see smoke or flames).
🏠 What's the difference between voluntary and mandatory evacuations?
Voluntary evacuations are advised for residents who might need extra time or help leaving, those with health conditions aggravated by smoke, and people with livestock or other animals that need to be moved. It's also a good time for everyone to pack a go-bag, gather valuables or sentimental items you want to bring, and prepare your home. If you leave a voluntary zone, you can return as long as the status doesn't change.
Mandatory evacuations mean it's time to leave immediately. Grab your people, pets, medications, and get out. Roads are closed to incoming traffic, so you won't be allowed to return (in limited circumstances when conditions allow, people with proof of residency have been permitted to go back for medicines or animals. That's not a guarantee, though, so don't make this part of your plan).
🔊How do people in evacuations get notified?
When an evacuation is ordered, an emergency alert is sent to all landlines in the area, plus devices that have been registered at nocoalert.org. In mandatory areas, teams of deputies also go door-to-door to notify residents and recommend that they leave. They flag where they've been, which helps them avoid missing any homes and prevents other teams from duplicating efforts. During the height of Alexander Mountain Fire evacs, we had upwards of 80 personnel on the ground making these urgent notifications.
⏳ When should I leave an evacuated area?
Minutes can make a difference in wildfires. We know it takes time for residents to drive out, so commanders consider this when ordering evacuations. Depending on the roadway, outgoing vehicles can slow down incoming first responders and fire apparatus. Following evac instructions will not only keep your family safe, it also prevents traffic jams and helps make firefighting efforts more efficient.
