August 4, 2023
Marshall Fire Recovery Newsletter – Aug. 4, 2023
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Wildfire Partners available for community advising
Wildfire Partners has subject matter experts available to help guide community groups and HOAs interested in integrating wildfire mitigation best practices into Marshall Fire rebuilds or in updating covenants and rules for future resiliency. Topics could include non-combustible fencing options, creating or adjusting landscaping to meet fire-wise standards, and how to work together to create community resiliency in neighborhoods characterized by small lots and minimal setbacks between homes. They are available to meet with community organizers and HOA boards as well as to serve on discussion panels, give presentations on subjects relating to wildfire risk reduction, and mingle or table at community events. Use the wildfire mitigation community event request form or contact Outreach Program Coordinator Abby Silver.
FEMA's mitigation assessment team creates guides for reducing fire risks
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) deployed its first ever wildfire Mitigation Assessment Team (MAT) to evaluate building performance during the Marshall Fire. The MAT was deployed to Louisville, Superior, and unincorporated areas in Boulder County to evaluate damaged homes and commercial structures. MAT members evaluated components and systems of primarily residential structures to determine the effectiveness of various building materials, design, and construction practices for wildfire resiliency. The MAT used the information gathered to evaluate how wildfire-urban interface building codes and standards, as well as design, construction, and defensible space practices can be improved to increase community wildfire resilience. The following resources have been created by the MAT:
Marshall Fire MAT: Mitigation Strategies to Address Multi-Hazard Events
Marshall Fire MAT: Best Practices for Wildfire-Resilient Subdivision Planning
Decreasing Risk of Structure-to-Structure Fire Spread in a Wildfire
Wildfire-Resilient Detailing, Joint Systems and Interfaces of Building Components
Homeowner’s Guide to Reducing Wildfire Risk Through Defensible Space
Homeowner’s Guide to Reducing Risk of Structure Ignition from Wildfire
Homeowner's Guide to Risk Reduction and Remediation of Residential Smoke Damage
Mitigation Assessment Team Report: Marshall Fire Building Performance, Observations, Recommendations, and Technical Guidance (FEMA P-2320)
Parks and open space mowing update
Boulder County Parks and Open Space provided the following mid-summer update on public fire/weeds/visual mowing requests:
By July 15, approximately 35 phone calls have come in from the public. We responded with mowing five times on open space and six times on roadsides. Only three calls specifically mentioned mowing for fire concerns, although as the grasses dry out we anticipate this increasing.
Our roadside mowing crew has mowed the 200 miles of county roads 1.5 times already this year.
Approximately 280 acres mowed on open space (this was slower than average due to rain).
We have mowed over 30 miles of trails.
We have deployed three tractors to address open space mowing requests.
Staff is working with at least one resident from Sagamore on fire concerns.
Members of the public that have concerns about fire and open space can call Joe Swanson with Boulder County Parks and Open Space, 303-678-6110.
Provide input via survey or community open house on the Community Wildfire Protection Plan
To identify and prioritize measures to protect life, property, and critical infrastructure in the wildland urban interface, the Boulder Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) Core Team is partnering with the City of Boulder and Mountain View Fire Protection District as a unified effort in updating all of their CWPPs and in hosting open houses with stakeholders from city, county, municipal, and state experts. These events are for residents and community leaders to learn and provide input into all the CWPPs. Learn more about the CWPP updates and how you can provide input.
Teens Inc. helps residents with wildfire risk reduction
As wildfire mitigation efforts gain momentum in Boulder County, Teens Inc. and Wildfire Partners once again united to assist community members in need.
With a collective dedication of over 100 hours this summer, these groups completed mitigation measures to homes of vulnerable residents free-of-charge. Having completed 8 of 10 projects so far, their mission is to support those facing challenges in managing this demanding work.
Read more about how teens helped with wildfire mitigation.
View the story about teens helping with wildfire mitigation on 9News.
Group EMDR sessions scheduled
Jewish Family Services offers 90-minute, virtual group Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) sessions from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Aug. 17, 24, and 31. These sessions are designed to help increase your sense of balance, calm and ability to manage disturbing thoughts, feelings, and memories. You will be asked to draw and/or write phrases while practicing bi-lateral tapping techniques to support your nervous system to process your experiences. Learn more about Group EMDR and register.
Upcoming Meetings
Disaster Strong Series: Disaster Preparedness BasicsTuesday, Aug. 8, 5:30-6:30 p.m.Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave.Registration required
Survivor to Survivor ForumTuesday, Aug. 22, 8 p.m.Online – registration required
Mechanics of Rebuilding Your DwellingWednesday, Aug. 23, 6 p.m.Online – registration required
Emergency Planning and Preparedness (for City of Boulder residents 60+ or residents under 60 with a disability)Thursday, Aug. 24, 10-11:30 a.m.Online – registration requiredBeing prepared for disasters can help alleviate nerves to get through times of disaster and bounce back more easily. Join Boulder Office of Disaster Management and Center for People With Disabilities to review disaster preparedness. During this 90-minute workshop participants will learn about Boulder County hazards, how to receive emergency alerts, how to assess risk, and how to create a disaster preparedness plan. To request additional accommodations, inquiries about accessibility, or to register over the phone please contact the front desk at 303-441-3148. The first 10 people to register for the program will receive a fully stocked emergency go-bag, available for pick-up from the West Age Well Center or delivered to their residence by OAS staff. This course is limited to City of Boulder residents 60+ or residents under 60 with a disability.
Information/Resources
Rebates, Discounts, and Incentives
Boulder County Rebuilding Better
Sign up for the EnergySmart Newsletter
The latest information and resources are located on the Boulder County Marshall Fire Recovery website or contact Katie Arrington, Assistant Recovery Manager for Boulder County, karrington@bouldercounty.org