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Preface Once again in 1994, Colorado suffered another severe wildfire season. It was among the worst in recorded history. Numerous fires burned large areas of watershed and other valuable natural resources, destroyed homes and threatened scores more. Colorado's fire suppression forces were overwhelmed and reinforcements had to be brought from outside of Colorado. Worst of all were the tragic deaths of fourteen firefighters battling the South Canyon Fire near Glenwood Springs. Their deaths illustrate the threats wildfires pose and emphasize the need to mitigate those threats. The 1994 situation also helped re,focus attention on the serious problem of homes and developments in forests and brush lands. Fire officials must build upon this increased awareness and help citizens and elected officials take positive, corrective actions. 1994 again spotlighted the "who pays" question described in Chapter Two. The answer remains unclear in Colorado and nationwide. The core problems are obvious. Too often, people who use or live in forest, range, and brush lands are unaware of the wildfire threats they face, orthe risks their careless actions pose to others and surrounding natural resources. Of those who are aware, too many apparently believe "it won't happen to me." The paradox of protecting lands from wildfires has allowed vegetation (fuel) to accumulate, increasing the intensity of wildfires that do start. Last, the under, management of Colorado's wildlands has also contributed to additional vegetation and natural fuels, Statements from forestry and fire officials in Colorado are shown in the left margins of this report. They express the dangers and their concerns about wildfires, and underscore the need for action. This 1995 edition updates the Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Plan of July 1990 and its Addendum No. I of February 1991 for the State of Colorado. It constitutes the Wildland/Urban Fire Annex to the Colorado Multi,Hazards Mitigation Plan. This plan identifies problems and presents recommendations for mitigating those wildfire problems near improvements. Implementation of the recommendations will be critical to Colorado's long,term economy and quality of life, and its reputation as a safe place to visit and to live. But this plan is only a blueprint. Public education, new legislation and regulations, and funding are all needed to mitigate the threats. Most importantly, all affected agencies, organizations, businesses and citizens must accept their responsibility and take wildfire mitigation action. The Fire Survey Teams who helped update this plan reaffirmed that all existing Issues in the 1990 Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Plan are valid. Therefore, all previous Issues as well as new Issues have been combined into this updated plan. Recommended actions in this plan are even more important with the prospects of additional building and development across the state and the dry seasons that will repeatedly occur. The original preparation and update of this document involved participatory efforts from all levels of governments throughout the state. Once again, Colorado is indebted for the concerned efforts of many people, especially those listed in the Credits. This plan could not have been completed without their concern, patience and assistance. Ronald J. Zeleny Division Supervisor, Fire Colorado State Forest Service . ;