The Boulder County Wildfire Hazard Identification and Mitigation System (WHIMS) combines wildfire hazard assessment, prevention, and suppression expertise, with fire and forest management knowledge using geographic information system (GIS), geographic data management and analysis techniques and technologies.
WHIMS is designed to:
- Collect site-specific fire hazard information
- Compile the information into a central database
- Display the information as various kinds of maps, tables, and other graphical outputs
- Get the information out to individuals to be used on the ground
WHIMS Goals and Responsibilities
The overall goal of the WHIMS program is to communicate information effectively to all interested parties and to ensure follows up with action programs. In order to accomplish this, community and interagency partnerships are a necessity. Key responsibilities to accomplish this include:
- Identify local wildfire hazards and assess the risks to communities
- Educate and motivate homeowners and private landowners and increase community involvement with wildfire awareness and preparation
- Assist land managers and planners in making appropriate decisions about land management and development in fire prone areas
- Assist local fire protection districts in pre-attack planning
- Assist local emergency management and disaster relief agencies in with disaster assessment and emergency response
WHIMS Manual and Maps
The WHIMS Manual documents the organizational, technical, and operational aspects of the WHIMS project. The manual is intended to aid communication between WHIMS project personnel, to insure smooth operation of the project despite personnel changes, and to share WHIMS with other communities and interested parties.