FLOOD02771

• County: Statewide
• Basin: Statewide
• Title: Rising from the Ashes a Panel Discussion on Post-Fire Management Solutions
• Date: 8/19/2002
• Prepared By: URS
• Floodplain - Doc Type: Educational/Technical/Reference Information

Colorado State Forest Service - Fire Coordination

Page 1 of I

e Fire Coordination

Wildfire protection within Colorado cannot be accomplished by
any single agency. Cooperation and coordination between all
agencies is the key to effective suppression. Between January and
May of each year, all wildland fire agencies (local, state, federal) in
each county review their annual operating plans. This plan outlines
how wildfire agencies work together each year. Following a
standard outline identified in the Colorado Interagency
Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement, approximately 15
elements of cooperation are identified and processes detailed.

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Utilizing a network of interagency dispatch centers, resources are moved throughout the Rocky
Mountain Area in support of agency needs. Local, county, and state resources participate in the total
mobility concept utilizing the dispatch centers to respond to local or national incident needs.

State and national fire situations, fuel moisture, and weather are monitored daily throughout the
summer fire season. This information is utilized to anticipate fire intensity, frequency, and impact on
resources should need develop within Colorado. Some web sites we monitor are:

e Area fire information from the Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center.

Maps displaying fuel moisture from Wildfire Assessment System.

Colorado wildfire weather information from the National Weather Service.

National Incident Management Situation Report helps us anticipate national resource demands on
local suppression resources.

Although there were short periods of constant activity, 1998 was
not an exceptionally high wildfire occurrence year in Colorado,
. when compared to the 1994 or 1996 seasons. Moisture brought
, into the state from the annual monsoon flow reduced fire activity
beginning in August. Fire statistics for state and private ownerships
in Colorado:

1998 Statistics II O-year Statistics

For further information on Colorado State Forest Service coordination efforts, contact

Bill Graepler or call 970-491-6303.

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CSFS Home I Last updated: Wednesday, March 17, 1999

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